Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Kennesaw, GA

Shantel: For me, helping people in dialectical behavior therapy includes creating space for a client to manage overwhelming emotions by unlocking their own inner ability to handle distress effectively and mindfully.

Betsy : I use DBT because it encourages mindfulness for its calming effect.

Shantel: Tools that I use from dialectical behavior therapy include distress tolerance skills (radical acceptance, healthy distraction, self-soothing, visualization, etc.), mindfulness (grounding, meditation, and mind-body connection), emotion regulation skills (awareness, management, and improvement), and interpersonal effectiveness (teaching interpersonal skills to strengthen relationships).

Betsy : Generally, I prefer to use mindfulness techniques.

Shantel: Meaningful progress in dialectical behavior therapy looks like consistency and commitment to daily practices like self-reflection, mindfulness, affirming, and relaxation for emotional health.

Betsy : I can tell my client is making progress when my client is noticeably more at peace, calmer, and more present.

Shantel: Clients can supplement their time in dialectical behavior therapy through safe place visualization, meditation, deep breathing exercises, being aware of emotions, and using committed action.

Betsy : Clients can supplement their time in DBT/mindfulness through meditation at home, journaling, writing about gratitude, and challenging negative thoughts.

Shantel: To prepare for their first dialectical behavior therapy session, an individual can identify what they want to focus on, gather questions, and come prepared to be open and honest.

Betsy : To prepare for their first DBT session, an individual can have the process of DBT explained to them.