Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (informed DBT)

Informed DBT refers to an approach where therapists use elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) but do not follow the full, formal DBT structure. In other words, it's a flexible, less intensive version of DBT that adapts DBT principles and strategies to meet the needs of clients without implementing the entire DBT framework. Informed DBT is often utilized when the full DBT model is not required or when clients benefit from incorporating DBT skills into a broader therapeutic approach. Whether you're seeking therapy in-person in Highland, Fenton, or Grand Blanc, MI, or online therapy options, this approach can be tailored to fit your needs.

Core Features of Informed DBT

Informed DBT does not follow all the formal protocols of DBT but draws from its key principles, focusing on applying certain DBT strategies in a way that fits within the context of a broader treatment approach. Here are some of the key components of informed DBT:

  1. Incorporation of DBT Skills
    Informed DBT often focuses on teaching and practicing specific DBT skills rather than delivering the full, structured DBT program. Common skills taught may include:

    • Mindfulness: Increasing awareness of thoughts, feelings, and sensations in the present moment to help clients become more mindful of their experiences and reduce impulsive reactions.

    • Emotion Regulation: Helping clients understand, label, and manage their emotions in adaptive ways, reducing emotional dysregulation.

    • Distress Tolerance: Teaching skills to tolerate distressing situations without resorting to harmful behaviors.

    • Interpersonal Effectiveness: Enhancing the ability to communicate and assert one's needs effectively, while maintaining healthy relationships

2.    Targeting Specific Skills
Rather than following the full DBT model, informed DBT may focus on just one or two of the DBT skills (such as mindfulness or emotion regulation). This makes the approach more targeted and less intensive, while still offering clients tools to manage their emotional health.

3.    Adapting to Client Needs
The therapist tailors DBT strategies to the unique needs of the client, integrating these strategies into the broader therapy framework, rather than adhering strictly to DBT's structure. This allows the therapist to be flexible and responsive to the client's progress and needs. This flexibility can be especially beneficial for those seeking therapy in Highland, Fenton, or Grand Blanc, MI, where in-person or online options are available to fit your schedule.

4.    Short-Term or Time-Limited Application
Informed DBT is sometimes used in time-limited therapy settings where a client may need a specific skill to address a current issue, such as difficulty managing stress or handling interpersonal conflict.

Whether you choose to attend therapy in-person in Highland, Fenton, or Grand Blanc, MI, or prefer the convenience of online therapy, these core skills can be implemented to help you manage difficult emotions and improve your well-being.

Benefits of Informed DBT

  • Flexibility: Since informed DBT is not as rigid as full DBT, it can be adapted to different therapeutic contexts and client needs. You can benefit from this flexible approach whether you’re engaging in online therapy or attending therapy in-person in Highland, Fenton, or Grand Blanc, MI.

  • Practical Application: Clients can begin using DBT skills in their day-to-day lives relatively quickly, which can lead to immediate improvements in managing emotions, relationships, and stress.

  • Ease of Integration: Informed DBT can be combined with other therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for a more holistic treatment plan.

Learn more about Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Informed DBT is a valuable tool for clinicians who recognize the utility of DBT principles but don't necessarily need to follow the complete DBT protocol. By selectively incorporating DBT skills and strategies into a more flexible therapeutic framework, informed DBT can provide meaningful support and improve emotional functioning in a wide range of clients.

If you're in Highland, Fenton, or Grand Blanc, MI, and looking for in-person therapy or online therapy, Informed DBT can be customized to fit your unique needs, offering a more flexible and accessible approach to therapy.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Specialists at Midwest Behavioral Clinic