DBT Therapy in Los Angeles, CA

Dialectical behavior therapy is a form of psychotherapy (or talk therapy) that was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the 1980s. 

Dr. Linehan established the practices and principles of DBT while working with clients who had borderline personality disorder and were at high risk for suicide. Through the decades, DBT has proved to be an effective form of treatment for people whose lives have been disrupted by several additional mental health concerns. 

At Sanctuary Treatment Center in Los Angeles, dialectical behavior therapy focuses on developing skills in four key areas:

• Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment. People who practice mindfulness develop the ability to observe their environment and acknowledge their thoughts and feelings without self-criticism or judgment. This empowers them to remain calm in difficult situations so that they can respond in an intentional, productive manner.  
• Distress tolerance: Physical and emotional pain are inevitable parts of life. How a person responds to this pain can either exacerbate or ease their discomfort. The distress tolerance component of DBT in Los Angeles teaches clients how to navigate challenging situations without reacting impulsively. Distress tolerance is closely associated with mindfulness. Both skills promote thoughtful approaches and purposeful actions. 
• Emotion regulation: This part of DBT in Los Angeles helps clients learn how to recognize their emotions, understand how these emotions can influence thoughts and actions, and develop healthy techniques for managing their feelings. Emotion regulation sessions may also involve practicing strategies for responding to difficult or uncomfortable emotions.
• Interpersonal effectiveness: This DBT skill set focuses on developing more effective communication skills, establishing and maintaining healthier relationships, and setting appropriate boundaries. As clients improve their interpersonal effectiveness skills, they will also be able to do a better job of advocating on their own behalf. 

DBT in Los Angeles is typically provided in both individual and group sessions.

Individual therapy sessions are safe forums where clients can process their experiences and discuss matters that they prefer not to address in a group environment. These confidential one-on-one conversations with an experienced therapist can also help clients assess the progress they have been making. If necessary, they can either adjust their objectives or re-focus themselves on their short- and long-term goals. 

Group sessions are supervised interactive opportunities for clients to improve their abilities in the four skill areas that we discussed in the previous section. During DBT groups, clients learn strategies related to mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Then, with the guidance of the professional who is leading the session, participants can practice these strategies through role-playing and other guided activities.  

Dialectical behavior therapy in Los Angeles can be an effective element of care for people who have been struggling with mental and behavioral health concerns such as the following:

• Substance use disorders (addiction)
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Other anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Borderline personality disorder 
• Suicidal ideation

Prior to starting treatment, all of our clients complete thorough assessments. The information that we collect during these assessments guides the development of their personalized treatment plan. If we include DBT in a client’s plan, we review the features, benefits, and procedures of this modality with them and answer any questions they have. 

We are diligent about ensuring that clients always have the information they need, so that they can receive maximum benefit from DBT and all other services that we provide.

Here are just a few of the many potential benefits of receiving DBT in Los Angeles at Sanctuary Treatment Center:

• Comprehensive care: At our center, DBT is just one part of a comprehensive effort to address the full scope of each person’s unique needs. The other therapies and activities they participate in can help them to further develop and build on the skills they acquire via DBT.  
• Active engagement: DBT sessions are not passive experiences. Clients are encouraged to work in active partnership with their therapist. This focus on informed participation helps clients take responsibility for their actions and ownership of their recovery. 
• Compassionate support: We understand that therapy can be an emotional experience, and our team is committed to maintaining a respectful, nonjudgmental environment for every person who receives care at our center. 
• Dynamic community: While participating in DBT sessions and other activities, our clients have the opportunity to share support with others who are working toward similar goals. This can be a valuable introduction to the power of active engagement within the recovery community.
• Long-term support: The time that a person remains in treatment at our center will be just one part of their journey toward improved health. But the skills they develop during DBT sessions and other therapeutic activities can be sources of lifelong support.

Sanctuary Treatment Center is a premier provider of dialectical behavior therapy in Los Angeles. Our center is a welcoming and supportive place for adults who have been struggling with addiction and certain co-occurring mental health concerns. We offer personalized services, multiple levels of treatment, and detailed discharge planning. When you’re ready to begin your recovery journey, the Sanctuary Treatment Center team is here for you. Contact us today to learn more.