DBT Skills Class: Emotion Regulation
Adolescent/Family Class
March 13th – May 8th
Wednesdays | 7:00 – 8:30 PM
2750 Old Alabama Rd. | Johns Creek
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy that has been specially adapted for individuals who experience emotions very intensely.
- DBT is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) but tailored to address intense emotions.
- The term “dialectical” refers to combining opposite ideas. In DBT, individuals learn to accept their current reality while also working on changing unhelpful behaviors.
- Developed by American psychologist Marsha Linehan in the 1970s, DBT aims to help people manage and regulate their emotions effectively.
- Conditions Treated with DBT:
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): DBT is commonly used for individuals with BPD.
- Self-harm and suicidal behavior: DBT provides strategies to cope with intense emotions.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Helps manage distressing symptoms.
- Substance use disorder: Assists in addressing emotional triggers.
- Eating disorders (specifically binge eating disorder and bulimia).
- Depression and anxiety.
- (DBT) consists of four core modules (Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Distress Tolerance) that provide essential skills to help individuals manage their emotions, cope with stress, and improve their relationships.
Emotion Regulation is a crucial skill that helps individuals manage their emotions effectively. Here are the key aspects of emotion regulation:
- Identifying Emotions:
- Recognizing and labeling different emotions you experience.
- Awareness of when specific emotions arise.
- Opposite Action:
- When an emotion prompts you to engage in a certain behavior, consider doing the opposite.
- Example: If you feel like withdrawing (due to sadness), try reaching out to someone instead.
- Problem-Solving:
- Addressing emotional triggers or stressors.
- Identifying practical solutions to reduce emotional distress.
- Increasing Positive Emotions:
- Engaging in activities that bring joy, satisfaction, or contentment.
- Focusing on positive experiences to balance out negative emotions.