MaineHealth behavioral health experts provide dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to patients of all ages across Maine and in parts of New Hampshire.
Learn healthy ways to manage big feelings
DBT can help people who are struggling with self-destructive thoughts and self-harming behaviors. This treatment works to improve quality of life through individual therapy and group work.
What is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)?
DBT is a behavioral health treatment that usually consists of weekly individual therapy, skills training group work and phone consultation. It can help a variety of people who are going through challenging times in their lives by:
- Learning and applying strategies that increase your ability to stay in control of your emotions
- Learning how to handle and manage disappointment and frustration
- Learning how to interact with people in a way that helps you create and maintain healthy relationships
More about DBT
This therapy is designed to assist people who have regular suicidal or self-harming behaviors or thoughts that seriously interfere with their ability to manage life’s stress without becoming overwhelmed. Many people with these behaviors meet criteria for a disorder called borderline personality (BPD). It is not unusual for individuals diagnosed with BPD to also struggle with other problems such as depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, eating disorders, or alcohol and drug problems.
Individual DBT therapy is more structured than other types of therapy. It is specifically designed to help people identify behaviors that have been problematic and develop strategies and new skills to better handle life. Home assignments are often given, as well.
Part of DBT is attending a weekly skills class that covers interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, core mindfulness, and emotional regulation. These modules help to tech concrete skills that can be used to handle emotions better, deal more effectively with people, and learn to cope with difficult situations.
Participants in DBT will be encouraged to contact their therapists by phone between sessions for coaching on how to best use their newly acquired DBT skills in handling problems as they come up. Agreements will be made between each therapist and client as to the frequency and length of calls.
MaineHealth cares about your physical and mental health
Counseling, therapy and other behavioral health services are available at most MaineHealth primary care practices. Contact your primary care provider for more information.