Dialectical Behavior Therapy (Dialectic Behavior Therapy; DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that was originally developed by Marsha Linehan to treat Borderline Personality Disorder. DBT has been shown to be effective in treating various mental health conditions including personality disorders, anxiety and depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and substance abuse.

DBT focuses on the development of 4 major skills (distress tolerance, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness), which aim to help people cope with stress and pain, stay connected to the present moment, regulate their difficult emotions, and establish healthier relationships with others. This type of therapy involves the regular practice of these skills both inside and outside of the therapeutic sessions, which teaches people healthier and more adaptative ways of responding to their strong negative thoughts and emotions.