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What is DBT Therapy & How It Can Change Your Life
- Olya Rich
- Sep 10
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 16
What is DBT Therapy and How Does It Help?
For many people, life’s challenges may feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve tried traditional therapy before, but still feel stuck. Or perhaps you’ve found yourself caught in the same emotional cycles—overwhelmed by feelings one moment, then exhausted and disconnected the next. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has become one of the most sought-after, evidence-based approaches for people who struggle with managing emotions, maintaining healthy relationships, or finding stable coping tools. But you might still be asking: What is DBT therapy? Who is it for? How does it really help? At Enrichment Wellness, with welcoming clinics in Rockville and Silver Spring, MD, these are questions we help patients answer every day. DBT is more than just a therapy—it’s a pathway to building a life you feel good about.
If you’ve been considering therapy, call us now at (301) 944-9065 or visit us at one of our clinics:
Breaking it Down: What Exactly is DBT Therapy?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Marsha Linehan. The word “dialectical” comes from the idea of balancing opposites—in DBT, this balance is between acceptance and change.
Unlike many therapies that focus mainly on thoughts, DBT looks at the whole picture—your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships—and teaches you how to manage them in healthier ways. It’s not just about talking, it’s also about practicing concrete skills you can use every single day.
So when people ask, “What kind of therapy is DBT?” or “Is DBT just normal talk therapy?”—the answer is: DBT is an active, structured, and skills-based therapy that goes well beyond talking.
What is DBT Therapy Used For?
At first, DBT therapy was created specifically for people struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)—a mental health condition that involves intense emotions, difficulty regulating those emotions, and feeling unstable in relationships or self-identity. But over time, research showed DBT was equally effective for many other challenges. Today, DBT therapy is used to treat:
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Chronic anxiety or panic disorder
Depression, especially when traditional therapies haven’t worked
Eating disorders such as bulimia or binge-eating disorder
Addictions and substance use concerns
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Intense, unstable emotions that interfere with daily life
If you’ve asked yourself “What is DBT therapy good for?”—simply put, DBT therapy is good for anyone who hasn’t found relief through traditional therapy or who needs practical tools to regain control over emotions, impulses, and relationships.
The Four Core Skills of DBT Therapy
A common question is: “What is DBT therapy and how does it work?” The heart of DBT lies in teaching four powerful life skill areas:
Mindfulness
Learning to stay grounded in the present moment.
It teaches patients how to observe emotions without letting them take over.
Distress Tolerance
Skills that help when life throws unexpected challenges.
Instead of reacting with harmful coping (self-harm, substance use, or aggression), DBT skills provide alternatives like self-soothing and grounding techniques.
Emotional Regulation
Understanding emotions, naming them, and developing healthier ways to respond.
For example: learning what triggers anger and practicing strategies to prevent an emotional spiral.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
DBT helps patients express needs clearly, set boundaries, and strengthen relationships without guilt or fear of abandonment.
Many people say DBT feels like going to “life school” because you gain tools you can apply right away.
What is DBT Group Therapy Like?
DBT therapy often includes group sessions alongside one-on-one therapy.
In group DBT therapy, you’ll meet with others who are learning the same skills. This creates a supportive environment where you can practice those skills while also knowing you’re not alone.
Many patients say DBT group therapy feels more like a class than group counseling—it’s structured, guided by a therapist, and focused on learning rather than just sharing.
At our Silver Spring and Rockville locations, DBT groups are kept warm, respectful, and judgment-free, so you feel safe from day one.
Interested in joining a DBT group? Call today at (301) 944-9065 to reserve a spot. What is the Difference Between CBT and DBT Therapy?
People often compare CBT and DBT. Both are highly effective, but the distinction lies in focus:
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
DBT Therapy: Builds on CBT but emphasizes mindfulness, emotional regulation, and acceptance strategies while still working toward change.
In short, if CBT is about rewriting your inner “script,” DBT is about helping you survive and thrive in your daily reality.
What is DBT Therapy for BPD?
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can make life feel like an emotional rollercoaster. DBT provides structure and teaching to help:
Reduce impulsive behaviors
Stabilize emotions
Improve sense of identity
Build healthier, longer-lasting relationships
DBT is widely recognized as the most effective therapy for BPD, and many people living with this diagnosis finally feel hope again when they find DBT.
What is the Success Rate of DBT Therapy?
When patients ask, “What is the effectiveness of DBT therapy?”—the answer is encouraging.
Research consistently shows that DBT therapy has high success rates in:
Reducing self-harm and suicidal thoughts
Lowering symptoms of BPD, depression, and PTSD
Helping individuals stay out of psychiatric hospitals
Improving quality of relationships and daily functioning
Though outcomes differ, DBT is considered a “gold standard” for emotional regulation struggles, with significant improvements for most people.
What is DBT Therapy Like at Enrichment Wellness?
At Enrichment Wellness, our approach to DBT is warm, patient-centered, and tailored. Here’s what makes us different:
Licensed, compassionate therapists who specialize in DBT and related therapies.
Both individual and group therapy opportunities.
Calm and inviting clinics designed for comfort in Rockville and Silver Spring.
Personalized treatment plans so DBT therapy meets you where you are.
Is DBT Right for You?
If you’re wondering whether DBT fits your situation, ask yourself:
Do I feel emotions more intensely than others seem to?
Do I struggle to maintain stable relationships?
Do I use unhealthy coping strategies when life gets hard?
Do I want to change but don’t know how?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, DBT could be exactly what you need.
Take the Next Step with Enrichment Wellness
Choosing therapy is a brave and hopeful step. At Enrichment Wellness, we are here to walk with you every step of the way. Our DBT therapists in Rockville and Silver Spring, MD create safe, compassionate spaces where healing is possible.
Ready to begin? Call (301) 944-9065 today to schedule your first appointment.Come visit us at:
You don’t have to face your struggles alone. With DBT, a calmer, more balanced, more fulfilling life is within reach.
FAQs About DBT Therapy
How long does DBT therapy take?
Most DBT programs last about six months to one year, but it varies. Some patients continue in “DBT-informed therapy” for ongoing support.
Is DBT therapy only for BPD?
No. While DBT was created for BPD, it’s highly effective for anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and anyone who struggles with intense emotions.
What is the main goal of DBT therapy?
The main goal of DBT therapy is emotional regulation—teaching individuals how to accept themselves where they are and also learn skills to make meaningful changes.
What is the difference between DBT and psychodynamic therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious motivations and early childhood experiences, while DBT is skills-focused, practical, and action-based.
Does DBT work for anxiety and PTSD?
Yes, DBT is increasingly used for both PTSD and anxiety. The mindfulness and distress tolerance skills especially help reduce flashbacks, anxiety spirals, and emotional overwhelm.
What is DBT informed therapy vs full DBT therapy?
Full DBT therapy includes individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and a consultation team.
DBT-informed therapy may use DBT techniques and skills within another therapy style.
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