What is DBT and Who is it For?

When emotions feel overwhelming, relationships are difficult to manage, or life just feels out of control, finding the right kind of support can make all the difference. One powerful, evidence-based approach to therapy that helps people gain stability and improve their quality of life is Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT.

But what exactly is DBT — and who can benefit from it?

Understanding DBT: More Than Just a Therapy Buzzword

DBT is a structured type of therapy originally developed by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s to treat individuals struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Since then, it has been adapted to support people with a wide range of mental health concerns.

What sets DBT apart is its balance between acceptance and change. The “dialectical” part of the name refers to holding two opposing truths at once — like, “I’m doing the best I can” and “I need to do better.”

DBT focuses on building specific skills in four main areas:

1. Mindfulness – Learning to stay present and aware without judgment.
2. Distress Tolerance – Navigating crisis situations without making things worse.
3. Emotion Regulation – Understanding and managing intense emotional responses.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness – Communicating more clearly and maintaining healthier relationships.

Who is DBT For?

While DBT was originally designed for people with Borderline Personality Disorder, it has been proven effective for many others. You might benefit from DBT if you struggle with:

• Intense emotions or mood swings
• Impulsive behaviors (like self-harm, binge eating, or substance use)
• Unstable or chaotic relationships
• Chronic feelings of emptiness or loneliness
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Difficulty managing anger or emotional outbursts
• Trouble staying grounded during stressful situations

DBT is also commonly used to support individuals with:

• Bipolar Disorder
• PTSD and Trauma
• Neurodivergent Diagnosis
• ADHD
• Depression and Anxiety (especially when traditional talk therapy hasn’t been effective)

What Makes DBT Different?

DBT isn’t just weekly talk therapy — it’s a comprehensive program that usually includes:

• Weekly individual therapy
• Weekly skills training group
• Between-session coaching (by phone, text, or app) to apply skills in real life
• A consultation team for therapists, to make sure clients get the best care

This structure helps clients actually use the tools they learn, rather than just talking about change.

Is DBT Right For You?

If you often feel like your emotions run the show, if your relationships feel like a rollercoaster, or if you’ve tried therapy before and didn’t feel like it helped — DBT might be what you’re looking for.

It’s not easy work, but it’s life-changing. DBT is about building a life worth living — on your terms.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re curious about starting DBT, we’re here to help. Our DBT program is designed to provide supportive, evidence-based care for individuals age 16+ across Missouri and Kansas. We offer individual sessions, skills groups, and even online options with 24/7 booking available.

Reach out today to schedule a screening session — and take the first step toward more emotional stability and peace.