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Edmonton Psychologist | Can You Benefit From DBT Therapy

DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) is a process that teaches coping and resiliency skills through modules that include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Using what we know about the biology of the brain and a person’s environmental vulnerabilities, we can learn to identify triggers, body responses and urges to engage in “problem” behaviors, and in turn, learn to implement skills to cope more effectively. DBT Skills teach us to shift our thinking and develop and practice skills that are healthier and more adaptive.

A common request from patients of Edmonton psychologist is if they perform DBT Therapy. Even though it’s still growing in popularity, DBT, also known as dialectical behavioral therapy started being developed in the late 1970s. It grew out of struggles trying to utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Subsequent research into DBT’s effectiveness showed immediate promise, and Edmonton psychologist says they can use it on a wide variety of patients. Including, but not limited to people with depression, substance abuse issues, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating and mood disorders  as well as traumatic brain injuries.

Effective Treatment for Many Individuals

Recent research and work indicates that dialectical behavioural therapy can help patients with spectrum mood disorders, and efficacy is being shown in sexual abuse survivors as well. It’s no wonder that Edmonton psychologists like ReDiscover Psychology, in Edmonton is seeing an increase in patients asking for and receiving DBT therapy.

One of the most common questions ReDiscover Psychologist owner and psychologist, Wanda Chevrette fields, is from patients wanting to know what the difference between DBT and CBT. While Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helps people learn how to change their negative thoughts and behaviours – which can be very difficult for patients with BPD, depression or who are struggling with substance abuse. DBT therapy on the other hand focuses on helping people accept their thoughts as well as behaviours.

Edmonton Psychologist | What Is Dialectical Behavioural Therapy

“Another key difference between the two”, points out Chevrette, is that while CBT incorporates personal skills, DBT therapy also incorporates interpersonal skills. A difference that is beneficial for many patients who have been struggling with CBT. But how do you know which therapy is right for you? The best way to make that determination, is to make an appointment at ReDiscover Psychology. It will allow patients to talk one-on-one with a trained specialist.

Whether a patient will benefit from DBT therapy or CBT, even another type of therapy will be discussed with an experienced and certified therapist at ReDiscover Psychology an Edmonton psychologist. Both types of therapy will help people develop skills that will help them throughout the rest of their life. Such skills include mindfulness, personal and interpersonal skills and emotion regulation just to name a few.

You Can Get The Help You Need

And according to Stats Canada, almost 20 percent of Canadians, from the age of 12 and up reported needing mental health support in their life. In the same Stats Canada study, visible minorities were shown to be struggling more than other Canadians. Which means if anyone is struggling, or believes that a mental health professional can help, they should definitely reach out to the caring experts at ReDiscover Psychology.

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However, if they are part of a visible minority, such as immigrants, Indigenous people or sexual minorities. People in these marginalized groups should be extra diligent in seeking help from an Edmonton psychologist. Whether you would like an in person session, or you would prefer a virtual consultation, the clinic can accommodate you. Don’t delay in getting the mental health help that can improve your life.