DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)

Therapy is highly important, as more than one in four adults in the United States has a diagnosable mental health disorder. At Broderick Healthcare in North Reading, Massachusetts, board-certified family nurse practitioner Kathleen Broderick Logan, FNP, offers dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to overcome mental health challenges and rediscover peace of mind. Schedule an evaluation by calling the Broderick Healthcare office or using the online booking feature today.

What is DBT?

DBT, or dialectical behavior therapy, is a form of psychotherapy (talk therapy) that’s similar to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). DBT is adapted for individuals who intensely experience emotions. It combines ideas focused on helping you accept the reality of your behaviors, while teaching change techniques that stop unhealthy habits.

Which conditions can DBT help treat?

DBT aids in treating:

• Suicidal behaviors
• Self-harm
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, pica, and other eating disorders
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Substance use disorder

These conditions often benefit from DBT because they’re linked to unhealthy efforts to control negative emotions.

Am I a candidate for DBT?

Kathleen completes a mental health evaluation to determine which mental health disorder you may struggle with. She reviews your lifestyle, medical history, symptoms, and medications — and discusses your emotions, behaviors, thoughts, and moods to confirm a diagnosis.

Symptoms to watch for that may indicate a need for therapy include ongoing or extreme sadness, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, cutting, misusing drugs or alcohol, and extreme weight loss or weight gain.

What can I expect during DBT?

DBT therapy often consists of weekly sessions lasting about 40-60 minutes. Kathleen offers additional therapy as needed. The goal is to keep you safe from self-harming actions and limit behaviors that interfere with productive therapy sessions.

DBT teaches you the best ways to overcome obstacles. It offers distress tolerance, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

You might also complete cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), other therapies, or attend support groups — or take medications and make healthy lifestyle modifications to maximize the results of DBT treatment.

Continue completing DBT sessions for several months up to a year (or as long as needed) to achieve a successful outcome.

What are the benefits of DBT?

DBT and other forms of therapy teach you how to effectively cope with negative behavior patterns. This highly effective therapy can improve your mood, emotions, and actions to enhance relationships, work productivity, grades at school, and your physical health. It can help you rediscover joy and gain peace of mind.

Schedule a mental health evaluation at Broderick Healthcare by phone or request one online today to learn more about DBT and determine if it’s right for you.