Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that teaches four core skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. While CBT focuses on changing unhelpful thought patterns, DBT adds mindfulness and acceptance to provide tools for navigating difficult situations. The “dialectical” aspect emphasizes balancing change and acceptance to help create a fulfilling life.
Mindfulness
Emotional Regulation
Distress Tolerance
Interpersonal Effectiveness
DBT is a well-researched therapy proven to reduce self-harm, improve treatment adherence, shorten treatment duration, lessen episode severity, and enhance well-being.
It teaches four core skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Clients often begin with mindfulness to build awareness before focusing on the most helpful skills.
DBT is typically delivered in groups alongside individual therapy, with full skill acquisition taking about six months.
DBT helps clients replace harmful coping strategies, like self-injury or substance abuse, with healthier alternatives:
We carefully hand-select and train our therapists to provide the highest level of evidence-based care for our clients.
Your wellbeing is our primary objective, so our goal is to help you reach your goal(s) as soon as possible.
We won’t keep you in treatment any longer than necessary.
* Studies show standard EMDR to produce clinically significant results in 1/4 of the time compared to standard treatment options. 50+ cases produced clinically significant results in as little as 3 days with our Total Immersion EMDR process, indicating this model produces clinically significant results in 1/24 the time as traditional therapy. Studies support our findings by indicating complicated clinical issues can be resolved with an intensive format when combined with high and low intensity physical activity (Bongaerts, et. al., 2017; Mendez, et. al, 2018).
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), but its effectiveness spans a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
Even if you don’t have a diagnosed mental illness, DBT can be a helpful tool for personal growth and development. It can assist in building healthy coping strategies, enhancing relationships, and fostering a more fulfilling life.
The benefits of DBT are extensive, including:
Most of our sessions are virtual aside from VIP EMDR Retreats (some of our Associates may elect to offer the occasional in-person session, so it’s important to check with them).
While offering virtual sessions nearly exclusively may seem unorthodox, during the COVID-19 pandemic lock-down, Robert discovered virtual sessions were superior in many ways to in-person sessions.
Some reasons for this are: allowing clients to meet in the comfort of their home or office, allowed clients to reach a new level of authenticity by not needing to get “dressed up for the world;” and not needing to account for travel time was greatly appreciated by most of our clients who have busy schedules. Furthermore, virtual sessions require the therapist to attune much more deeply to their client, and having a therapist who is even more deeply attuned to their client, can only benefit treatment.
Both DBT and CBT are effective therapies, but they differ in key ways:
You’ll know therapy is working when you notice positive changes, such as improved coping skills, better relationships, reduced symptoms, and increased self-awareness. Additionally, if you feel heard, supported, and confident in applying what you’ve learned outside of sessions, therapy is likely making a difference.
While therapy itself doesn’t typically have physical side effects, emotional discomfort can arise as you work through challenging issues. However, most people experience relief, growth, and improved well-being over time.
Yes, you can take medication while receiving DBT. In many cases, combining medication with DBT can lead to the best results for managing various mental health conditions. Your therapist and healthcare provider can work together to create the most effective treatment plan.
DBT therapists are essential in helping individuals navigate skills training, offering support, and validating their experiences. Session frequency may vary based on the program and individual needs, typically ranging from weekly to biweekly.
With that said, DBT is frequently offered in a group therapy setting. This provides individuals the opportunity to learn from one another’s experiences, practice skills in a safe space, and foster a supportive community.
Most likely. It’s important to check with your insurance carrier to determine if they cover “Registered Clinical Counselling,” “Clinical Counselling,” “Counselling,” “Mental Health Counselling,” “Psychotherapy,” “Psychological Services.”
Some carriers only cover services from Psychologists, Psychiatrists, or Social Workers. Others accept Registered Clinical Counsellors (which is our designation).
We have conveniently included all insurance carriers where our services are accepted (although others who have not been included may still provide reimbursement if they cover Registered Clinical Counsellors).
If you determine your carrier will accept our services in full or in part, you are required to pay in full for our services, and then seek reimbursement from your insurance carrier.
It’s confusing isn’t it? Let’s bring some clarity here.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD’s) with a focus on mental health. They can formally diagnose and prescribe medications.
Psychologists are “doctors of psychology” but are not medical doctors. They have a PhD. They are allowed to diagnose mental health conditions, conduct psychological assessments, but cannot prescribe medications.
Psychotherapists and Clinical Counsellors are interchangeable designations where each province will have certain protected rights to use a particular designation. For example, in British Columbia, we are called either Registered Clinical Counsellors or Certified Clinical Counsellors; in Ontario the term used is Registered Psychotherapist. Counsellors/Psychotherapists (whichever term is used) generally have a MA level degree, are able to conduct psychological /counselling services but are not able to formally diagnose, assess, or prescribe medication.
Social Workers are able to conduct counselling sessions and are governed by the College of Social Workers. They may also belong to other professional associations and conduct therapy/counselling/psychotherapy within those guidelines.
Social workers most often have a MA level degree, and like Clinical Counsellors/Psychotherapists, cannot formally diagnose, assess, or prescribe medication.
Hope that helps!
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Dive deeper into EMDR and learn why You NEED Therapy! Hint: Robert believes we all need therapy ;)
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