Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals manage intense emotions and challenging behaviors. Initially created for borderline personality disorder, DBT has also proven effective for conditions like anxiety and depression. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness to enhance emotional regulation, improve relationships, and better handle stress.
Derived from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on replacing distorted thoughts with more constructive ones, DBT adds a layer of validation. Rather than challenging the validity of a person’s thoughts, DBT acknowledges that these thoughts make sense based on their experiences. This validation is a core aspect of DBT, emphasizing that two seemingly contradictory ideas can coexist. DBT encourages embracing complexity and balancing different perspectives, epitomized by the mantra: “I’m doing the best that I can in this moment, and I want to and can do better.”