Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a form of therapy that was originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). DBT combines standard cognitive behavioural techniques for emotional regulation and reality-testing with concepts of distress tolerance, acceptance, and mindful awareness largely derived from Buddhist meditative practice.
Research has shown that DBT is also effective in treating patients who present varied symptoms and behaviors associated with mood disorders, including self-depression anxiety and self harming injury.
DBT strives to have the patient view the therapist as an ally rather than an adversary in the treatment of psychological issues.
Accordingly, the therapist aims to accept and validate the client’s feelings at any given time, while, nonetheless, informing the client that some feelings and behaviors are maladaptive, and showing them better alternatives.