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What Is DBT?

a young person receives dbt

What is DBT? Dialectical behavior therapy is a form of psychotherapy where therapists help patients cope with any negative or troubling thoughts and behaviors. This type of behavioral therapy is beneficial in treating borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and other mental health disorders. DBT can also benefit men and women who have suicidal or self-harming thoughts. Dialectical behavior therapy in Washington is essential for your teen’s development and continuing education.

At Imagine Seattle, we provide effective and compassionate support for teens aged 12-17 whose depression or anxiety disorder is interfering with their happiness and development. Our outpatient treatment facility provides behavioral and holistic therapies along with medication therapy for patients whose symptoms are causing significant problems at home or school. Fill out our online form or call 888.346.0473 today for more information about our dialectical behavior therapy in Washington.

What Is DBT?

What is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)? According to the American Psychological Association (APA), the DBT definition is “a flexible psychotherapy that comprises elements of behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness.” DBT is based on the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy and was originally designed to treat men and women struggling with borderline personality disorders.

DBT helps patients understand and accept their thoughts and behaviors and begin learning to change them through neuroplasticity, the process of restructuring the brain and forming new neural pathways. Once patients learn to recognize their negative thoughts and behaviors, they can begin replacing them with new healthy ways of thinking.

At Imagine Seattle, we will help you understand what DBT is and answer any questions you may have during the initial consultation. Our certified therapists will get to know you and your unique symptoms to form a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and recovery goals.

What to Expect During Dialectical Behavior Therapy

The first step toward a mentally healthy future is accepting that you need help and a willingness to do what is necessary to recover. This can be anything from abstaining from drugs or alcohol to accepting yourself for who you are and learning to love yourself. Here is just some of what you can expect during your dialectical behavior therapy program:

  • Patients get a clear understanding of what is dialectical behavior therapy and how it can improve their mental health. During the initial consultation, therapists will review the entire process and therapies they will use.
  • During individual therapy, patients will learn to process their thoughts and feelings in a healthy manner and develop new ways of thinking about themselves and the world around them.
  • Patients will participate in group therapy, where they will practice their coping skills with their peers under the supervision of their therapist. This allows patients to work on their communication and relationship skills while the therapist gets to see how they interact with others. They will then talk about any concerning behavior during private therapy.
  • Patients will also participate in various holistic therapies, such as meditation, yoga, and journaling, for a well-rounded treatment experience. These new skills and hobbies will help them maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout their lives.

Contact Imagine Seattle For Effective Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Washington

What is DBT? At Imagine Seattle, our behavioral therapist works with teen boys and girls aged 12-17 with borderline personality disorders or who are experiencing self-harming or suicidal thoughts. They gain useful coping skills that will help them process their thoughts and feelings in a healthy manner and continue with their education. We offer several types of treatment programs and therapies, including:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Partial hospitalization program
  • Intensive outpatient program
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Family therapy
  • Group and individual therapy

If your teen son or daughter is struggling with depression or recent trauma, call 888.346.0473 today to speak with our compassionate staff about helping your teen before their development and happiness are impaired.