DBT

DIALECTICAL BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (DBT) 

Building Balance

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidenced-based form of talk therapy primarily designed for individuals with severe emotional dysregulation, chronic suicidality, self-harming behaviors, eating disorders, substance use, complex trauma, and certain diagnoses such as borderline personality disorder (BPD).

The dialectical in DBT refers to the synthesis of two opposite ideas: Acceptance and Change. It operates on the principle that accepting oneself while simultaneously working to change unhelpful behaviors leads to positive, long-term change. 

Acceptance is recognizing your experiences and behaviors are valid in the present moment. 

Change is acknowledging that positive behavioral changes are necessary to reach your goals and build a "life worth living." 

In addition, the DBT program provides students with practical tools in four specific areas: 

• Mindfulness: Learning how to be fully present and aware at any given moment w/o judgment.

• Distress Tolerance: To survive a crisis and tolerate painful emotions without engaging in impulsive or self-destructive behaviors.

• Emotion Regulation: To identify and manage intense emotions.

• Interpersonal Effectiveness: Developing skills to communicate clearly with others, and how to manage disagreements or conflicts. 

The DBT program at Humboldt includes weekly individual therapy sessions, weekly DBT Building Balance Group, and phone coaching. 

In order to join the DBT program, your ongoing therapist needs to make an official referral. For more information, please contact the DBT team leader: Nassie Danesh at nd124@humboldt.edu