Introduction to DBT and Selah Counseling Center
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an effective form of therapy, helps people manage intense emotions and improve mindfulness. At Selah Counseling Center, therapists integrate DBT into their comprehensive approach. DBT is used alongside mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other modalities offered at Selah. By focusing on emotional regulation and mindful awareness, DBT supports clients in building resilience and stability.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
DBT is an evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Marsha Linehan, originally to treat borderline personality disorder and severe emotional dysregulation. It combines standard cognitive-behavioral strategies with acceptance, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness components.
Essentially, DBT balances change (learning new coping strategies) with acceptance (acknowledging painful emotions without judgment). Therapists guide clients through both acceptance and change, helping them understand and ultimately shift patterns of reaction to emotional triggers.
How DBT Supports Emotion Regulation
Emotion regulation is one of the four core skill modules in DBT. It equips clients with tools to:
- Recognize and label their emotions
- Identify obstacles that make emotions harder to change
- Use opposite-action strategies when needed
- Reduce emotional vulnerability by improving daily self-care habits (sometimes referred to as the “ABC PLEASE” skills)
By building awareness and skill in handling intense feelings, clients gain greater control over emotional reactivity. Over time, emotional storms become more manageable and less overwhelming.
Mindfulness as the Foundation
Mindfulness is a cornerstone of DBT. It teaches clients to observe, describe, and participate in the moment without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, people learn to access their “wise mind”—the balanced integration of emotional intuition and rational thought.
Moreover, mindfulness underlies other DBT skills. For example, acceptance and distress tolerance rely on mindful awareness to reduce resistance to distressing experiences. As a result, clients learn to stay present, regulate internal tension, and respond rather than react.
Why DBT Works: Evidence and Effectiveness
Research shows DBT reduces self-harming behaviors, suicidal ideation, psychiatric hospitalizations, and treatment dropout—particularly in people with borderline personality disorder. Additionally, DBT has broader benefits for mood disorders, PTSD, substance use disorders, and chronic emotion dysregulation.
By combining emotional awareness, coping skills, and mindfulness practice, DBT supports long-term changes in how individuals experience and respond to their internal world.
DBT at Selah Counseling Center
At Selah Counseling Center, DBT is offered as part of a broader integrative approach. Their providers are trained in DBT-informed treatment alongside CBT, EMDR, narrative therapy, and mindfulness techniques. This integrative model means you receive tailored support that meets your emotional and therapeutic needs.
Clients learning DBT skills with Selah benefit from personalized treatment plans, compassionate therapists, and consistent support to build emotional resilience. Because Selah values empathy and validation as much as skill acquisition, clients feel accepted while they grow.
Who Can Benefit from DBT and Mindfulness?
DBT is especially helpful for individuals who struggle with:
- Overwhelming or rapidly shifting emotions
- Impulsive behaviors or self-harm
- Anxiety, depression, or PTSD with emotional dysregulation
- Difficulty staying present or self-soothing in distress
Since Selah specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, and coping skills, DBT is a fitting therapy option for many people served at the center.
How to Begin DBT with Selah Counseling
To start DBT at Selah Counseling Center, first schedule an initial session. You and your provider will discuss your therapeutic goals, begin learning DBT skills, and decide whether weekly sessions are appropriate to build momentum.
Selah offers flexible scheduling—both in-person and virtual options—so you can access the support you need conveniently.
Embrace Emotional Regulation and Mindfulness with DBT
If you’ve experienced emotional overwhelm or wanted a more effective way to manage feelings, DBT offers hope. Transitioning from reactive patterns to mindful responses becomes possible with guided skill development. As you practice mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation, you may notice greater calm, clarity, and control.
Most importantly, you don’t have to navigate these changes alone. Skilled therapists at Selah Counseling Center guide you each step of the way with compassion and expertise.
Take the First Step Toward Emotional Wellness with DBT Mindfulness Emotion Regulation
Investing in DBT can transform how you handle stress, relationships, and emotional intensity. At Selah Counseling Center, you’ll find a caring, professional team ready to support you on that journey. With DBT and mindfulness training, you can build a life worth living.
A brighter, more grounded future is within reach. Schedule your first consultation today and begin the path to emotional regulation and mindful awareness.
Contact us to explore how DBT could support your journey toward wellness at Selah Counseling Center.
