Are You Struggling to Manage Intense Emotions or Harmful Behaviors?
Do you often find yourself overwhelmed by emotions that seem impossible to control?
Do you struggle with impulsive behaviors or have difficulty maintaining stable relationships?
Perhaps you feel trapped in cycles of self-criticism or find it hard to cope with stress in healthy ways.
If you’re nodding your head, you’re not alone. Many women experience these challenges, and at Wild Hope Therapy, we’re here to help you find your path to healing and balance through Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy specifically designed to help individuals who experience intense emotions, struggle with self-destructive behaviors, or feel like their lives are out of control. Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT has since been proven effective for a wide range of mental health issues.
What is DBT?
DBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that combines traditional therapeutic techniques with mindfulness practices. It’s designed to help you develop healthier ways of managing your emotions, improving your relationships, and building a life worth living. At its core, DBT teaches you how to balance acceptance of yourself as you are with the need to make positive changes in your life.
What is DBT Used to Treat?
DBT is particularly effective for individuals who:
Struggle with intense, unstable emotions
Experience frequent mood swings
Engage in self-harming behaviors
Have a history of suicidal thoughts or attempts
Find it difficult to maintain stable relationships
Suffer from chronic feelings of emptiness
Have difficulty managing anger
Experience impulsive or risky behaviors
While DBT was originally developed for BPD, it has also been successfully used to treat a range of other conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How Does DBT Work?
DBT works by helping you develop four key skill areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills are taught through a combination of individual therapy, group skills training, and phone coaching, where you can receive support in real-time during moments of crisis.
Mindfulness: Helps you stay present and grounded in the moment, rather than getting lost in negative thoughts or overwhelming emotions.
Distress Tolerance: Teaches you how to tolerate and survive emotional crises without resorting to harmful behaviors.
Emotion Regulation: Helps you understand and manage your emotions, so they don’t control your actions.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Equips you with the skills to communicate effectively, set boundaries, and maintain healthy relationships.
What are the Benefits of DBT?
The benefits of DBT are profound and far-reaching. By learning and practicing DBT skills, you can:
Gain greater control over your emotions and reactions
Reduce self-destructive behaviors
Improve your relationships and communication
Increase your ability to cope with stress and distress
Build a sense of self-worth and personal empowerment
Develop a more balanced and fulfilling life
How DBT Can Help You Build a Life Worth Living
What Does a DBT Session Look Like?
DBT is a structured therapy that typically involves a combination of individual therapy sessions and group skills training. In individual therapy, you’ll work one-on-one with your therapist to address specific issues and develop personalized strategies for managing your emotions and behaviors. These sessions focus on both acceptance and change, helping you understand and validate your experiences while also challenging you to make positive changes.
Group skills training is an essential component of DBT, where you’ll learn and practice the core DBT skills alongside others who are on a similar journey. These groups provide a supportive environment where you can build new skills, share experiences, and receive encouragement from both your therapist and peers.
How is DBT Different at Wild Hope Therapy?
At Wild Hope Therapy, we bring a trauma-informed, feminist, and strengths-based approach to DBT. We understand that your experiences are unique, and we’re committed to creating a safe, inclusive space where you can explore your challenges and work towards healing at your own pace.
Our trauma-informed approach ensures that we’re sensitive to the impact of past trauma on your current emotions and behaviors. We know that healing from trauma is a deeply personal journey, and we’re here to support you with compassion and care.
Our feminist perspective recognizes the unique challenges that women face in today’s world, including the impact of societal expectations, gender-based violence, and systemic inequalities. We’re committed to empowering you to find your voice, assert your needs, and create a life that reflects your values and aspirations.
We also take a strengths-based approach, which means we focus on your existing strengths and resources as the foundation for growth and change. We believe that you have the resilience and capability to overcome your challenges, and our role is to help you tap into that inner strength.
The Collaborative Approach at Wild Hope Therapy
Therapy is a partnership, and at Wild Hope Therapy, we work closely with you to set goals that are meaningful and achievable. We believe in the power of collaboration, where your voice and choices are central to the therapy process. Your therapist will work with you to tailor the DBT approach to your specific needs, ensuring that your therapy journey is both effective and empowering.
We’re here to walk with you on your journey towards a more balanced, fulfilling life. Whether you’re looking to reduce self-harming behaviors, manage intense emotions, or improve your relationships, we’re committed to providing the support and guidance you need.
Addressing Common Concerns About DBT
Is DBT Right for Me?
It’s understandable to wonder if DBT is the right fit for your needs, especially if you’ve tried other forms of therapy without success. DBT is a flexible, evidence-based therapy that can be adapted to address a wide range of issues. Many people find DBT to be life-changing, as it provides practical tools for managing emotions and improving relationships. If you’re struggling with intense emotions, self-destructive behaviors, or difficulties in relationships, DBT may be an effective approach for you.
How Long Does DBT Take?
DBT is typically a longer-term therapy, with many people participating for six months to a year or more. The length of time you’ll spend in therapy depends on your specific goals and needs. While DBT requires a commitment of time and effort, the skills you learn can have a lasting impact on your life, providing you with tools to manage emotions and navigate challenges long after therapy has ended.
What If I’m Not Comfortable in a Group Setting?
Group skills training is an integral part of DBT, as it provides a supportive environment where you can learn and practice new skills alongside others. However, we understand that group settings can be intimidating for some people. At Wild Hope Therapy, we strive to create a warm, welcoming space where everyone feels safe and respected. If you have concerns about participating in a group, we encourage you to discuss them with your therapist. We’ll work with you to ensure that you feel comfortable and supported throughout your therapy journey.
Why Choose Wild Hope Therapy?
At Wild Hope Therapy, we specialize in women’s behavioral health, trauma-informed care, and strengths-based therapy. Our therapists are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals in a supportive, affirming environment. We believe in the power of DBT to transform lives, and we’re here to help you develop the skills and resilience you need to build a life that reflects your true self.
We understand that reaching out for help can be a big step, and we want to make it as easy and stress-free as possible. That’s why we offer a no-pressure, free, 15-minute phone consultation. This gives you a chance to learn more about our services, ask any questions you may have, and decide if we’re the right fit for you.
We’re here to support you on your journey towards healing and growth. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a brighter, more balanced future.