DBT Treatment for Adults

Effective Treatment for Emotional Regulation and Personal Growth
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Empowering Adults Through DBT

Our DBT Treatment for Adults offers a comprehensive set of skills and strategies to address and overcome their emotional and behavioral challenges.

The skills address the following:

  • Increasing awareness of your own thoughts, feelings, physical responses, environmental cues, and relationships
  • Helping you learn “what TO DO” when you might say/do something to make matters worse
  • Learning skills to keep you in a moderate range with your emotions
  • Practicing the skills of compromise, “finding the middle path,” validation, and behavior changes
  • Focusing on the most effective ways to negotiate, ask for what you want, and listen when someone disagrees with you without losing sight of your values and self-respect.
Contemplative man seated on a couch, surrounded by greenery, representing therapeutic reflection and counseling at Connections Child and Family Center.

key ways in which DBT can help you improve your life

  •  DBT offers very practical “life skills” for you to apply daily – whether it’s about how you manage your own thoughts & feelings or how you interact with others at home, work, or with friends. 
  • If you struggle with intense and difficult-to-manage emotions or with suppressing and not addressing your emotions – we can help!
  • If you notice your decision-making is sometimes a challenge, DBT skills offer concrete solutions to improve your work-life balance as well as your relationships. 
  • If you’re a parent and feel immobilized or deeply confused about how to relate to your teen or manage your feelings around their challenges – all the DBT skills can help you!
  • If your relationship with your partner seems to be the one area where you are “triggered” into big emotions, fears, or conflict – the full curriculum of DBT skills is for you!
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5 Top Reasons Why DBT Is Beneficial for Adults

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers several benefits for adults. Here is a list of the top 5 reasons how it can prove beneficial for adults

  • Emotion Regulation: DBT provides adults with practical skills to manage and regulate their emotions effectively. This can help individuals cope with stress, reduce impulsive behavior, and enhance emotional stability.
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness: DBT focuses on improving interpersonal skills, such as communication, assertiveness, and boundary-setting. These skills enable adults to build healthier relationships and navigate conflicts more effectively.
  • Distress Tolerance: DBT equips adults with techniques to tolerate and cope with distressing situations. This can be especially helpful in managing crises, preventing self-destructive behaviors, and reducing impulsive reactions.
  • Mindfulness: DBT incorporates mindfulness practices, which promote present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance. Developing mindfulness skills can enhance self-awareness, reduce rumination, and improve overall well-being.
  • Self-Validation and Acceptance: DBT emphasizes self-acceptance and validation, encouraging adults to acknowledge their emotions and experiences without judgment. This fosters self-compassion, reduces self-criticism, and promotes a more positive self-image.

Remember, DBT is typically provided by trained professionals who tailor the therapy to individual needs. It’s always advisable to consult with a licensed therapist to determine if DBT is a suitable approach for you or someone you know.

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Interested In DBT?

Take the DBT Self-Assessment Quiz! This quiz is designed to help you assess your emotional well-being and readiness for positive change. Let’s dive in and discover how DBT can make a positive impact on your life.

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What Is DBT?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach that has been extensively researched and validated for its effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions. DBT was initially developed by Dr. Marsha M. Linehan in the 1980s as a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It was originally designed to help individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) who experienced significant emotional dysregulation and self-destructive behaviors.

Research studies have consistently demonstrated the efficacy of DBT across a range of populations and mental health conditions. For instance, a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (Linehan et al., 2015) reviewed 30 studies involving over 2,000 individuals and found that DBT significantly reduced self-harm, suicidal behaviors, and treatment dropout rates among individuals with BPD. It also showed positive effects in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

Research On DBT

Furthermore, research has expanded the application of DBT beyond BPD. Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating individuals with other conditions, such as eating disorders, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and mood disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder). DBT has also shown promise in addressing emotion dysregulation and self-destructive behaviors in populations such as adolescents and individuals with co-occurring disorders.

