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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Maryland

Dialectical behavior therapy teaches individuals effective emotional regulation strategies so they can address intense emotions, self-destructive behaviors, and interpersonal challenges. If you struggle with managing your emotional responses or untreated trauma, this form of talk therapy teaches you healthier coping mechanisms.  

At Rose Wellness, our board-certified, compassionate, and knowledgeable team offers telehealth sessions throughout Maryland. You can schedule your meeting with a dialectical behavior therapist in Maryland today by calling us at (202) 681-1348.

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What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that focuses on helping people who are struggling to control their intense emotional responses. The core goals of DBT involve teaching individuals to accept their reality (including their past traumas or pains) while changing their unhelpful response behaviors to triggers. The counseling model helps you learn mindfulness so you know what emotions to focus on right now, giving you the ability to separate harmful thoughts from real feelings.

DBT is particularly effective for personality vulnerabilities (like borderline personality disorder) that are often due to untreated trauma. It helps clients build skills for managing their emotions and relationships so they can take control of their lives. 

What Can Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Maryland Treat?

This evidence-based model offers effective treatment for various mental health conditions. We find that it can be especially helpful for patients dealing with extremely intense or uncontrollable emotions, as the therapeutic model aims to help individuals regain control over thoughts. 

Some examples of mental health disorders that DBT has been proven to be effective in treating are as follows:

  • Borderline personality disorder 
  • Suicidal and self-harm behaviors
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Eating disorders
  • Substance use disorders
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

How Our DBT Sessions Typically Work

Knowing what to expect before meeting with your dialectical behavior therapist in Maryland can help ease your nerves. Your initial consultation or first session will involve a pre-assessment to ensure you’re suitable for DBT. During this phone call, we’ll ask you a few questions and go over how sessions work to ensure that you’ll be committed to the treatment process moving forward.

Your therapist will recommend session frequency based on your needs. Counseling typically takes 40 to 60 minutes per session, where you’ll discuss any distress or change from the previous week and goals moving forward. At Rose Wellness, we also support virtual group sessions and are available for crisis coaching to support you whenever needed. 

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Skills You Can Gain

This form of psychotherapy focuses on teaching four primary skills:

  • Mindfulness: Become present in the moment rather than focused on the past. 
  • Distress tolerance: Manage your emotions during intense and stressful situations rather than responding in harmful ways.
  • Interpersonal effectiveness: Learn how to set boundaries, prioritize your needs, ask others for what you want, and maintain respect for others and yourself. 
  • Emotion regulation: Control your emotions and maintain awareness over how your thoughts affect your feelings. 

By learning these skills, you can achieve more balance in your day-to-day life and gain acceptance of past traumas. 

FAQ

If you still want to learn more about this form of counseling, read through the answers to frequently asked questions below. You may also call our team at (202) 681-1348, and we’d be happy to help. 

What Does Dialectical Mean?

Dialectical means that two opposing things can be true at the same time. In the context of therapy, it combines opposing ideas to help individuals see that their thoughts do not need to translate to their emotions or that their lives can be different after past trauma. 

How Are DBT and CBT Different?

Dialectical behavior therapy is just one type of cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is a large branch of psychotherapy focusing on teaching patients to retrain negative behavioral or thought patterns into positive ones. DBT combines this theory with mindfulness to specifically help patients deal with intense emotions, teaching them how to differentiate thoughts and past trauma from present feelings. 

What Are Examples of DBT Exercises?

Some DBT exercises to teach you mindfulness and emotional regulation include breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation. Your dialectical behavior therapist in Maryland will work with you to develop response techniques to your particular stimuli so you’re prepared to handle intensely stressful situations with healthier coping mechanisms. 

Do You Struggle With Handling Your Intense Emotions? Schedule a Consultation Today

Your emotions don’t need to control your life, relationships, and career. Meet with a compassionate and knowledgeable dialectical behavior therapist in Maryland today by calling Rose Wellness at (202) 681-1348.