Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Toms River, NJ

My go-to approach for helping people in dialectical behavior therapy is educating them on the many different coping skills and how they can be used with so many different diagnoses. There are basic skills such as relaxation techniques and distraction techniques; however, TIPs, STOP, and learning to use pros and cons are useful. Learning how to incorporate mindfulness into one's daily regimen is very helpful. When working with someone who experiences depression, teaching about opposite reaction, fortune telling, catastrophizing, and practicing self-validation are all helpful. I usually provide a link to a specific DBT Workbook that includes handouts to cover during sessions and then worksheets for the client to use as homework.

I teach the following tools in dialectical behavior therapy:

• Opposite action: Identify emotions you want to change, assess whether your emotion and its intensity is justified by facts, assess the emotion's effectiveness, and (if necessary) act opposite to your action urges until your emotion changes.
• PLEASE skill: Treating PhysicaL illness, balance Eating, Avoid mood-altering substances, balance Sleep, get Exercise.
• FAST skills: be Fair, no Apologies, Stick to values, be Truthful.

I know a client is making meaningful progress in dialectical behavior therapy when they are able to recognize which coping skills to use and the skills become second nature. The client will also be able to identify and use mindfulness skills to evaluate themselves and their behaviors.

Clients can supplement their time in dialectical behavior therapy by working on the homework presented to them, which helps them to better understand the process. The client will use journaling and “The Ultimate List of Emotions” to help them identify their genuine emotions, feelings, and thoughts.

To prepare for their first dialectical behavior therapy session, an individual can practice being open-minded and nonjudgmental. I prefer that my clients stay far away from Google when learning about new techniques. The client should understand the importance of dedicating themselves to therapy, making sure they are present for the sessions, and doing the homework that is assigned to them.