DBT

What is DBT?

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy? And how does it differ from other therapies?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy that helps people who struggle with emotional dysregulation. This post will answer common questions about DBT. But first, let’s start by describing what emotional dysregulation looks like. How DBT defines emotional dysregulation: People who have a hard time regulating their emotions can either be overwhelmed by…

Read More

DBT’s options for solving ANY problem

The 4 DBT problem-solving options you can use

As San Francisco DBT therapists, we work with people who want help managing emotions and relationships. We see all sorts of problems that result in all kinds of pain. Even though there are as many different problems as there are human beings, there are really only four solutions to solve any problem, regardless of what…

Read More

Do you need a break? DBT Distress Tolerance skills can help you

learn about the DBT distress tolerance skills - mini vacation

Feeling overwhelmed? Dialectical Behavior Therapy’s (DBT) distress tolerance skills teach you different ways to ride out emotional overwhelm. One of DBT’s distress tolerance skills is called “taking a vacation from adulthood,” which means intentionally stepping back from life’s obligations to allow yourself to recharge. There’s a trick to taking this type of mini-vacation effectively. You…

Read More

Looking for a San Francisco DBT therapist? 4 questions to ask

Four questions to ask a DBT therapist

Are you looking to start Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in San Francisco? Has someone suggested that DBT might help you? Or have you heard about DBT and think it might be the right fit for you? Whatever the case, if you’re looking to begin DBT, it’s important to ask a potential DBT therapist about their…

Read More

What is Emotional Dysregulation?

What is emotional dysregulation

Do your emotions overwhelm you? Do you act in ways you later regret when you’re really upset? Are you not even sure what you’re feeling half the time? If so, you may be struggling with emotional dysregulation.   What is emotional dysregulation? Emotional dysregulation is a term used in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to describe…

Read More

How the DBT STOP Skill can help you

what is the DBT STOP skill

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches you distress tolerance skills to help you deal with crisis situations. The first distress tolerance skill taught in DBT is called STOP. We will go into what the STOP skill is and how to use it, but first, let’s look at how DBT defines a crisis.   What is a…

Read More

Why it’s Hard to Change a Behavior

DBT can help you change a behavior

If you struggle with any addictive or compulsive behaviors, you know how challenging it can be to change a behavior or stop. Whether it feels out of your control or you aren’t yet ready to make the change, the struggle can be overwhelming. Your problem behavior may be: Drinking or drugs Bingeing, purging or restricting…

Read More

What Happens in a DBT Group

How a DBT group works

Thinking about joining a DBT group? Maybe a therapist suggested you check it out. Or maybe you’ve just heard about DBT and are curious about how it can help you. Let’s explain what happens in a Dialectical Behavior Therapy group and how it’s different from other therapy groups. How a DBT group is different from…

Read More

Want to make your relationship better right now? Stop doing these things

Four things you can do to stop negative behaviors in your relationship

As a couples therapist in San Francisco who uses DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to help people handle conflict, I often see couples who want to stop negative cycles in their relationships. If you’re fighting with your partner, you’re probably frustrated, unhappy and disconnected. You may wonder if your relationship will be able to make it.…

Read More

Asking for what you need in relationships – can you do it?

Asking for what you need in relationships is really important

Read the following statements and notice if any of these myths are part of your inner dialogue right now: It’s selfish to ask for what I want or need. Other people should just know what I want or need. I shouldn’t have to ask for what I want. If I have to ask for what…

Read More