When you feel overwhelmed and believe you may never overcome your pain, anger, and other difficult emotions, it’s time to learn about dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). Kristie Tse, MA, LMHC, NCC, and the therapists at Uncover Mental Health Counseling PLLC in Midtown Manhattan have helped many people overcome their most intense and pervasive emotions using DBT, a type of structured therapy that was created to improve the lives of people who have challenging mental health disorders. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call the New York City office or use the online booking feature today.
DBT is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy designed to help you learn the skills you need to regulate emotions and build positive relationships.
Throughout DBT therapy, you learn to recognize your emotions and respond to difficult or painful feelings without anger or negative emotions.
You also learn to communicate more effectively so you can decrease conflict in your life and maintain open healthy relationships.
DBT focuses on two broad goals: acceptance and making changes. Your therapist teaches you four key techniques to reach these goals:
You learn mindfulness techniques that allow you to exist in the present moment. This skill helps you spend less time dwelling on past pain or worrying about future challenges. As you become more mindful, you pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. Then you’re better prepared to choose your behaviors.
Distress tolerance refers to improving your ability to endure pain and other negative emotions rather than trying to ignore or escape from them. By acknowledging your emotions, you can move forward, make positive changes, and safely navigate through difficult circumstances.
This part of your therapy gives you skills and strategies for managing the intense and negative emotions that cause problems in your life and relationships. You learn ways to identify, understand, and cope with emotions, a skill set that’s essential for interpersonal effectiveness.
DBT teaches you techniques to communicate your feelings, thoughts, and needs clearly and confidently. You learn to be assertive and honest without letting anger and damaging emotions enter the conversation.
You maintain your self-respect and get your needs met while also nurturing and strengthening your relationships with others.
DBT was originally created to help people with borderline personality disorder. However, the techniques form a solid foundation that helps people who are facing many mental health disorders. Your therapist at Uncover Mental Health Counseling PLLC may recommend DBT for:
DBT is a practical approach that helps you learn to tolerate your challenges, replace destructive behavior patterns with positive, effective ones, and develop the skills you need to bring positive change into your life.
If you need help with self-acceptance, emotional control, and improving your life, DBT may give you the breakthrough you need. To learn more, call Uncover Mental Health Counseling PLLC or schedule an appointment online today.