The research on DBT highlights its value in promoting emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and mindfulness skills. These therapeutic components contribute to improved overall well-being and reduced symptoms in various populations. As DBT continues to be researched and refined, it remains a widely recognized and evidence-based treatment approach for adults facing emotional and behavioral challenges.

key ways in which DBT facilitates improvement In Emotional & Behavioural Challenges

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) helps individuals get better by providing them with a comprehensive set of skills and strategies to address and overcome their emotional and behavioral challenges. Here are some key ways in which DBT facilitates improvement:

Skill Development

DBT focuses on teaching practical skills that individuals can apply in their daily lives. These skills include emotion regulation techniques, interpersonal effectiveness strategies, distress tolerance methods, and mindfulness practices. By acquiring and implementing these skills, individuals gain the ability to manage their emotions, improve relationships, cope with distress, and stay present in the moment.

Enhanced Emotional Regulation

Many individuals struggle with intense and difficult-to-manage emotions. DBT helps individuals develop skills to identify, understand, and regulate their emotions effectively. This involves learning to recognize triggers, employ healthy coping mechanisms, and reduce impulsive or self-destructive behaviors. By improving emotional regulation, individuals can experience greater stability and well-being.

Improved Interpersonal Relationships

DBT places significant emphasis on interpersonal effectiveness, teaching individuals how to communicate effectively, set boundaries, and negotiate conflicts. These skills empower individuals to build healthier and more fulfilling relationships, reducing interpersonal distress and improving social interactions.

Coping with Distress and Crises

DBT equips individuals with tools to tolerate and cope with distressing situations, including crises. By learning specific techniques to manage overwhelming emotions and navigate difficult circumstances, individuals can prevent self-harming behaviors, impulsive actions, and impulsive decision-making.

Mindfulness and Self-Acceptance

DBT incorporates mindfulness practices that encourage individuals to be fully present in the moment, without judgment or criticism. This cultivates self-awareness, self-acceptance, and a non-reactive mindset. Mindfulness helps individuals observe their thoughts, emotions, and sensations objectively, reducing rumination and promoting a more balanced perspective.

Through these therapeutic elements, DBT empowers individuals to take an active role in their recovery, develop new coping strategies, and create positive changes in their lives. It provides them with the tools and support they need to navigate challenges, build resilience, and achieve overall well-being. It’s important to note that DBT is typically delivered in a structured and supportive environment, often involving both individual therapy sessions and group skills training.

Why DBT instead of CBT?

Choosing between Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) depends on individual needs, preferences, and the nature of the mental health condition being addressed. While both therapies share some similarities, they also have distinct features that may make one more suitable than the other in certain situations. Here are a few reasons why DBT might be preferred over CBT:

  • Emotion Dysregulation: DBT specifically targets individuals with significant difficulties in emotion regulation, such as those with borderline personality disorder (BPD). DBT provides a comprehensive set of skills to help individuals effectively manage and regulate intense emotions. If emotion dysregulation is a primary concern, DBT’s focus on emotional coping strategies may be more beneficial than CBT.
  • Self-Destructive Behaviors: DBT places a strong emphasis on addressing self-destructive behaviors, including self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and impulsive actions. It provides specific techniques to reduce these behaviors and promote healthier coping mechanisms. If an individual struggles with these behaviors, DBT’s specialized interventions may be particularly relevant.
  • Acceptance and Validation: DBT incorporates principles of acceptance and validation, emphasizing non-judgmental acceptance of oneself and one’s experiences. This aspect of DBT can be helpful for individuals who struggle with self-criticism, shame, or a negative self-image. CBT typically focuses more on challenging and modifying unhelpful thoughts and beliefs.
  • Group Skills Training: DBT often includes a group skills training component, where individuals learn and practice skills together. This group format provides opportunities for peer support, learning from others’ experiences, and practicing interpersonal skills in a safe environment. If group interactions and learning are appealing or beneficial, DBT’s group skills training can be an advantage.

Four studies found that DBT skills training is SUPERIOR to other active and non-active control therapy types.

