Emotions are an essential part of our lives, and managing them effectively can be a significant challenge. At Georgia Family Therapy, we are committed to helping our clients navigate these emotional landscapes effectively. To this end, we proudly offer Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), an evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to help individuals manage their emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and improve relationships.
What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)?
DBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes the psychosocial aspects of treatment. It was originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder and those prone to engage in self-destructive behaviors. DBT combines standard cognitive-behavioral techniques for emotion regulation and reality-testing with concepts of mindfulness, distress tolerance, and acceptance derived from Buddhist meditative practice.
How does Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Work?
DBT operates on two seemingly opposite principles - acceptance and change. It involves individual therapy sessions and group skills training, where individuals learn skills related to mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation. The therapy helps clients acknowledge their feelings or situations (acceptance) while working on ways to change unhealthy behaviors or thoughts (change). Therapists work to build a trusting and supportive relationship with clients, promoting both self-acceptance and constructive change.
Who can Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Benefit?
While DBT was initially designed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, its scope has expanded over time. It's proven effective for a broad range of issues such as eating disorders, substance misuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. DBT can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with self-harm, suicidal ideation, emotional instability, interpersonal difficulties, and those having a hard time managing stress and negative emotions.
How can Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Help you Reach your Goals?
DBT aims to teach individuals practical strategies to cope with emotional instability, reduce conflict in relationships, manage distressing situations, and improve overall quality of life. With DBT, individuals can learn to regulate emotions, communicate effectively, and handle distress without losing control or acting destructively. At Georgia Family Therapy, our skilled therapists can guide you through DBT's transformative process, helping you build a more fulfilling, balanced, and joyful life.
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