Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based approach originally developed for individuals with self-destructive behaviors and chronic difficulties in emotion regulation.  It was a central component of the treatment model at the Center for the Intensive Treatment of Personality Disorders (CITPD), where I worked as a Supervising Psychologist.

DBT is organized around four areas of skill development: mindfulness (the capacity to observe thoughts and emotions without immediate reaction); distress tolerance (managing periods of acute emotional intensity); emotion regulation (understanding and modulating emotional responses); and interpersonal effectiveness (developing more effective ways of expressing needs, setting limits, and responding to others).

In my current work, DBT-informed strategies are incorporated selectively, particularly when a more structured approach is helpful. The interpersonal effectiveness component, in particular, provides a clear and practical framework for planning and navigating interactions more effectively.