What is DBT?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based cognitive-behavioral treatment developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. It was originally designed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and chronic suicidal ideation, but has since been adapted to treat a wide range of conditions involving emotional dysregulation.
The core concept of DBT is "dialectics"—the idea that two seemingly opposite things can both be true. Specifically, it teaches clients to balance acceptance of themselves as they are, with the commitment to change their maladaptive behaviors.
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)? - Comprehensive Overview
The Four Modules of DBT Skills
DBT is highly structured and focuses on teaching four specific sets of skills:
- Mindfulness — The foundation of DBT. Learning to be fully present in the moment without judgment.
- Distress Tolerance — Learning how to tolerate pain in difficult situations without making things worse (e.g., radical acceptance, self-soothing).
- Emotion Regulation — Understanding how emotions work, reducing vulnerability to negative emotions, and increasing positive emotional experiences.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness — Learning to ask for what you need, say no, and navigate conflict while maintaining self-respect and relationships.
DBT Therapy Specialists
Verified Oregon therapists
Kate Mordarski
★ FEATURED PROLPC · 916 SW King Avenue Suite 202
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with 17 years experience providing outpatient, residential,…
Steven Ponec
★ FEATURED PROProfessional Counselor Associate · Tigard, OR 97223
Hello! I’m Steven, a Professional Counselor Associate passionate about helping kids, teens, and…
Jacky Gomez
★ FEATURED PROLCSW
You may seem OK on the outside, but on the inside, your mind rarely slows down. There is constant…
Mackenzie Phelps
★ FEATUREDProfessional Counselor Associate; Marriage & Family Associate · 2206 SE Washington St.
Accepting NEW Clients! Supporting adolescents, adults, families, and LGBTQIA+ clients navigating…
Eric Richers
PROLicensed Professional Counselor (LPC), CADC III · Eugene, OR 97403
Do relationships feel more challenging than they should? Do you feel stuck, isolated, and…
Who Can Benefit from DBT?
DBT is backed by decades of research and is highly effective for:
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Self-harm and chronic suicidal thoughts
- Eating Disorders (Bulimia and Binge Eating)
- Substance Use Disorders
- Treatment-Resistant Depression
- Severe trauma and PTSD
Sources & Clinical Evidence
- Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. The foundational text for DBT.
- Behavioral Tech. DBT Clinical Research Review. Compiles the robust clinical evidence showing DBT's effectiveness in reducing suicidal behavior, self-injury, and treatment dropout.