Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
The Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program at The Anxiety Center offers advanced clinical care to patients, promotes research in DBT, and educates healthcare professionals, students, and the public on the principles and practices of DBT.
Conditions We Treat
The Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program at The Anxiety Center, directed by Nathan Fite, PhD, brings together highly experienced psychologists, therapists, and interns specializing in DBT for the treatment of various psychiatric disorders. DBT has been shown to be a highly effective form of treatment for a broad range of psychiatric conditions. The Anxiety Center is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art treatment to patients in the DBT Program.
The DBT Program at The Anxiety Center offers clinical treatments and education for a variety of psychiatric disorders, including:
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Substance Use Disorders
- Bipolar Disorder
- Self-harm behaviors
- Suicidal ideation
Our Approach
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) at The Anxiety Center is a structured, evidence-based approach that addresses a variety of psychiatric disorders. This therapy is designed to help patients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. A critical aspect of DBT is case conceptualization, which involves developing a detailed understanding of the patient's problems and the factors contributing to them. This personalized framework guides the selection and application of specific dialectical and behavioral strategies to achieve the best outcomes.
Mindfulness Module
Mindfulness in DBT focuses on helping patients increase awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and present experiences. Key techniques include::
- Observe and Describe: Patients learn to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment and describe them objectively.
- Participate: Patients fully engage in their current activities, focusing on the present moment.
- Non-judgmental Stance: Patients practice accepting their experiences without evaluating them as good or bad.
Behavioral Interventions
Distress Tolerance in DBT teaches patients how to manage and survive crises without resorting to maladaptive behaviors. Important skills include:
- TIPP (Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing, Progressive Relaxation): Techniques to reduce extreme emotional distress quickly.
- Radical Acceptance: Patients learn to accept reality as it is, reducing suffering caused by resistance.
- Distraction: Patients use healthy distractions to temporarily shift focus away from distressing thoughts or situations.
Emotion Regulation Module
Emotion Regulation in DBT helps patients understand and manage their emotions more effectively. Crucial skills include:
- Opposite Action: Patients act opposite to their emotional urges when those urges are not helpful, such as engaging in social activities when feeling sad.
- Check the Facts: Patients examine whether their emotional responses are justified by the situation.
- Build Positive Experiences: Patients plan and engage in activities that bring positive emotions to increase overall emotional well-being.
Interpersonal Effectiveness Module
Interpersonal Effectiveness in DBT focuses on improving patients' relationships and communication skills. Key techniques include::
- DEAR MAN (Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear Confident, Negotiate): A strategy for effective communication and getting needs met.
- GIVE (Gentle, Interested, Validate, Easy Manner): Skills for maintaining relationships and showing respect.
- FAST (Fair, Apologies, Stick to Values, Truthful): Skills for maintaining self-respect and standing up for oneself
Additional Techniques
DBT at The Anxiety Center also incorporates::
- Behavioral Activation: Patients engage in activities that align with their values to increase positive emotions and motivation.
- Chain Analysis: Patients analyze problem behaviors and identify the triggers, vulnerabilities, and consequences to understand and change these behaviors.
- Crisis Survival Strategies: Patients develop plans to handle crises effectively, using skills to prevent escalation.
What to Expect at TAC
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) at The Anxiety Center is a highly structured, goal-oriented process that requires active participation from both the therapist and the patient. We emphasize that DBT is an active form of therapy—so much so that we tell our patients it’s not good therapy if you don’t break a sweat. Expect to be challenged and to be heard. Expect encouragement, but also expect to be provoked. Our goal is to instigate growth in each of our patients and maximize the benefits of treatment to help them achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.
The Collaborative Relationship
A successful DBT experience hinges on a collaborative relationship between the patient and therapist. This partnership involves:
- Understanding the Patient’s Issues: Both the therapist and the patient actively work to understand the patient’s specific problems and symptoms.
- Setting Goals: Together, they identify the objectives to be achieved through treatment.
- Working Towards Goals: The therapist and patient jointly develop strategies and interventions to reach these goals.
Assessment and Individualized Treatment Plan
Your DBT journey will begin with a detailed assessment of your problems and symptoms. Based on this assessment, your therapist will work with you to determine your treatment goals. This collaborative process leads to the development of a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Structured Sessions
Each DBT session is structured with a specific agenda, incorporating various techniques and concepts. This structured approach ensures that each session is focused and productive.
Motivation and Commitment
Significant improvement in DBT requires a high level of motivation and commitment from both the therapist and the patient. Key aspects include:
- Active Participation: Patients are expected to engage actively in sessions and in the therapeutic process.
- Feedback: Providing feedback—both positive and negative—during therapy sessions is crucial. This feedback helps the therapist adjust the pace, style, and content of future sessions to better meet your needs.
Diary Cards
Patients are given diary cards to complete outside of therapy sessions. These tasks are designed to reinforce the skills learned during sessions and to promote the application of these skills in real-life situations.
Expect to Work Hard
While DBT demands a great deal of work and energy, the potential outcomes are extraordinary. By fully engaging in the process, you can achieve significant improvements in your symptoms and overall quality of life. At The Anxiety Center, we are dedicated to instigating growth and maximizing the benefits of DBT to help our patients achieve their goals and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
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Same-week assessments often available · In-network with most major insurance · Medicaid accepted