The scope of cognitive behavioral therapy has expanded in recent times, and dialectical behavior therapy is a part of it. Simply called DBT, dialectical behavior therapy is often recommended for patients dealing with borderline personality disorder and other mental issues, where someone is prone to self-destruction/self-harm. In case you are wondering what is DBT therapy and if it can be of some help for someone you know, here are some quick facts worth knowing.

Knowing the need for DBT therapy

In case of cognitive behavioral therapy, the focus is more about changing behavioral patterns and actions, so as to improve mental health. In some cases, it is also important to ensure that a person is aware of the flaws and focus on changing his ways, and that’s where DBT comes in. DBT is focused on changing behavior, but there are various sides to it. It encourages a patient to be mindful of his actions, thoughts, so that he can actually regulate emotions. It is also about increasing threshold for tolerating distress and having better relationships with others. As compared to cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT is more structured in nature.

What does DBT involve?

The process of dialectical behavior therapy is dependent on the needs of the patient, and it is usually recommended for adults over the age of 18 years. There are weekly therapy sessions on a one-to-one basis with the counselor, which helps in building on behavioral skills, and then there are also group classes, and if required, patients are also given additional consultation sessions.  With dialectical behavior therapy, the idea is to allow the patient to accept and understand their current emotions and feelings, and once they are focused on that, DBT further helps them on how they can work around negative thoughts. In dialectical behavior therapy, there is also exercises and other kinds of assignments, which allow patients to assess their growth.

Getting assistance

If you want to make the most of dialectical behavior therapy for someone you love, the first step is to find a DBT center, where you can take the patient for diagnosis. Mental health is a complicated subject, and chances are high that dialectical behavior therapy may not be the first obvious solution. Therapists may want to think of other alternatives in cognitive behavioral therapy and find a treatment plan that works the best for the concerned patient.

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