Counseling Solutions offers an inhouse Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program coordinated and developed by a nationally certified DBT therapist Dr. Marsha Linehan. This program follows the original version of DBT. This is an evidence-based therapeutic approach known to be highly effective and long-lasting. Anyone interested in attending this program can contact us at 254-519-1144.
What is DBT?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an in-depth look at self and the world around us. It teaches us to accept this “life” in the present moment and to be present in everything we do. It helps us work through and provides us with new skills to manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships. DBT can be overwhelming at times because we must work at facing negative emotions and thoughts to increase tolerance of them, rather than trying to escape from them. It makes us reflect on our problems and look at how our thoughts and emotions can cause them, but in return it provides us the strategies to manage and change if they are indeed the cause of the problems. It gets us to really look at the relationships in our lives. DBT provides you techniques that allow a person to communicate with others in a way that meets the objective they are trying to obtain, maintain their self-respect, and learn to either let go of or strengthen those relationships. It is finding a way to hold two perspectives at once, finding a balance between them, and avoiding the black and white or the all-or-nothing thinking. It is about validating us and others when the emotions and thoughts are based on facts, not assumptions.
What can I expect DBT skills groups to be like?
DBT skills group meet 1/2 a week for an hour and fifteen minutes. We ask that you are willing to commit 16/8 weeks to complete the program. The group will review homework, teaches new skill(s), and process events and experiences related to these topics. The groups are education and process driven.
Is DBT-IOP covered by insurance?
Possibly. It depends on your insurance. Many clients choose to pay up front for the group and bill their insurance of flex spending accounts. We charge very little for our groups, as compared to others. We do this so more people have access to these problem solving skills that help so much.
How can I join a DBT Skills group at Counseling Solutions?
First step, call us at 254-519-1144 or email us at counselingsolutions4you@gmail.com and tell us you would like to join one of our DBT groups. Please give us your email and cell number. Our staff will quickly respond to your request by notifying our DBT Skills group leader. The leader will contact you through your email and let you know where to go from there.
I don’t do well in groups. I have had bad experiences.
Counseling Solutions never allows over 6 clients in a DBT SKills group at one time. That is why we usually have waiting lists for these groups. Smaller groups are more personable and private. DBT is known for its nonjudgemental and self-esteem building foundations.
Counseling Solutions has several Nationally Certified DBT Master Therapists who also work with the individual, couples, and teens DBT individually, outside of the DBT Skills group.
What is the foundation of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based, valid and reliable therapeutic approach originally developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D , DBT was first introduced over a dozen years ago as a treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). People with BPD experience intense emotions which lead to actions such as self-injury, anger outbursts or abrupt ending of important relationships. Although these actions temporarily reduce emotional pain they often wind up causing independent problems that can make life even more difficult.
Historically, BPD has been thought of as one of the most difficult problems to address effectively. Several research studies, often referred to as clinical trials, have demonstrated that DBT is an effective treatment for adults with BPD. Both the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association currently consider DBT to be a first-line treatment for BPD.</p>
As a result of DBT’s success in treating adults with BPD, it has been successfully used with eating disorders, substance use, post-traumatic stress, trauma, abuse, assault, and so much more. The value of the skills taught in DBT, and the method of instruction and delivery, is significant.
For DBT to be successful, the treatment must do two things effectively: (1) teach skills that people need in order to move closer toward their life goals, and (2) help people cultivate an ability to work these skills into their daily lives.