“Emotions are not good, bad, right, or wrong. The first step in changing our relationship to feelings is to be curious about them and the messages they send us.”

-Lane Pederson, author 

What is DBT?

 Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), was developed by Marsha Linehan in the late 1970s and is an evidenced based clinical intervention known to be very effective at treating disorders of emotional under-control, such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). DBT has been thoroughly tested in clinical trials and is the gold-standard in the treatment of BPD. The treatment is also successful at helping people with diagnoses of substance dependence, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders. Marsha Linehan released her first manual (Cognitive Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder) describing the DBT method in 1993. In 2014, a second edition of the manual-DBT Skills Training Manual-2nd Edition, was published. Peri Counseling relies exclusively on the second edition as well as the accompanying DBT Skills Training, Handouts, and Worksheets, Second Edition, for skills training. DBT is based on the "dialectical" concept, meaning that simultaneously having two opposing viewpoints is allowable and oftentimes preferable. 

Who needs DBT?

DBT was originally developed to help people who were chronically suicidal. However, being chronically suicidal is not necessary to get treatment from Peri Counseling. Additionally, we will not turn you away if you are experiencing thoughts of wanting to hurt yourself. Anyone who has problems regulating their emotions, who has a strong fear of abandonment, who has trouble understanding that nothing is all "bad" or all "good", and who sometimes takes drastic actions to prevent people from leaving them, are good candidates for DBT treatment. Skills training can be used proactively if someone believes that they may be experiencing some of the symptoms listed abovebut have never been told that they have a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder. In reality, everyone can benefit from learning the four key components of DBT-mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Don't think that you aren't "bad" enough to get DBT. 

Does DBT work?

Clinical trials have repeatedly shown the efficacy of DBT. Anyone involved in a DBT program must be willing to actively engage during sessions, complete homework, and practice skills daily. The most important factor for success is the relationship that you have with your therapist. Please schedule a free telephone consultation so we can start to get to know one another and discuss whether or not Peri Counseling would be a good fit for you. While we can't guarantee certain outcomes, successes or resolutions of any kind, Peri Counseling can teach you the skills you need, encourage you to complete all assigned homework, and provide you with a safe place to practice.