DBT

What is DBT?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy that teaches people how to better understand their emotions, cope with stress, and improve how they relate to themselves and others. It combines mindfulness (being present in the moment) with real-world problem-solving strategies.

DBT usually includes one-on-one sessions, group skills classes, and between-session support (like coaching calls, depending on the program). These parts work together to help clients build skills in four key areas:

• Mindfulness – learning to stay grounded and present
• Distress tolerance – handling tough emotions without reacting impulsively
• Emotion regulation – understanding and managing big feelings
• Interpersonal effectiveness – setting boundaries and communicating more clearly

The goal is to help individuals feel more in control and less overwhelmed by life’s challenges.

What kinds of issues can DBT help with?

DBT can be a helpful fit for anyone who feels like emotions tend to run the show. It was originally created for people with intense emotional swings, but it’s now used to support a wide range of concerns, such as:

• Feeling emotionally reactive or constantly on edge
• Trouble managing anger, sadness, or anxiety
• Relationship struggles or communication issues
• Self-harming behaviors or thoughts of not wanting to be here
• Disordered eating, substance use, or other patterns that feel hard to break
• Past trauma that still feels present

If emotions feel too big, or if it’s hard to bounce back from setbacks, DBT offers tools to help regain stability and move forward with confidence.

What are the benefits of DBT?

One of the best things about DBT is that it focuses on real-life tools, things you can actually use outside of therapy. People who go through DBT often say they feel more in control, more grounded, and more capable of handling whatever comes their way.

Some benefits include:

• Feeling less overwhelmed by emotions
• More calm and fewer emotional outbursts
• Healthier, more fulfilling relationships
• Stronger self-awareness and a greater sense of control
• Better communication and boundary-setting skills

DBT isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about helping you reconnect with the version of yourself that feels strong, clear, and whole.

How does DBT work?

DBT works by combining practical skills with compassionate support. In individual sessions, Dr. Smith helps clients apply DBT tools to their everyday lives. In group skills classes, clients learn and practice those tools alongside others on a similar journey.

Each week builds on the last, giving individuals time and space to grow. Over time, patterns begin to shift: reactions become responses, old habits lose their grip, and new possibilities take shape.

DBT creates a space where change feels possible, even when life has felt out of control for a long time. With the right support and the right tools, healing and growth can happen—one step at a time.

To explore DBT for yourself, call The Mending Place PLLC, or request a consultation online today.