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There’s a version of yourself that you’ve always wanted to be, and we’re here to help.

What Is DBT?

mental health professional and client pass a clipboard over desk while learning what is DBT

If you are researching what DBT is, you or a loved one may be struggling with a mental health disorder that is causing overwhelming emotions that disrupt your day. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a proven therapeutic technique that has a strong track record for helping people recover and build a healthy lifestyle. It works on replacing negative behaviors and giving people a new outlook on their lives and the world around them.

GRC is an outpatient mental health treatment facility that works with people from all walks of life who are struggling with severe emotional distress. We support Pennsylvanians who experience major depressive disorders, borderline personality disorders, and other treatable personality disorders. You will work one-on-one with a professional therapist to uncover the root cause of the issue and begin learning how to manage symptoms and triggers more effectively. Continue reading to learn more about dialectical behavior therapy in Pennsylvania from Gemini Recovery, then call 888.341.2524 today to speak with our team to schedule a tour and begin healing.

What Is DBT?

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT for short, is an offshoot of cognitive-behavioral therapy. In its early days, DBT treated individuals with borderline personality disorders and those at risk of self-harm through suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, or other negative behaviors. Today, DBT has successfully treated post-traumatic stress disorders, bulimia and other binge-eating disorders, severe depressive and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, and substance use disorders.

Dialectical behavior therapy focuses on four key therapeutic areas:

  1. Mindfulness – This technique teaches clients how to accept and stay present in the moment instead of obsessing over past traumas, troubling emotions, a comment from a friend, or an upcoming social engagement.
  1. Distress tolerance – This process teaches you how to tolerate negative emotions and not let them trigger any negative behaviors, suicidal thoughts, or cravings for drugs or alcohol.
  1. Emotional regulation – Therapists work one-on-one with each client to show them how to manage and change intense emotions and decrease the effect they have on them.
  1. Interpersonal effectiveness – This technique teaches people how to be better communicators and how to actively listen to what others are saying. It teaches them how to be assertive and speak up for themselves in an appropriate way that can increase self-respect and strengthen all types of relationships.

Gemini Recovery is a full-service, outpatient treatment center that works with people who are struggling with their mental health. Our team has experience treating a number of mental health illnesses using DBT, CBT, and other types of behavioral and holistic therapies at our discreet facility in Scranton.

The Benefits of Participating in Dialectical Behavior Therapy

There are many benefits of talking with a therapist and working with your peers who are experiencing similar struggles. One of the key benefits includes building healthy relationships with your peers. Friendships built on shared struggles form powerful bonds that will support you through difficult times.

Here are some additional benefits of participating in a dialectical behavior therapy program:

  • Mental health education – One of the first steps in recovery is understanding the issues that are causing intense emotions. Having this knowledge can help you learn to recognize the situations that trigger your emotions and how to stop them before causing any distress.
  • Medical support – Medication to treat mental health illnesses is safe and very effective when you follow the program and abstain from substance abuse. These medications can reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms along with addiction withdrawals, cravings, and other symptoms that can complicate the recovery process.
  • Behavioral therapies – In addition to DBT, treatment programs utilize a number of behavioral therapies that include cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention therapy.
  • Family therapy – An important part of the recovery process includes repairing broken relationships with spouses, parents, and other family members. All families can participate in family counseling to learn more about the disorder and what it takes to build a home life that supports the recovery journey.

DBT is just one type of therapeutic practice that has proven results in treating several types of mental health disorders. In addition to behavioral therapies, many programs include a wide mix of holistic therapies to further improve their mental health and teach them a number of healthy life skills.

Start Dialectical Behavior Therapy in PA at Gemini Recovery Center

What is DBT, and how do you know it’s right for you? At GRC, we run a full evaluation on each client to determine the best types of therapies and medical support to treat all aspects of the disorder. Our outpatient programs are ideal for those who want to work with a therapist while they continue working, going to school, or caring for families. If you would like more information about our dialectical behavior therapy programs, call 888.341.2524 or send us a message online today, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.