In following a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) based approach, I teach clients mindfulness skills (the ability to be aware in the present moment with nonjudgmental acceptance), as well as skills to regulate their emotions, tolerate distress, and be effective in interpersonal relationships. DBT holds that much of life is about creating space for dialectical balance. One of these dialectics is the balance between acceptance and change. Another is the balance between emotions and reason. DBT based skills utilize psychoeducation, including handouts and worksheets in order to facilitate the therapeutic process.
Some of the reasons individuals seek DBT based skills in my practice are:
- Difficulty with relationships
- Difficulty regulating emotions and tolerating stress
- Personality Disorders
- Chronic depression and anxiety
- Impulsivity
- Suicidal Ideation
- Self Harm
- Body Image Issues
- Substance use
- Trauma
- Instability in career and life choices
- Family of origin challenges
- Abandonment concerns
- Legal issues