辩证行为疗法（DBT）
Do you need a little extra support finding structure and balance in your therapy sessions? Would you like to further expand on your ability to clearly express your thoughts and feelings? At Hopewoods, we offer dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) to individuals residing in the Greater Toronto Area.
What is DBT?
Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) is a skills-based approach that builds on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It helps individuals develop practical tools to manage emotions, cope with distress, and improve communication and relationships.
DBT focuses on four modules of psychological and emotional function:
1. Mindfulness. This is delivered in a practical and effective way. Similar to mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and CBT, mindfulness in DBT is the foundation for the rest of the modules.
2. Interpersonal effectiveness. This module is all about showing individuals how to set healthy boundaries. With guidance and practice, they can build up confidence and interpersonal skills to better maintain healthy relationships.
3. Distress tolerance. This module is based on better approaching and managing difficult events in life and navigating crisis situations. Individuals learn how to manage difficult situations and avoid reacting in ways that escalate distress.
4. Emotion regulation. This teaches individuals how to better manage their emotions. The module also explores emotional vulnerability and the factors behind why we tend to act on emotional urges (even though we don’t want to).
Benefits of DBT
DBT can be especially helpful for individuals who want more structure in therapy while learning practical ways to manage emotions and cope with difficult moments. Once used primarily for borderline personality disorder (BPD), individuals who have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and anxiety can all benefit from DBT as well.
The benefits of including DBT in therapy sessions are as follows:
- Reduction in unhelpful behaviours
- Greater emotional regulation
- Self-acceptance and validation
- Improved interpersonal effectiveness
- Increased distress tolerance
- Healthier relationships
- Increased social confidence
- Improved quality of life
How It Works
Like cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy is evidence-based. What this means is that research has consistently shown that the skills learnt from DBT can be helpful for a wide range of emotional and psychological differences. The key difference is that DBT focuses more on emotional and social aspects, even though it does incorporate techniques found in CBT.
At Hopewoods, DBT-informed therapy is offered through one-on-one sessions, where your therapist can help you learn and practice DBT skills tailored to your goals. DBT may be used on its own or alongside approaches like CBT. You are welcome to discuss further options for your therapy sessions with our staff.
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Our team of experienced therapists is dedicated to providing you with a safe and supportive space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Book a 30-minute consultation with a psychometrist to match you with a suitable therapist.