Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy that is based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) but is specially adapted for people who feel emotions very intensely. It was developed in the 1970s by Marsha Linehan, an American psychologist, and is especially effective for people who have difficulty managing and regulating their emotions. DBT has proven to be effective for treating and managing a wide range of mental health conditions, including borderline personality disorder (BPD), self-harm, and suicidal behavior.

DBT aims to help individuals understand and accept their difficult feelings, learn skills to manage them, and become able to make positive changes in their lives. The therapy usually involves weekly one-to-one sessions with a DBT therapist, and each session lasts approximately 45-60 minutes. Individual DBT therapy sessions have the following goals: to help keep the individual safe by reducing suicidal and self-harming behaviors, if applicable; to limit behaviors that get in the way of productive therapy; to help the individual reach their goals and improve their quality of life by addressing what’s blocking their progress, such as mental health conditions or relationship issues; and to help the individual learn new skills to replace unhelpful behaviors.

DBT often involves telephone crisis coaching to support individuals in their daily lives. This means that individuals can call their therapist at certain times for support between sessions, such as when they need help with an immediate crisis or when they’re trying to use the DBT skills they learned but want some advice on how to do it.

DBT has four parts: individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching (if needed for crises between sessions), and consultation group for health care providers to stay motivated and discuss patient care. Although it was initially designed to treat people with suicidal behavior and borderline personality disorder, it has been adapted for other mental health problems that threaten a persons safety, relationships, work, and emotional well-being, such as depression, mood disorders, binge eating, ADHD, and posttraumatic stress disorder.