Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Columbia, SC

My go-to approach for helping in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is assessing clients' potential for treatment. Once the assessment is completed, I discuss the treatment with the client and prepare sessions—clients who struggle with emotion regulation, suicidality, and self-harm that disrupt their daily lives can likely benefit.

I teach the following tools in DBT therapy:

• Distress tolerance skills: The client learns to manage distress healthily.
• Stress management skills: Learn strategies to manage life challenges and everyday stress.
• Mindfulness: Learn to stay in the present moment without judgment when situations seem difficult or out of an individual's control.
• Emotion regulation skills: Learn to process and express emotions healthily.
• Interpersonal effectiveness skills: Learn skills to help maintain healthy relationships.
• Relaxation techniques: Address anxiety by learning breathing techniques and other mindfulness skills.

I know clients make meaningful progress in DBT therapy when they can successfully navigate challenges independently with the tools provided in individual therapy. The client starts to recognize and address barriers that keep them in the cycle of their overwhelming symptoms.

Clients can supplement their time in DBT therapy by building a routine of activities learned in individual therapy. I encourage clients to create a healthy support system for accountability in mental health maintenance.

To prepare for their first DBT therapy session, I encourage clients to write down their thoughts and concerns before their session so that all concerns can be discussed in the intake session. Do not be nervous, clinicians are here to listen and help.