What is DBT?
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At Wise Mind Therapy we provide a specialized therapy called Comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy or DBT. DBT is a behavior-based therapy that research has shown helps people decrease suicidal thoughts, regulate emotions, improve relationships, change problematic behaviors, and increase mindfulness. For some people DBT is just the kind of therapy they're looking for, while for others it might not be the right fit. The reason people have problems regulating their emotions is linked to biology. Some people are more sensitive to having high-intensity emotions. In other words, you're born that way. Emotional sensitivity is not a problem in itself. In fact it has many benefits such as increased ability for passion, empathy, and connection. |
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At the same time, you need to have skills to regulate your intense emotions. Particularly when they are causing problems and aren't helping you reach your goals. Many of us were not taught effective ways to deal with our emotions and this causes some people to struggle with their emotions into adulthood more than others. To help master these skills, Comprehensive DBT has four required components:
1. Weekly individual therapy with a specially trained DBT therapist - To help you target your goals and plan steps to achieving them (in network with Premera and Lifewise. Self pay rates from $145-$200 week)
2. 24/7 phone/text skills coaching - Text or call your individual therapist for skills to help in your real life, when you are actually having problems. It is also used to manage crisis urges without hospitalization unless safety can't be guaranteed.
3. Weekly DBT skills group - To teach you the skills you need to increase your ability to tolerate distress, regulate your emotions, ask for what you want, and say "No" effectively.
4. Your individual therapist belongs to a DBT team that meets weekly - For consultation and to help assure our adherence to the DBT model
When people read that they often have one of three reactions:
1. That sounds great! Sign me up!
2. This is not for me. (We understand! DBT isn't right for everyone.)
3. Whoa. That sounds like *a lot* of therapy, but maybe it could help me...
Those who think this is a lot of therapy often feel better when they hear we spend the first 3-4 DBT individual therapy sessions orienting you to DBT. We take this time understanding your goals for therapy, and using our expertise to determine if DBT would be the right treatment for you. Your therapist will also be sharing with you the ways in which DBT will help you reach your goals. After your 3rd or 4th session you will decide if you want to commit to our Comprehensive DBT program. By then you'll have had a chance to think about what you've heard and ask all of the questions that you've thought of.
1. Weekly individual therapy with a specially trained DBT therapist - To help you target your goals and plan steps to achieving them (in network with Premera and Lifewise. Self pay rates from $145-$200 week)
2. 24/7 phone/text skills coaching - Text or call your individual therapist for skills to help in your real life, when you are actually having problems. It is also used to manage crisis urges without hospitalization unless safety can't be guaranteed.
3. Weekly DBT skills group - To teach you the skills you need to increase your ability to tolerate distress, regulate your emotions, ask for what you want, and say "No" effectively.
4. Your individual therapist belongs to a DBT team that meets weekly - For consultation and to help assure our adherence to the DBT model
When people read that they often have one of three reactions:
1. That sounds great! Sign me up!
2. This is not for me. (We understand! DBT isn't right for everyone.)
3. Whoa. That sounds like *a lot* of therapy, but maybe it could help me...
Those who think this is a lot of therapy often feel better when they hear we spend the first 3-4 DBT individual therapy sessions orienting you to DBT. We take this time understanding your goals for therapy, and using our expertise to determine if DBT would be the right treatment for you. Your therapist will also be sharing with you the ways in which DBT will help you reach your goals. After your 3rd or 4th session you will decide if you want to commit to our Comprehensive DBT program. By then you'll have had a chance to think about what you've heard and ask all of the questions that you've thought of.
