What does DBT treat?

DBT was created for borderline personality disorder (BPD). Since its inception, it has been shown to also help other challenges that include difficulties regulating emotions and cognitive and behavioral patterns.

How does DBT work?

DBT helps you identify patterns through self-monitoring using a diary card. You identify patterns of challenge, complete chain analyses to understand why the behavior occurred in a nonjudgmental way, and then practice skills related to both acceptance and change to alter that pattern. DBT includes skills training in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness with a focus on creating a life worth living.

What to expect?

For DBT informed treatment, you will be asked to monitor your urges, behaviors, and emotions daily which will be reviewed at the start of session. Areas of challenge will be targeted using a hierarchy to better understand why that behavior occurred. You will be taught skills to accept and change these specific areas. You will be asked to practice these skills during your day-to-day life and track how well they are working. Dr. Porter is not offering a DBT skills group or coaching at this time.

What is the expected timeline of treatment?

Treatment timelines are specific to the person and the presenting challenges. Behaviors that have been occurring for long periods of time often take longer to treat.