Many people are now realizing the benefits of therapy. While no one can be thankful for the pandemic, it has made mental health awareness stronger. Today, more people are struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.

It can be overwhelming when you are looking for a therapist. You want to be sure that you mesh well with them and that they will treat you as an individual person. Unfortunately, there is still some stigma surrounding therapy. An image of someone sitting across from you, psychoanalyzing you, may be the first thing that comes to your mind. However, this is not the case at all.

There are many ways to treat mental health concerns known as modalities. One of the most beneficial approaches is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT.) To understand how DBT benefits you, let's first go over what it is.

How Does DBT Therapy Work?

DBT was originally developed to support people with a borderline personality disorder. Today, it is a type of talk therapy that helps people manage borderline personality disorder, as well as anxiety and depression.

We're human, and as much as we try to fight it, we are constantly dealing with emotions. And sometimes, these emotions conflict with one another. When we are experiencing a lot of different emotions, it can be hard to know how to handle them. This can sometimes cause us to make irrational choices or say something that we don't really mean.

DBT looks to improve this. It works by first teaching you how to be present at the moment, and accept what is going on in the here and now. It's natural to want to run away from negative emotions, which doesn't end up doing any good. DBT teaches you how to accept these negative emotions instead and how to manage them.

Our relationships are important, but they can add to the stress and negative emotions that we feel. DBT supports you by teaching you communication skills so you can stand up for yourself but not damage your relationships.

Benefits Of DBT

It Teaches You Tolerance

You know that saying, "Out of sight, out of mind?" When it comes to mental health, that is probably the worst thing you can do. Trying to ignore your emotions and push them to the side does more harm than good. The same can be applied to events or situations that we wish we could change instead of accepting what occurred. "If only I had...' type thoughts.

DBT teaches you to tolerate and accept the past for what it is—the past. It helps you to accept the negative aspects and emotions in order to regulate your overall nervous system.

You Learn How to Change Your Behavior

You can actually teach a dog new tricks. We become so stuck in the learned behaviors and responses from over the years that you almost accept them as something you will have to deal with.

DBT helps you see what behaviors you are exhibiting that are holding you back in your personal life, career, or relationship with others. Then, you will learn what you have to do to transform these behaviors into something more positive.

You Learn to Quiet Your Inner Critic

This is the inner voice in your head that says, "I'm not enough," "I can't do this," "I am not worthy of anything."

DBT not only teaches you how to change your behavior, but it teaches you to change the way you talk to yourself. These negative thoughts that we cycle through our heads cause so much damage. More than we could ever realize.

If you are ready to take the next steps at transforming your life, let's connect soon so I can teach you how dialectical behavioral therapy can benefit you.