Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a highly structured, evidence-based therapy developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan to help individuals who experience intense emotions, chronic distress, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships. DBT is built around a central idea: two things can be true at the same time—you are doing the best you can, and meaningful change is still possible.

DBT focuses on teaching practical tools that help people manage overwhelming emotions, tolerate distress without making things worse, and navigate relationships more effectively. These tools are organized into four core skill areas: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Mindfulness serves as the foundation of DBT, helping clients develop awareness of their internal experiences without judgment and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

In DBT, therapy balances acceptance and change. Clients learn how to validate their emotional experience while also building skills that support safer, more stable patterns of coping and connection. The approach is collaborative, structured, and compassionate, with a strong emphasis on real-world application.

DBT has been extensively researched and shown to be highly effective in reducing self-harm behaviors, suicidal ideation, emotional instability, and interpersonal conflict. It is commonly used to treat borderline personality disorder, mood disorders, trauma, substance use concerns, and chronic emotional dysregulation. Research consistently shows that DBT leads to meaningful and lasting improvements in emotional stability, relationships, and quality of life.

At its core, DBT helps people build a life that feels more manageable, connected, and worth living.