Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy that has been developed for people who experience strong emotions. Trauma and mental illness effect how you experience emotion; they can amplify your experience of emotion so that you feel more strongly, more distressed, angrier, and sadder than others in similar situations. DBT teaches you skills and strategies to help you regulate distressing emotion, so that the emotion doesn’t feel so overwhelming, and you don’t do anything to hurt yourself or someone else when you are upset. If you experience big emotions, DBT can help you find healing and build a full and meaningful life.
Unlock Your Resilience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
When life feels overwhelming, emotions run high, and relationships become strained, it can be hard to see a way forward. That’s where Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help. At The Story Isn't Over, we specialize in guiding individuals through DBT to help them develop the skills they need to build a life they feel is truly worth living.
What Is DBT?
DBT is a form of psychotherapy that combines aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with unique strategies to address intense emotions and relationship challenges. Developed originally to help those with Borderline Personality Disorder, DBT is now widely used to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use, and eating disorders.
The word "dialectical" means balancing opposites. In DBT, this balance is between acceptance—acknowledging your emotions and experiences as valid—and change—working to transform behaviors and patterns that no longer serve you. This dual approach equips you with practical tools for handling life’s toughest challenges.
The Four Core DBT Skills
DBT centers around four skill sets, each designed to empower you to manage emotions, navigate relationships, and handle crises effectively:
- Mindfulness
- Learn to stay present in the moment without judgment.
- Observe and understand your thoughts and emotions without letting them overwhelm you.
- Build a foundation for all other DBT skills.
- Distress Tolerance
- Develop coping strategies for crisis situations.
- Learn self-soothing techniques and radical acceptance to navigate moments of pain.
- Build resilience and confidence in facing life’s challenges.
- Emotion Regulation
- Understand and manage intense emotions.
- Reduce emotional reactivity and build positive emotional experiences.
- Gain control over your emotional responses instead of letting them control you.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness
- Strengthen your relationships while maintaining self-respect.
- Learn to communicate effectively, set boundaries, and resolve conflicts.
- Balance your needs with those of others in healthy, constructive ways.
How DBT Works
DBT is a structured therapy that includes skills training, individual sessions, and real-time coaching. At The Story Isn't Over, we offer a supportive environment to help you master these skills and apply them to your daily life.
- Skills Training Groups
In a group setting, you’ll learn and practice the four core skills through interactive lessons and exercises. Think of it as a class where you gain practical tools to replace unhelpful behaviors. - Individual Therapy
Work one-on-one with a therapist to personalize your DBT journey. Together, you’ll address specific challenges and learn how to integrate DBT skills into your unique circumstances. - In-the-Moment Coaching
Real-life stressors don’t wait for your next therapy session. With coaching, you can receive support during challenging moments, ensuring you use your DBT skills effectively in real time. - Ongoing Support
Through collaborative strategies and regular sessions, you’ll stay motivated and gain the confidence to handle life’s ups and downs independently.
Who Can Benefit from DBT?
DBT is for anyone who struggles with intense emotions, difficult relationships, or harmful behaviors. It’s especially effective for:
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Helps moderate emotions, improve relationships, and reduce self-harming behaviors.
- Anxiety and Depression: Reframes negative thought patterns and builds resilience.
- PTSD and Trauma: Offers grounding techniques to process traumatic events and reduce symptoms.
- Substance Use and Addiction: Provides healthier coping mechanisms and reduces cravings.
- Eating Disorders: Helps manage urges and build a healthier relationship with food.
- Self-Harm and Suicidal Behavior: Replaces harmful coping strategies with safe, effective skills.
- Anger Management: Identifies triggers and teaches tools to respond without aggression.
What Makes DBT Unique?
While CBT focuses primarily on changing thoughts and behaviors, DBT emphasizes acceptance and balance. This means acknowledging your emotions and circumstances while working toward meaningful change. It also includes a strong focus on social and emotional skills, making it especially beneficial for those navigating relationship challenges.
What to Expect at The Story Isn't Over
At The Story Isn't Over, we offer a compassionate and structured approach to DBT that’s tailored to your needs:
- Step-by-Step Learning
DBT is taught in small, manageable lessons that build on each other. You’ll start with mindfulness and gradually incorporate distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. - Real-Life Application
Through guided exercises, worksheets, and homework, you’ll practice DBT skills in real-world situations, empowering you to handle stress, build relationships, and achieve your goals. - Personalized Support
Our therapists understand that everyone’s journey is different. Whether you’re struggling with trauma, self-doubt, or relationship conflicts, we’ll adapt DBT to meet your specific challenges. - Empowerment for the Future
DBT isn’t just about short-term solutions—it’s about giving you lifelong tools to navigate life’s complexities with confidence and resilience.
Rewrite Your Life Story with DBT
Imagine living a life where your emotions don’t control you, your relationships are fulfilling, and you feel equipped to handle whatever comes your way. DBT can help you get there, and at The Story Isn't Over, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Your story isn’t over—it’s just beginning. Let us help you write the next chapter.
