Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a psychotherapeutic method originally developed by Marsha M. Linehan for the treatment of borderline personality disorder. It has since been successfully adapted for use with other mental health disorders that stem from problems with emotional regulation, such as eating disorders and bipolar disorder. From a position of nonjudgmental acceptance and validation of their feelings, this therapy helps individuals cope with out-of-control emotions by using a set of four practical skills: how to be more effective in interpersonal relationships; how to tolerate and accept distressing situations more easily; how to regulate emotions; and how to use mindfulness-based skills to accomplish any of the preceding tasks.