DBT Therapy

Eunoia Counseling supports mental healing and growth by ensuring our clients have access to the therapeutic tools and techniques that will support and adapt to their specific circumstances.

One approach that proves to be effective with many of our clients is dialectical behavior therapy, also often referred to as DBT therapy.

What Is DBT?

Developed in the 1970s by American psychologist Marsha Linehan, DBT therapy is a specially modified type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for establishing greater mastery of thoughts and interpretations of them. It is a talk therapy for those who may struggle with intense feelings.

Sometimes we might get used to thinking a certain way about life events and circumstances. However, the truth may often be different from what we perceive. Few things in this world are strictly black and white – much of what we observe and experience occupies the gray where both colors meet.

The word “dialectical” itself applies to the combining of opposite ideas for achieving knowledge, reason and understanding. The dialectic component of DBT therapy acknowledges that real life is complex and ever-changing. It aims to balance opposing forces and explore the truth behind negative or overwhelming emotions.

In doing so, DBT therapy creates a growing awareness for the need to change within a context of conscious acceptance. It recognizes that feelings are a steady but often inconsistent stream, and we do not need to be led or consumed by them. Through DBT behavior therapy with Eunoia Counseling, individuals can develop healthy, positive coping strategies that can last a lifetime.

DBT Therapy: Main Components

DBT behavior therapy reinforces our mental health and clarity by helping us establish and maintain realistic, balanced thoughts and attitudes.

Through DBT therapy, we aim to live more presently, better manage our feelings and stress, and enhance our relations with others by focusing on DBT’s four main pillars.

Mindfulness. This skill helps us to be more present in the moment. We do not favor our mental health when we live in the past, which is irretrievable, or worry about the future, which doesn’t yet exist. Such awareness allows us to interpret our often unavoidable life changes without judging or overanalyzing them. Through mindfulness, we can slow down and be calm in the midst of emotional pain and, in doing so, reduce its sway over us.

Distress tolerance. By being prepared for strong emotions, we can manage them from a clearer, more positive long-term perspective. Techniques for greater tolerance of distress might include identifying proper distractions, helping to improve the moment we’re in and soothing ourselves, such as through yoga, exercise, hobbies or breathing methods.

Emotional regulation. When we can specify, name and characterize our emotions, we can also better change and control them. The result is often greater peace and inner light with less vulnerability.

Interpersonal effectiveness. Maintaining healthy relationships calls upon us to be properly assertive in them, such as by setting personal boundaries and knowing how to express what we want and when to say “no.” DBT therapy reinforces the listening and communicating that contribute to interpersonal effectiveness with respect for others and ourselves.

DBT Therapy: Conditions Treated

At Eunoia Counseling, DBT therapy is often highly effective in treating many different conditions, including:

We’ve also seen how DBT behavior therapy can impact diverse people regardless of their age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation and race/ethnicity. For our DBT therapists, it is a joy to see our clients heal and grow with clearer, stronger thoughts and an extra “spring” in their step.

DBT Therapy: Individual Approach

Eunoia Counseling begins each client relationship by learning about the individual’s distinctive background and circumstances during private one-on-one sessions. During this meaningful time, the therapist listens and learns in helping to determine paths to peaceful healing.

DBT behavior therapy can be especially adaptive to growth for individuals who are:

determined to make positive life changes

committed to therapy and ready to engage associated work and exercises

ready to focus mainly on the present and the near future rather than the far future and the past

Working with the DBT therapist, the individual develops the resources for accepting the self and current circumstances, regulating emotions and internalizing the benefits of change.

Individual DBT therapy sessions often include objectives such as:

reducing harmful thoughts or behaviors

limiting thoughts or behaviors that can interfere with therapy

focusing on an increasing quality of life by identifying what stands in the way

developing skills for transforming a negative viewpoint into a healthy, positive one

DBT Therapy: Outlook & Benefits

DBT behavior therapy can have a big impact when it is engaged and applied with the will to change.

True change requires desire, time and commitment, and those who invest themselves often achieve life-altering outcomes such as:

“DBT Therapy Near Me”: Contact Us Today If you find yourself struggling, your challenges are unique to you, and they deserve their own distinctive approach. We are here to support you as you look to heal and grow in your way, in your time and at your pace. If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about “DBT Therapy near me,” contact us at (630) 340-8747 or info@eunoiacounselingnaperville.com.