Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that has shown remarkable success at treating high-risk behaviors in clients. Research on DBT shows it can help manage aggression, self-harm behaviors, and suicide attempts in a range of people. Project data reports a promising reduction in aggressive felony recidivism among formerly incarcerated youth treated with this therapy.
DBT was developed for people with a trauma or severe neglect history. Staff teams provide the treatment, rather than individuals.
DBT is based on the theory that some people are prone to react in a more intense, extreme, and often violent manner toward certain situations, particularly those involving conflict or perceived rejection or disrespect.
This heightened sensitivity, combined with a lack of effective coping skills, causes them difficulties in regulating emotions, managing common life situations, and maintaining stable relationships.
DBT directly teaches skills that can help people in these specific areas, ultimately reducing aggressive behaviors and motivating them to build pro-social, successful lives.
Five Key Skill Sets
MindfuIness
Mindfulness means we can control our attention, focus on a single matter in the present moment, and recognize different “states of mind.” We can bring ourselves into a helpful state of mind to make important life decisions. We can give undivided attention to tasks and people.
Emotion Regulation
With these skills we can recognize and accurately label our emotions. We can reduce our vulnerability to negative emotions and increases our experiences of positive emotions. We can better observe and manage our emotions without making them worse and can change how we feel about situations.
Distress Tolerance
We learn a large set of skills to help us tolerate uncomfortable situations. These skills helps us survive crises and not make them worse. We learn to accept what we can’t change in the short term and avoid making impulsive, emotion-driven decisions that may have harmful, even lifelong ramifications.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
We recognize the importance of being effective in relationships and treat ourselves and others with respect. We communicate effectively what we want from others. We make and maintain friendships. We enjoy stable relationships, and can evaluate whether a relationship is healthy and know how to end an unhealthy one.
Problem Solving
We use “chain analysis” and “solution analysis” techniques and list pros and cons to thoughtfully set goals. We determine the skills and thinking tools that will be needed to achieve our goals and recognize actions that will block us from reaching them. We make decisions using skillful, effective action.
The Texas Model
TJJD Executive Director Shandra Carter and other agency executives explain the agency’s therapeutic approach with youth under the Texas Model. They also discuss the Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills that are being taught as part of the Texas Model. Watch this video >>
