Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) at Somorpon Foundation
Depression, anxiety, anger, and emotional distress are common challenges that people face daily. Do you or someone close to you—be it a family member, friend, or roommate—experience intense emotions such as anger, jealousy, anxiety, fear, or rejection more frequently or deeply than others? If so, this behavior may be categorized as emotional dysregulation, a common characteristic of various mental health disorders, especially Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Among the different treatment approaches available, one of the most effective is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). DBT is instrumental in managing emotional dysregulation and improving overall mental well-being.
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
DBT is a form of talk therapy designed to help individuals unlearn self-criticism and self-destructive behaviors. It teaches individuals to replace negative thought patterns with positive coping mechanisms. Since its development in the 1970s by a prominent American psychologist, DBT has been an effective treatment for individuals struggling with emotional regulation and self-destructive behaviors.
How Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy Work?
DBT is structured around helping patients identify, describe, and regulate their emotions. It also enables them to manage interactions that trigger negative or distressing feelings. Patients are often required to maintain a diary card, which they update daily, documenting their emotions and behaviors. This helps both the therapist and the patient track progress and identify patterns in emotional responses.
Therapists use the diary card to tailor sessions according to the patient’s most pressing issues. The therapy process involves a behavioral analysis of problematic situations, underlying beliefs, and attitudes contributing to emotional dysregulation. Through this structured approach, patients learn effective coping strategies to navigate life’s challenges.
Conditions Treated with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
DBT is an effective treatment for several mental health conditions, including:
- Anxiety & Depression – Helps recognize and alter negative thought patterns while focusing on positive behavioral changes.
- Substance Abuse – Assists in reducing cravings, avoiding triggers, and managing stress in healthy ways.
- Self-Harm – Provides strategies to cope with self-harm urges and prevent such behaviors.
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – Reduces emotional intensity, impulsivity, and problematic interpersonal relationships.
- Eating Disorders – Supports individuals with bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating through distress tolerance and emotional management.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Helps process traumatic experiences and reduce PTSD symptoms.
- Anger Management – Teaches techniques to identify triggers and control emotional outbursts.
Integrating DBT into Our Therapeutic Approach
At Somorpon Foundation, we integrate DBT with other therapeutic approaches to provide comprehensive mental health treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Since DBT is an extension of CBT, incorporating classical CBT techniques enhances cognitive restructuring and improves emotional management skills.
Medication Management
For individuals requiring medication, Somorpon Foundation ensures a holistic treatment plan that combines DBT with pharmacological interventions for optimal results.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT complements DBT by helping individuals accept their emotions while focusing on meaningful behavioral changes.
Psychodynamic Therapy
DBT combined with psychodynamic therapy helps patients explore unconscious thought patterns and childhood experiences influencing their emotional regulation.
Interpersonal Therapy
By integrating interpersonal therapy, patients develop healthier relationships and improve their social support systems.
Trauma-Focused Therapies
For individuals with PTSD or a history of trauma, combining DBT with trauma-informed treatments like EMDR enhances recovery.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is beneficial for adolescents and individuals whose family environment impacts their emotional well-being. It fosters better communication and conflict resolution within families.
Art and Expressive Therapies
Creative therapies such as art therapy complement DBT by providing alternative outlets for emotional expression and self-discovery.
Strategies Used in Dialectical Behavior Therapy
DBT utilizes several core strategies to help individuals manage emotions and improve behavioral responses.
Core Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices enhance self-awareness and help individuals stay present in the moment.
- Observing thoughts and emotions without judgment.
- Practicing self-compassion and kindness.
- Engaging in relaxation techniques such as stretching and meditation.
Distress Tolerance
These techniques help individuals cope with emotional distress without resorting to harmful behaviors.
- Distraction: Redirecting focus away from negative thoughts.
- Radical Acceptance: Embracing change and letting go of uncontrollable circumstances.
- Self-Soothing: Engaging in calming activities using sensory experiences.
- Safe-Place Visualization: Imagining a peaceful and comforting environment.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
This skill set focuses on improving relationships and communication.
- Practicing empathy and understanding others’ perspectives.
- Communicating needs assertively while maintaining relationships.
- Actively listening and responding effectively in conversations.
Emotion Regulation
Emotion regulation techniques help individuals gain control over their feelings and reactions.
- Identifying and acknowledging emotions.
- Recognizing self-destructive behaviors and replacing them with positive actions.
- Cultivating positive emotional experiences.
Stages of DBT
DBT progresses through four structured stages, each addressing specific challenges and goals.
- Foundational DBT Skills – Learning essential emotional regulation and interpersonal skills.
- Addressing the Issue – Managing trauma and other complex emotional challenges.
- Greater Sense of Self-Respect – Enhancing self-esteem and self-awareness.
- Meaning & Purpose – Finding purpose and direction in life.
Goals of DBT
DBT incorporates group skills training, individual psychotherapy, and phone coaching to achieve:
- Acceptance and Change: Learning to accept emotions while fostering positive behavioral changes.
- Behavioral Improvements: Identifying and modifying destructive behaviors.
- Cognitive Restructuring: Replacing negative thought patterns with constructive ones.
- Collaborative Growth: Working with therapists and peers to develop coping strategies.
- Skill Development: Acquiring essential life skills for emotional well-being.
- Support System Enhancement: Encouraging self-validation and personal growth.
Benefits of DBT
DBT empowers individuals by balancing acceptance and change, facilitating emotional stability, and reducing distress. Validation techniques ensure patients feel understood, making them more receptive to therapeutic interventions.
Techniques of DBT
DBT employs three primary techniques to instill emotional and behavioral regulation skills.
One-on-One Therapy
Patients receive personalized guidance from a DBT therapist through weekly sessions focusing on individual concerns and progress.
Skills Training
Patients participate in weekly group sessions, typically lasting 24 weeks, to learn and practice DBT skills in a supportive environment.
Phone Coaching
Therapists provide telephonic support between sessions, helping patients apply DBT skills in real-life situations.
At Somorpon Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Our comprehensive DBT program helps individuals navigate emotional challenges, develop healthier relationships, and improve overall mental well-being. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or self-destructive behaviors, DBT can provide the tools and support needed for lasting change.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact Somorpon Foundation today.
