How DBT Works

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What is DBT?

Grounded in solid research, DBT is a type of behavior therapy with undeniable success in bringing people out through pain and closer to their life worth living. It stands for Dialectical behavior therapy: dialectical here meaning holding many things true at the same time.

At Full Focus Therapy, we use the skills from the four modules of DBT and put them to work for LGTBQ+ adults. Our work is grounded in the philosophy of DBT and we use that guiding philosophy to help people move through anxiety and depression.

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Please note: if you are seeking full service comprehensive DBT, which involves in-person individual sessions, group therapy, and phone coaching, that is not currently available at Full Focus Therapy as we are a fully online practice. We offer virtual therapy sessions grounded in the theory and techniques of DBT and designed to work with people from the LGBTQ+ community.

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DBT utilizes four major principles for the utmost clarity and results.

Mindfulness

One of the main ideas in Mindfulness is that each person has a wise mind within them. To reach this wise mind, you need to use both your feelings and the information you have. If you ignore your emotions, you will be blocked from accessing empathy and your own experience. And if you ignore your logic, you'll miss the facts and the long-term view. When you combine both the emotion side and the logic side, you can find your wise mind.

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Emotional Regulation

The Emotion Regulation module aims to reduce suffering caused by emotions and increase comfort with the full range of emotions. The first step is to understand and name emotions and their intensity. Then interpret the valuable information conveyed by emotions so you can cope with them effectively.

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Distress Tolerance

Some problems have no solution and we can't avoid all pain. This module helps us accept that fact. In Distress Tolerance, we refer to these skills as "fire extinguisher skills" because they're what we use during a crisis. How do you handle an emergency without making it worse? And once you survive the immediate life-or-death situation, how do you come to terms with it and move on to live the rest of your life? Distress Tolerance provides the answers.

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Interpersonal Effectiveness

Connection to others brings sweetness to life. Conflict and trouble with closeness can damage self-esteem and overall life satisfaction. Not everyone knows how to resolve conflicts or stand up for themselves. Interpersonal skills can help bridge these gaps. Whether you have few or many relationships, these skills can improve your sense of belonging and create more fulfilling friendships, romantic relationships, and community connections.

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Articles About DBT

Blog
Treating Adult ADHD with DBT
Treating Adult ADHD with DBT

Living with ADHD can feel like having a superpower that does not come with an instruction manual. One minute you’re hyper-focused on a project. The next, a dozen unrelated thoughts pop up to distract you. Things slip through the cracks. In this article we’ll get into how DBT works and how it can help you navigate having a brain with ADHD.

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Overcoming Procrastination with DBT Skills
Overcoming Procrastination with DBT Skills

Procrastination is a common struggle, and we’ve all had to deal with it at one point or another. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has tools to help you regain control, balance your emotions, and start moving forward—one small skill at a time.

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The Stages of DBT Treatment: Road Map for LGBTQ+ Clients
The Stages of DBT Treatment: Road Map for LGBTQ+ Clients

Whether it’s emotions that feel like they’re running the show or past traumas that still sting, creating balance can feel tough. Enter Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a powerful therapy designed to help you regulate your emotions, manage distress, and build a life you’re proud of.

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Every big journey starts with the first step.

We know that choosing a therapy practice can be both exciting and scary. If you’re feeling ready to begin your mental health journey, schedule a free 20-minute consultation today.

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