DBT
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dover Psychology offers specialized therapy through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), providing tailored support to help individuals develop coping skills, regulate emotions, and enhance their overall quality of life in Edmonton. Our team of DBT-trained therapists is dedicated to providing compassionate guidance and practical tools to empower you on your path to emotional well-being and resilience.
DBT is a highly effective therapeutic approach that focuses on building essential skills to manage emotions, navigate interpersonal relationships, and cope with challenging situations more effectively. Through structured sessions and evidence-based interventions, our therapists facilitate the development of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills, equipping you with valuable tools to navigate life's ups and downs with greater ease and confidence.
At Dover Psychology, our mission is to create a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly. We believe in fostering collaboration and mutual respect in therapy, working alongside you to identify your unique goals and challenges and tailor treatment plans to meet your specific needs and circumstances.
Whether you're struggling with mood instability, relationship difficulties, or overwhelming stress, DBT can provide you with the skills and strategies to thrive in your daily life. Our commitment is to provide you with the guidance and support you need to cultivate a life worth living, characterized by greater emotional resilience, improved interpersonal relationships, and enhanced overall well-being.
If you're ready to take the next step towards a more fulfilling life, we invite you to explore DBT therapy at Dover Psychology and discover how it can support you on your journey towards lasting change and growth.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive and evidence-based treatment approach developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to help individuals with complex emotional dysregulation, such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), mood disorders, and other mental health conditions. DBT combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness practices to promote acceptance, change, and balance in one's life.
DBT consists of several key components:
Participants learn mindfulness skills to increase awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without judgment. Mindfulness practices help individuals develop a non-reactive stance towards their experiences and cultivate a sense of presence in the moment.
DBT teaches strategies for identifying, understanding, and managing intense emotions in healthy ways. Participants learn skills such as emotion labeling, distress tolerance, and effective problem-solving to navigate emotional challenges more effectively.
DBT focuses on improving communication, assertiveness, and interpersonal skills to enhance relationships and reduce conflict. Participants learn techniques for setting boundaries, expressing needs, and resolving conflicts in a constructive manner.
DBT emphasizes the development of coping strategies to tolerate distressing situations and manage crises effectively. Participants learn techniques for self-soothing, distraction, and radical acceptance to navigate difficult emotions without resorting to harmful behaviours.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is beneficial for individuals experiencing a wide range of emotional and behavioral difficulties, including:
Chronic suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) or other personality disorders
Mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder
Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD)
Eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder
Substance use disorders or addiction-related issues
Trauma-related symptoms, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma
DBT can also be helpful for individuals seeking to improve their overall quality of life, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and enhance their interpersonal relationships.
DBT sessions typically include a combination of individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and therapist consultation team meetings. Dover Psychology is currently only offering individual therapy sessions with the hopes of expanding our programming in the future. Participants engage in skill-building exercises, homework assignments, and role-playing scenarios to practice DBT skills in real-life situations.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers several benefits for individuals seeking to improve their mental health and well-being:
DBT teaches practical skills for managing intense emotions and reducing emotional reactivity, leading to greater stability and resilience.
Participants learn effective communication strategies, assertiveness techniques, and conflict resolution skills to cultivate healthier relationships and strengthen social connections.
DBT helps individuals develop alternative coping mechanisms and distress tolerance skills to reduce self-destructive behaviors and improve overall safety.
DBT promotes mindfulness practices and acceptance-based strategies to foster greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and present-moment awareness.
By learning to navigate life's challenges with greater skill and confidence, individuals can experience a higher overall quality of life and a greater sense of empowerment and fulfillment.
Deciding if Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is the right fit for you depends on your individual needs, goals, and preferences. If you're struggling with emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, or other mental health challenges, DBT may offer the support and skills you need to thrive.