It’s important to note that CBT remains a widely utilized and effective therapy for various mental health conditions. CBT focuses on identifying and modifying unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, and it has a strong evidence base supporting its effectiveness. Ultimately, the choice between DBT and CBT should be based on individual needs, goals, and the expertise of the therapist providing the treatment. Consulting with a mental health professional can help determine which approach may be the most suitable for a particular situation.

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What Change Can We Bring into Your Lives through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

After successful completion of your Dialectical Behavior Therapy, you’ll definitely be living a happier life. But, if we had to specify the possible results, all we can say is, you’ll:

  • Drastically improve your interpersonal relationships.
  • Learn practical strategies to tackle emotions.
  • Feel more connected to everyone around you.
  • Feel exceptional stability in your emotions and behavior.
  • Have a better self-image.
  • Get rid of negative thinking, feel heard and be embraced.
  • Identify what matters the most to you.
  • Feel fulfilled in your relationships and needs.
  • Get a sense of accomplishment.
  • Overcome suicidal thoughts, trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress.

Looks like the ideal life you have always dreamt of? 

Yes, you CAN live a life worth enjoying every moment. But, you are just an appointment away from your ideal lifestyle.

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Learn More About the Benefits of DBT

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Therapists Who Offer Dialectical Behavior Therapy

  • Portrait of a smiling person with red hair wearing a blue blazer and black top, standing against a brick wall. They are wearing a necklace with a blue pendant, representing warmth and approachability associated with Houston Child & Family Support & Therapy at Connections FC.

    Lauren Pasqua, PsyD, PMH-C
  • Meredith Wiese, a woman in a blue shirt, is leaning against a bush.

    Meredith Wiese, Ph.D, LSSP
  • Smiling person in a blue sweater standing outdoors in a forest setting, representing DBT adolescent and family therapy in Houston.

    Katie Rial, PhD
  • Smiling woman in a blue sweater with long wavy hair standing outdoors with a blurred background. Image related to DBT Adolescent & Family Therapy in Houston - Teen Counseling.

    Elisa Squier, LMFT

  • Michelle Swanson, MS, LMFT
  • A man in a blue shirt smiling in a park with staff and clinical team.

    Jerome Javellana, LPC
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How Can Our Treatment Solve Your Problem and Seize a Happy, Healthy Life for You from the Jaws of Dismay and Mental Trauma?

It might seem like depression, self-harming behavior, or negative thoughts can never be overcome. But DBT works like a charm. You can see the positive outcomes in a few sessions.

The great thing about DBT is…

It’s organized, focused, and targeted. 

What dialectical behavioral therapy primarily does is shifts problematic behavior. At Connection CFC, we do this by: 

  • Teaching coping tools
  • Increasing emotional awareness
  • Building empathy and compassion
  • Supporting understanding oneself and others
  • Trauma-informed practices
  • Evidence-based treatments
  • Experiential modalities (art, play, sand tray)

We use the latest science & research-based treatment approaches, combine them with expressive methods of play, art, or sand tray. And, after throwing in some humor, playfulness, and support, we hold your hand and take you out of the stagnant state of life.

A therapist and client engage in a counseling session at Connections Child and Family Center. The setting is a cozy room with a sofa, pillows, and soft lighting, creating a comfortable environment for discussion.

Not necessarily! Borderline personality disorder can be treated with DBT but being recommended for DBT doesn’t mean you have a BPD. Many emotional and behavioral dysfunctions are treated with DBT. Depression, anxiety, suicidality, non-suicidal self-injury, for instance.

The sessions may vary depending on the area, your therapist, and your specific therapy needs. However, most DBT sessions are as follows:

  • DBT Pre-treatment
  • DBT Individual Therapy
  • Skills Training in a Class
  • Telephone Crisis Coaching
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DBT Treatment for Adults in Spring, Texas

If anxiety, emotional instability, or relationship struggles are holding you back, DBT treatment for adults at Connections Child & Family Center can help you regain control and live the life you desire. Take the first step towards lasting change today.

Start your journey to emotional well-being and personal growth with DBT treatment—because you deserve to live a balanced and fulfilling life.

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