Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a specialized kind of psychotherapy that combines individual talk therapy, group-based skills learning, and mindfulness practices to support positive behavioral change.

Many people living with mental health conditions—such as depression, borderline personality disorder, or trauma—experience intensely emotions and distressing thoughts. DBT helps you accept what you’re feeling in the moment while also teaching healthier ways to respond.

At Memorial Healthcare System, our behavioral health experts specially trained in DBT. They work alongside you to help regulate emotions, reduce harmful behaviors, and strengthen relationships. With the right tools and support, you can learn to navigate challenges more effectively and build lasting resilience.

Conditions We Treat With DBT

DBT is an evidence-based treatment option for people managing one or more mental health conditions, including:

• Anxiety or depression
• Borderline personality disorder
• Co-occurring substance abuse and mental health conditions
• Self-harm behaviors
• Substance use disorder
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Trauma and post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

What to Expect With DBT

Our structured, six-month DBT program combines weekly individual therapy with group sessions, giving you consistent support and opportunities to practice new skills. You also join weekly group sessions to practice and strengthen your skills.

As part of DBT, you’ll also use a simple diary card to track emotions, behaviors, and the skills you practice each week. This tool helps you and your therapist see patterns, celebrate progress, and focus on the areas that matter most to you.

Throughout the program, you’ll learn and strengthen four core skill areas:

• Distress tolerance: Practical tools to manage intense emotions and stabilize yourself during difficult moments.
• Emotion regulation: Strategies to recognize, accept, and respond to emotions in healthier ways.
• Interpersonal effectiveness: Tool to improve communication, set boundaries, and build stronger relationships.
• Mindfulness: Practices that help you stay present, focused, and grounded in the moment.

What Are the Benefits of DBT?

DBT equips you with practical skills to manage emotions, relationships, and daily challenges more effectively. With ongoing practice, DBT can help you:

• Reduce emotional reactivity and intense reactions.
• Lower the risk of harmful behaviors, including self‑injury, suicidal thoughts, substance use, or disordered eating.
• Shift away from black‑and‑white thinking and negative self‑talk.
• Strengthen focus, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.

DBT Program Options

We offer two DBT programs to meet the needs of different age groups and family structures:

• DBT Multifamily (Teens ages 14+ and Caregivers): A two‑hour weekly skills group held in the evenings to accommodate busy schedules. Teens and their caregivers learn DBT skills together, improving communication, building emotional regulation, and strengthening support at home. In addition to the group, each teen also participates in individual psychotherapy with a trained DBT therapist.
• Traditional DBT (Adults): Combines a two‑hour weekly skills group with individual therapy and psychiatric medication management, providing comprehensive support for adults managing intense emotions and behavioral health challenges.