Dialectical behavior therapy program

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment designed to help individuals build a life worth living—one grounded in emotional stability, meaningful relationships, healthy coping skills, and increased self-awareness. DBT blends acceptance with change-based strategies, helping clients understand their experiences while developing practical tools that lead to meaningful, long-term improvement. 

At West Knox Behavioral Health, our DBT skills training program includes individual therapy and structured skills training groups for adults, adolescents, and parents. Our approach is warm, supportive, and clinically grounded, allowing clients and families to learn skills gradually and effectively. 

DBT helps individuals who experience intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, anxiety, depression, or difficulty navigating relationships. The treatment focuses on teaching four essential sets of skills that enhance emotional stability and interpersonal effectiveness, ultimately strengthening emotional and relational well-being.

Mindfulness serves as the foundation of all DBT skills training. It teaches clients how to: Stay present rather than being overwhelmed by past regrets or future worries, observe thoughts, sensations, and emotions without judgment, respond intentionally instead of reacting automatically, and build greater self-awareness and grounding. By incorporating mindfulness into DBT skills training, individuals can enhance their emotional stability, strengthen clarity, calmness, and improve their interpersonal effectiveness, enabling them to make wise decisions during difficult moments.

Distress tolerance skills, an essential part of DBT skills training, help individuals navigate crisis moments without worsening the situation. Clients learn how to: 

- Use healthy coping tools during emotional surges or acute stress to enhance emotional stability. 

- Apply soothing and grounding strategies to calm the mind and body, fostering interpersonal effectiveness. 

- “Ride the wave” of strong emotions rather than acting impulsively. 

Additionally, clients utilize acceptance-based skills for situations that cannot be changed immediately. These skills reduce reactivity and help maintain safety and emotional stability during high-intensity moments.

Emotion regulation skills, a key component of DBT skills training, help clients understand and work with their emotions more effectively, ultimately contributing to their emotional stability. Clients learn how to: 

- Identify and label emotions accurately 

- Understand factors that influence emotional intensity 

- Reduce emotional vulnerability through habits that support sleep, nutrition, routine, and self-care 

- Increase positive emotions by engaging in meaningful and enjoyable activities 

- Use structured tools to decrease the intensity of difficult emotions 

This module empowers clients to enhance their interpersonal effectiveness, feel more balanced, resilient, and in control of their emotional experiences.

Interpersonal effectiveness skills are essential for strengthening communication and enhancing relationship patterns. Through DBT skills training, clients learn how to:  

- Ask for what they need clearly and respectfully  

- Set healthy boundaries without guilt  

- Resolve conflict with confidence  

- Maintain self-respect while sustaining meaningful relationships  

Using DBT tools like DEAR MAN, GIVE, and FAST, individuals can develop emotional stability and communicate effectively. These interpersonal effectiveness skills support healthier connections in families, friendships, and professional settings.