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Dialectical Behavior Therapy

dialectical behavior therapyDialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach to mental health treatment. It has been used for decades to treat various mental health disorders. It is effective when working with teens and adolescents as it can help them change negative thinking and regulate emotions, ultimately leading to lasting changes in behavior.

Imagine Omaha offers adolescent mental health programs to individuals between the ages of 12 and 18 living in Omaha, Nebraska, or the surrounding communities. Our treatment programs address a wide variety of mental health issues common to teens and adolescents. Call 888.306.2681 to learn more about our programs and services or to get started today.

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that is based on dialectics or the idea that contradictory forces exist in all things. DBT focuses on helping people identify, understand, and change thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to better manage difficult situations. The ultimate goal of dialectical behavior therapy is to help individuals develop healthier ways of coping with the problems and stressors in their lives.

How Does DBT Work?

Dialectical behavior therapy sessions involve learning new skills such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Each session consists of both individual and group psychotherapy sessions where participants learn and practice the skills needed to manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. The individual sessions focus on understanding and accepting one’s emotions to create positive change, while the group sessions focus on developing interpersonal relationships with others.

What Mental Health Conditions Are Best Suited To DBT Treatment?

Dialectical behavior therapy is often used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including the following:

  • Depression
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Anxiety
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Borderline personality disorder (BPD)

Additionally, it is helpful for those having difficulty regulating emotions, which is especially prevalent in teens and adolescents. It is important to note that dialectical behavior therapy is tailored for each individual based on their specific needs and challenges so that it can be most effective.

How Does DBT Help Teens and Adolescents?

DBT helps teens and adolescents by teaching them the skills needed to manage their emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and interpersonal relationships in healthier ways. Through dialectical behavior therapy, teens and adolescents learn techniques including the following:

  • Mindfulness practices
  • Distress tolerance strategies
  • Emotion regulation skills
  • Interpersonal effectiveness tools

These skills help individuals address the underlying causes of their problems in order to make lasting changes in their lives. Additionally, dialectical behavior therapy helps teens develop better communication skills to express themselves and their needs better.

Imagine Omaha Offers Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Nebraska

At Imagine Omaha, we offer mental health treatment for teens and adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18. Our treatment programs use evidence-based therapeutic approaches, like DBT, and provide customized treatment plans based on the patient’s needs and goals.

We offer an outpatient partial hospitalization program (PHP) which provides a highly structured treatment schedule and supportive care. Patients who complete the PHP may step down to a less demanding, more flexible, intensive outpatient program (IOP). Additionally, we offer trauma-informed care and medication management services.

Mental health is just as important to overall well-being as bodily health. The stigma surrounding mental health is lessening, and treatment is gaining more acceptance as we learn more about the connection between mental health and emotional well-being. If you live in the Omaha, Nebraska area and your child or adolescent is struggling with mental health issues, Imagine Omana can help. Call 888.306.2681 or reach out online to speak with our caring, professional staff today. We can answer any questions regarding our programs and services.