Understanding DBT Therapy: A Path Toward Balance and Healing

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a powerful and evidence-based therapeutic approach that has helped countless individuals build healthier lives. Originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, DBT is used to address a wide variety of mental health difficulties. For many, DBT offers a roadmap for finding balance between acceptance and change—a skill that can be life-changing.

In this blog, we’ll explore what DBT therapy is, how it can be helpful for different clients, the concerns it can treat, and what you can expect from the process.

What Is DBT Therapy?

DBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes the development of four core skill areas:

  1. Mindfulness – the ability to be present in the moment without judgment.

  2. Distress Tolerance – tools to survive crisis situations without making things worse.

  3. Emotion Regulation – strategies to understand, manage, and shift intense emotions.

  4. Interpersonal Effectiveness – skills to build healthy relationships, set boundaries, and communicate needs effectively.

What makes DBT unique is its balance between acceptance (validating where clients are right now) and change (helping them move toward healthier patterns). This dual focus often resonates with clients who feel stuck between acknowledging their pain and wanting something better.

Who Can Benefit from DBT Therapy?

Research and clinical practice have shown that DBT can be effective for a wide range of clients. DBT can be helpful for:

  • Adults and teens who experience intense emotions or mood swings.

  • Clients struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

  • Individuals dealing with substance use challenges.

  • Those navigating complicated relationships or difficulties setting boundaries.

  • People living with past trauma who need tools to cope with triggers.

Because DBT is skill-based, it can serve as a practical toolkit for anyone who wants to improve emotional balance, communication, and resilience in daily life.

What Can DBT Be Used to Treat?

DBT has been applied to many mental health concerns, including:

One of the strengths of DBT is its adaptability—it can be delivered individually, in groups, or integrated with other therapies to meet unique client needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About DBT

1. How is DBT different from CBT?

CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns. DBT incorporates these strategies but also emphasizes acceptance, mindfulness, and learning to tolerate distress in healthy ways.

2. Do I have to join a group to benefit from DBT?

Not necessarily. Many clients benefit from individual DBT sessions, while others may choose group therapy to practice skills in a supportive setting. Some find combining both most effective.

3. How long does DBT take?

The length of treatment varies. Some structured DBT programs run for about six months to a year, but the skills can be applied long after therapy ends.

4. Is DBT only for people with severe mental health concerns?

No. While DBT was designed for high-risk situations, its skills are useful for anyone who wants to manage stress, regulate emotions, or improve relationships.

About the Author

Hello, I’m Janie, and I’m grateful to be part of the Sunrise Counseling team in Dallas. As a Dallas native, I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Sociology from the University of Texas at Dallas, followed by a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Texas Tech University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with specialized training in Complex Trauma therapy.

In addition, I am a certified Special Education teacher and Dyslexia instructor, bringing a unique perspective to my work with individuals of all ages. My experience includes providing therapy to adults, couples, families, children, teens, and older adults facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use, eating disorders, learning difficulties, and life transitions.

Outside of counseling, I enjoy reading, playing pickleball and golf, and spending time with my family and my energetic dog.

Taking the Next Step with DBT at Sunrise Counseling

DBT can be life-changing, offering clients the skills to manage overwhelming emotions, strengthen relationships, and move forward with clarity and hope. Whether you’re navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, or simply want to build healthier patterns, DBT provides tools that truly make a difference.

At Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, we are committed to walking alongside you with compassionate, personalized care.

Ready to take the next step?

Mental Health Services at Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, TX 

Sunrise Counseling offers a variety of mental health services in our Dallas TX-based therapy office and offers telehealth therapy to those residing in Texas and Colorado. Mental health services we provide at Sunrise Counseling include:

Janie English