Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
in Gulf Breeze

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is now available in Gulf Breeze at Clinical Psychology Services, LLC. DBT is a therapy originally developed by renowned psychologist Marsha Linehan to help treat patients who had suicidal ideations and borderline personality. Since being introduced it has proven to be effective in regulating emotions and helping patients overcome self-destructive behaviors. Specifically, DBT has been successful as a treatment for eating disorders, substance use disorders, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, impulse control disorders, and depression.

How Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in Gulf Breeze Works

The goal of DBT is to help a person identify the situations that result in impulsive and negative behaviors and then foster a new ability to deal with strong emotions. DBT also has a strong focus on helping an individual develop the skills to accept two seemingly conflicting ideas, for example, the room for both acceptance and change.

Overall, the typical course of successful DBT requires at least six months' worth of treatment in order to build and strengthen the necessary skills. This allows for time to apply the built-up skills in real-life situations, receive feedback, and then fine-tune emotional responses to maximize the effectiveness of DBT.

Quality DBT revolves around developing four main skills to improve an individual's ability to deal with and overcome difficult situations and the emotions that may arise from them. They are:

1. Mindfulness

The mindfulness component of DBT is centered on improving an individual's ability to focus and become aware of the present. This skill is improved throughout the course of DBT and helps an individual better leverage the skills that follow.

2. Distress Tolerance

Distress tolerance is centered around the development of skills to be able to better address difficult situations while avoiding falling into impulsive behaviors, such as suicidal ideations, substance abuse, or emotional flare-ups.

3. Interpersonal Effectiveness

Interpersonal effectiveness is centered around helping an individual build and foster healthier relationships through the development of positive interpersonal behaviors. Not only does this help build esteem, but it can also help individuals better distinguish problematic relationships from positive ones and develop ways to address them.

4. Emotion Regulation

Emotion regulation is centered around the development of an individual's ability to utilize their emotions to assist in making positive choices. This skill helps individuals learn how to blend their more positive emotional experiences into their everyday actions - creating a new, positive approach to their lives.

Through the development of these skills, DBT can help individuals dramatically improve the way they both manage and express strong emotions.

How to Get Started with DBT

If you are interested in DBT in Gulf Breeze, Dr. Tatiana Grant of Clinical Psychology Services can help you discover if it would be an effective treatment option for your situation. Through DBT, Dr. Tatiana Grant focuses on working with you to first identify your problem areas and then develop the skills needed to help you accomplish your goals. You have a life to enjoy, we look forward to helping you live it to the fullest. Do not hesitate to reach out for a consultation if you are interested in learning if DBT may be right for you.