24/7 Admissions | Call Now: (800) 939-6636
24/7 Admissions | Call Now: (800) 939-6636
At New Directions for Women, we’re dedicated to transforming women’s lives through evidence-based therapies. Our comprehensive Women’s Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program can give you the tools to make a lasting change.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a treatment approach developed by Dr. Marsha M. Linehan in the late 1980s. DBT focuses on teaching clients skills to manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships. It emphasizes the psychosocial aspect of treatment — the theory that some people are prone to react in a more intense and out-of-the-ordinary manner toward certain emotional situations, primarily those found in romantic, family, and friend relationships.
DBT was initially designed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Over the years, DBT has since proven effective for various mental health conditions, including mood disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, and more.
DBT was initially designed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Over the years, DBT has since proven effective for various mental health conditions, including mood disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, and more.
DBT is rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) principles, but incorporates dialectical philosophy, which emphasizes the integration of opposites. The term “dialectical” refers to the process of balancing and synthesizing conflicting concepts, such as acceptance and change.
Practitioners use the following approaches to help clients develop positive coping strategies and a healthier outlook on life:
Mindfulness: DBT places a strong emphasis on mindfulness by encouraging individuals to be present in the moment without judgment. Mindfulness skills help people develop awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This fosters a non-judgmental understanding of themselves.
Distress Tolerance: This module focuses on teaching individuals how to tolerate and survive crises without making impulsive decisions that may worsen their circumstances. Distress tolerance skills help individuals endure intense emotions without resorting to harmful coping mechanisms.
Emotion Regulation: DBT aims to enhance emotional regulation by teaching individuals to identify and manage their emotions effectively. This includes understanding and identifying emotions, reducing emotional vulnerability, and developing strategies to modulate intense feelings.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: This module focuses on improving communication skills, setting boundaries, and building healthy relationships. Interpersonal effectiveness skills help individuals navigate social interactions, express their needs, and maintain self-respect in relationships.
Middle Path: The concept of the “middle path” in DBT encourages individuals to find a balanced and moderate approach to addressing problems in their lives. Rather than interpreting circumstances in “black-and-white” terms, clients learn how to embrace uncertainty, nuance, and gray areas.
New Directions for Women is one of the leading providers of addiction-focused dialectical behavior therapy in California. We offer more than just a treatment center; New Directions for Women is a sanctuary for healing. Our DBT program for woment serves as an integral part of the treatment journey. To ensure accessibility for all, we also offer specialized tracks for mothers and individuals who demonstrate financial need.
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At New Directions for Women, we take pride in the level of individualized clinical care we offer to our community of women. If you have any questions or are struggling with addiction, contact us today.
While DBT is not exclusively for women, it can be particularly beneficial in addressing issues that are often prevalent in women. For example, DBT sessions for women may focus on topics that are more relevant to women’s experiences, such as emotional dysregulation, self-harm, eating disorders, and trauma-related disorders.
Yes, DBT can be effective in treating eating disorders and body image issues. It helps individuals develop healthier ways to cope with distressing emotions and thoughts, which are often at the root of these issues.
DBT can be helpful for women experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety. It teaches skills to manage intense emotions and improve relationships, which can be particularly beneficial during the postpartum period.
The length of DBT treatment can vary, but a full program typically lasts about 6-12 months. This includes weekly individual therapy sessions and group skills training sessions.
Some challenges include confronting difficult emotions, learning and applying new skills consistently, and balancing therapy with other life commitments. Group settings can also be challenging for those who have interpersonal difficulties.
Yes, DBT can be effective for women with trauma and PTSD. It helps in managing distress and improving emotional regulation, which is crucial for individuals with trauma histories.
DBT includes traditional CBT elements but places greater emphasis on emotional and social aspects, mindfulness, acceptance, and the therapist-client relationship. It’s more focused on building skills to manage emotions and improve relationships.
2607 Willo Lane
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(800) 939-6636
2280 University Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(800) 939-6636
