What is the focus of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses primarily on emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. This therapeutic approach was specifically developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder and those experiencing extreme emotional dysregulation.

The emphasis on emotion regulation helps clients learn how to identify and manage their emotional responses more effectively, which can lead to improved overall mental health and interpersonal relationships. Skills training within DBT includes instructing clients on how to better understand their emotions, cope with distress, and reduce impulsivity.

Interpersonal effectiveness, another key component of DBT, equips clients with the necessary skills to communicate their needs clearly and assertively while maintaining healthy relationships. This facet directly addresses the relational difficulties that often accompany emotional dysregulation, helping clients navigate conflicts and establish boundaries.

In contrast, other options discuss different therapeutic focuses that do not encapsulate the primary goals of DBT. Cognitive restructuring, resilience building, and solution-focused techniques each engage with varied aspects of therapy but do not target the core of DBT, which is achieving balance and acceptance by working through intense emotional experiences while simultaneously pushing for behavior change.