Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

dialectical behavior therapy

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), is a therapeutic approach that combines individual therapy with group skill building and practice. You learn to manage difficult emotions, cope with stress, communicate more effectively with others, and to live mindfully. 

The idea behind DBT is that life can be painful when you live according to absolutes or extremes — you might be more easily overwhelmed, stressed, or emotionally reactive and feel out of control, chaotic, or numb. DBT recognizes the tension between two seeming opposites ('dialectic'), and emphasizes moving toward more integrative responses to live a balanced life ('walking the middle path'). 

DBT is used to treat concerns including personality disorders, depression, anxiety and stress disorders. It was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. 

skills learned in DBT

• mindfulness

• emotion regulation

• distress tolerance

• interpersonal effectiveness

important note

While we at hope+wellness teach specific skills and components of DBT, we do not offer the comprehensive treatment program, which includes 3 major modes of therapy for clients:

• DBT Group Skills Building

• Individual Psychotherapy

• In the moment Phone Coaching

If you are interested in a comprehensive DBT treatment program, we recommend that you check out the Metropolitan Washington DC DBT Consortium, whose members provide high quality DBT. 

You are not alone. we can help.

At hope+wellness, we provide exceptional psychotherapy services to empower people to live happier, healthier lives. Our services are grounded in evidence-based treatments that suggest an important interconnectedness between mind, body, life experience, and wellness, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapies. Our office is located in Falls Church, Virginia. We serve the McLean, Great Falls, Falls Church, Arlington, Alexandria, and the greater Washington DC region. We will work together to help you heal and develop the skills to live fully aware, fully resilient, fully peaceful, mindful, and alive.