DBT brings together the principles of CBT, behaviorism, and Buddhist Zen philosophy. In DBT, treatment primarily focuses on analyzing and changing problematic patterns of behavior that interfere with living a rewarding life. Treatment focuses on building a life that the individual experiences as worth living. This includes targeting problematic patterns of behavior that are harmful and diminishing quality of life, such as suicidal and self-harming behaviors, addictive behaviors, eating disordered behaviors, and relationship conflict. DBT is designed to treat these behaviors when they stem from emotion dysregulation, meaning patterns of emotional experience or expression that interfere with goal-directed activity. There are several formats of DBT that may be effective for your treatment needs, including:
comprehensive DBT: weekly DBT individual therapy + weekly DBT skills training group
skills only: weekly DBT skills training group (with or without individual therapy that does not follow the DBT model)
Treatment requires a minimum of 6-month contract including individual and group DBT.
See "Current Groups" for more information about DBT groups offered.