Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy that helps treat a range of disorders. It is helpful in treating individuals that need help changing patterns of behavior or are unable to control their emotions. Patients can learn emotional and cognitive regulation by learning their triggers and coping skills. A number of tools and dialectical behavior therapy modules are used in order to teach DBT patients; these are the most commonly used ones.
Diary cards are one tool commonly usable during “homework”, or work patients can do outside of therapy sessions. They’re specifically formattable cards that can help with tracking behavior. Patients use them to identify interfering behaviors that distract or hinder their progress. Diary cards are for daily use, often 2-3 times a day, or once per week.
Chain analysis is a form of functional analysis of behavior. In this case, it has an increased focus on sequential events that form a behavioral chain. This tool has strong roots in behavioral psychology and is helpful in other forms of therapy too. Chain analysis shows patients how their actions, and emotions that cause certain actions, impact other parts of their life.
Milieu, or social environment, is crucial to DBT. This is the immediate physical and social setting in which people live and interact. Patients learn effective responses to interacting with the social environment. Group therapy sessions are also helpful in reinforcing this idea.
Finally, if you or someone you know is struggling, contact us today to see if dialectical behavior therapy can help them!
Dr. Rodriguez founded the Delray Center in 2003 and built it on a foundation of core clinical, professional, and ethical principles that are adhered to still to this day. Dr. Rodriguez founded the Delray Center in 2003 and built it on a foundation of core clinical, professional, and ethical principles that are adhered to still to this day.