Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
What Is DBT?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to help individuals experiencing chronic emotional overwhelm, self-destructive behaviors, and borderline personality disorder (BPD) (Linehan Institute, n.d.). Today, DBT is widely recognized as the gold standard of care for individuals with intense emotions and has also been applied to treat conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders, and eating disorders (Linehan Institute, n.d.; Yale Medicine, 2025).
DBT combines principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy with acceptance and mindfulness strategies to support clients in achieving a balanced and meaningful life. The term dialectical refers to the synthesis of opposites ( particularly acceptance and change ) to help individuals find stability while working toward growth and adaptation.
DBT Skills: Core Components
A central component of DBT is skills training, which teaches practical behavioral strategies that enhance emotional resilience and improve functioning in everyday life (Linehan Institute, n.d.). These structured skills are typically taught in group settings and are designed to be applied directly in real-world situations. The full skills curriculum often spans 24 weeks and can be repeated or tailored to meet specific needs (Linehan Institute, n.d.).
DBT skills fall into four core areas:
Mindfulness: Cultivating the ability to be present, non-judgmentally, in the current moment — enhancing awareness of thoughts, feelings, and surroundings (Linehan Institute, n.d.; BehavioralTech, 2025).
Distress Tolerance: Learning strategies to tolerate and survive painful situations without engaging in harmful behaviors, increasing the capacity to cope with crisis moments (Linehan Institute, n.d.; BehavioralTech, 2025).
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Developing skills to communicate needs effectively, set appropriate boundaries, and maintain healthy relationships while honoring self-respect (Linehan Institute, n.d.; BehavioralTech, 2025).
Emotion Regulation: Understanding emotional patterns, reducing vulnerability to intense emotional states, and learning strategies to manage and shift unwanted feelings (Linehan Institute, n.d.; BehavioralTech, 2025).
How DBT Skills Are Taught
DBT skills training operates like a class: a trained facilitator presents skills, assigns practice exercises (homework), and supports participants in integrating these tools into daily life (Linehan Institute, n.d.). While the traditional format involves weekly group sessions over several months, adaptations of the curriculum may be provided in shorter or population-specific formats.
Goals of DBT Skills Training
The goals of DBT skills training include strengthening coping abilities, reducing emotional suffering, improving interpersonal functioning, and helping individuals build a life they experience as worth living. By learning and practicing concrete skills in mindful awareness, effective communication, distress tolerance, and emotional control, clients can better navigate life’s challenges and develop sustainable well-being (Linehan Institute, n.d.; BehavioralTech, 2025).
References
BehavioralTech. (2025). Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) overview. https://behavioraltech.org/about-dbt/
Linehan Institute. (n.d.). What are DBT & DBT skills? https://www.linehaninstitute.org/what-is-dbt-skills
Yale Medicine. (2025). Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt
