How DBT Helps Manage Intense Emotions and Build Coping Skills
Many people struggling with mental health conditions experience emotions that feel overwhelming or difficult to control. For individuals dealing with intense mood swings, self-harm urges, or relationship challenges, traditional talk therapy alone may not always provide the tools they need in the moment.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed to help people build practical skills to manage overwhelming emotions and navigate difficult situations more safely.
Today, DBT is widely used to support individuals experiencing emotional dysregulation, trauma-related symptoms, depression, anxiety, and impulsive behaviors. By combining structured skills training with individual therapy, DBT helps patients replace harmful coping patterns with healthier ones.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that combines individual therapy with structured skills training groups. The goal is to help patients develop coping strategies that replace negative thought patterns and self-destructive behaviors.
DBT focuses on four key skill areas:
Emotion Regulation
Patients learn how to understand and manage intense emotions rather than feeling controlled by them.
Distress Tolerance
DBT teaches practical strategies to help individuals cope during difficult moments without resorting to harmful behaviors.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness skills help patients become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and reactions in the present moment.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Research shows that patients develop communication skills that support healthier relationships and stronger boundaries.
Together, these skills help patients respond to stress and emotional challenges in safer, more effective ways.
Who Can Benefit From DBT?
DBT can help both adults and teens who struggle with:
- Strong emotions or mood swings
- Difficulty managing stress
- Self-harm behaviors or impulsive decisions
- Relationship challenges
- Anxiety or depression
- Trauma-related symptoms
For many patients, DBT offers a structured framework for learning coping skills that can be used in everyday life.
Bringing DBT to Telehealth
Historically, DBT programs have often required in-person attendance, which can make access difficult for many patients.
Through telehealth, Brave Health brings specialized DBT programming directly to patients through secure video appointments. This allows individuals to participate in both therapy and skills groups from home, making it easier to stay engaged in treatment.
By combining structured programming, evidence-based skills training, and virtual access, DBT groups help patients build the tools they need for long-term emotional resilience.
At Brave Health, DBT groups are offered through secure video appointments, making it easier for patients to access specialized care and learn skills that support long-term emotional stability.
How DBT Groups Work at Brave Health
Brave Health offers DBT services through a structured program that combines individual therapy and skills-based group sessions delivered through secure video appointments.
Structured Programming
Patients participate in both individual therapy and DBT group sessions. This approach allows individuals to build skills with their therapist while also practicing them in a supportive group setting.
Skills Development
DBT groups focus on teaching practical strategies that help patients regulate emotions, manage stress, and strengthen relationships.
Support Tools
Participants receive a DBT workbook and weekly diary cards that help track emotions, behaviors, and the use of new coping skills.
Monthly DERS-SF screenings are used to measure improvements in emotional regulation over time.
Safety and Clinical Support
Brave clinicians follow structured safety protocols, including Clinical Escalation procedures and the Zero Suicide framework, to support patients who may be experiencing significant emotional distress.
This approach helps reduce the need for crisis-level care by helping patients manage emotional dysregulation earlier.
Getting Started with DBT
Many individuals struggling with mental health conditions experience emotions that feel difficult to control. For patients dealing with impulsive behaviors, self-harm, or chronic emotional dysregulation, traditional talk therapy alone may not always provide the skills they need in the moment.
When emotions feel overwhelming, people often do the best they can with the tools they have. Sometimes, they just need better tools.
Individuals interested in DBT can submit an appointment request form and request DBT groups in the notes section of the form. Providers can refer patients and request DBT groups in the notes section of the referral form. During the initial assessment appointment, Brave clinicians will evaluate whether the program is appropriate and develop a tailored care plan.
FAQs
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
DBT is a type of therapy that helps individuals learn skills to manage intense emotions, reduce harmful behaviors, and improve relationships. It combines individual therapy with structured skills training groups.
What conditions can DBT help treat?
DBT is commonly used for individuals experiencing emotional dysregulation, depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, self-harm behaviors, and relationship challenges.
What skills are taught in DBT?
DBT focuses on four key areas: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
What happens in a DBT group session?
In DBT group sessions, participants learn and practice skills that help them manage emotions, respond to stress, and improve communication with others.
How does telehealth DBT work?
At Brave Health, DBT sessions are conducted through secure video appointments. Patients attend both individual therapy and group skills sessions online.
What are diary cards in DBT?
Diary cards are tools patients use to track emotions, behaviors, and coping skills each week. They help patients and therapists monitor progress and identify patterns.
Who can participate in DBT at Brave Health?
Brave Health offers DBT groups for teens ages 13+ and adults who may benefit from structured support for emotional regulation and coping skills.
In Short
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment designed to help individuals manage intense emotions and develop healthier coping skills.
Through a combination of individual therapy and group skills training, patients learn strategies to regulate emotions, tolerate distress, and improve relationships. At Brave Health, DBT groups are delivered through secure video appointments and supported by tools like workbooks, diary cards, and progress screenings.
