Our Approaches to Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adults
How Does Adult Dialectical Behavior Therapy Work?
Adult DBT counseling is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on correcting faulty thoughts and beliefs to enhance one’s emotional state while DBT’s emphasis is on regulating emotions, being mindful of them, and learning how to accept and manage challenges.
DBT treatment goes beyond talk therapy by providing you with adult DBT skills you can use in your daily life to manage intense emotional impulses. It allows you to become self-aware of your urges and actions so that you can learn to reduce patterns of instability that may be causing you to struggle with life and relationships.
DBT therapy for adults involves individual and group therapy sessions, skills training, and phone coaching. Both individual and group sessions aim to bring forth acceptance of self; a necessary step to facilitating lasting change. During sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to identify harmful behavioral patterns so that we can work on replacing them with healthier ones. You’ll also learn to recognize your positive strengths and use them to change thoughts and behaviors that are not working for you.
During group sessions, you’ll collaborate with a team to work on exercises, assignments, and module lessons from previous meetings. You’ll be encouraged to fill out a weekly “Diary Card” where you’ll take notes of your daily emotions and behaviors that will help us identify patterns. This is going to allow us to help you develop practical skills for effectively dealing with the challenges you’re going through. You’ll also learn to set healthier boundaries for yourself that will help you to start feeling more in control of your life and relationships.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy For Adults (DBT)?
DBT was developed in Long Island in the 1980s by Dr. Marsha Linehan. This evidence-based treatment approach teaches clients to be mindful of their lives in the present moment so they can learn to cope with stress, improve relationships with others, and self-regulate harmful behaviors such as eating disorders or substance abuse.
DBT was initially intended for individuals with borderline personality disorder, but it’s also been successfully adapted for other conditions, including anxiety, depression, autism, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Participating in Adult DBT Can Help You Live Your Best Life
The specialists at Suffolk DBT with offices in Long Island and Manhattan can provide you with DBT programs for adults to manage painful emotions and harmful behaviors so that you can find healing and joy.
If you’re ready to improve your quality of life and relationships or learn new DBT skills for adults, we encourage you to set up a 15-minute intake appointment with our staff by calling 631-920-3941. During the call, we can assess your concerns to match you with the right therapist based on your needs.
