Over the past decade, DBT has become a well-recognized treatment for individuals who have difficulties managing their emotions. You may have heard about DBT from a therapist or psychiatrist, read about DBT on the internet, or know someone who has received DBT treatment.
Despite everything you have learned and everything you have heard, you may still be asking yourself, “Can DBT help me”?
Signs That DBT Is Right For You
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Rapid Mood Changes
Your moods change quickly and it usually takes a long time for you to “get over” things. You feel that you are more emotionally sensitive than other people you know. Maybe some of these people refer to you as being “too sensitive”.
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Emotional Instability Leading to Negative Behavior
Your emotions can get really intense. You may sometimes feel that you become “hijacked” by your emotions, and when they take over, you end up doing impulsive things (e.g., self-harm, binge or purge food, abuse alcohol or drugs, spend money excessively, risky sexual behavior) that you later regret. This is often a symptom of Borderline Personality Disorder. Younger children often experience these intense emotions within the classroom and at home with teachers and family members. The emotional dysregulation is particularly apparent in pre-adolescent years.
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Outbursts of Anger and Frustration
You have problems with anger. When you are angry you may “explode” or act out in different ways (e.g., verbally attack others, break things, abuse alcohol or drugs, drive recklessly, self-harm). Yet, there are times when you may hold your anger inside so that everyone thinks you are fine.
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Relationship Problems
Your relationships tend to be chaotic. You often have conflicts with your parents, your partner, and other important people in your life. Many of your relationships in the past have been intense, damaging, and have ended badly, but other times you isolated yourself to avoid being rejected, hurt, or abandoned by others.
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Feeling Numb
You often feel empty or numb inside and do anything possible to avoid that feeling.
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Identity Confusion
Sometimes you struggle with your identity because your feelings change so dramatically between situations.
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Difficulty with Problem Solving
You may have trouble being in your “right mind” when you’re upset. You struggle with figuring out how to cope and solve your problems and you often end up making the same bad decisions over and over again.
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Excessive Defensiveness
You sometimes take things way too personally. Maybe some people say that you get “too defensive”. When things don’t work out for you, you may start blaming other people or blaming yourself too much and you are unable to figure out a way forward.
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Feelings of Hopelessness
Your difficulties with emotions have stopped you from achieving your goals (e.g., school, job, relationships) even though have the ability to achieve them.
DBT Treatment at DBT Psychological Services of Long Island
If you can see yourself in some or most of the above statements, DBT may be the right treatment for you. There are numerous people who inquire, “Is DBT right for me?,” and we will gladly respond to any of your inquiries. Dr. Kim Lehnert and Brian Hanson, M.A. are the top Long Island therapists for DBT.
Our DBT program is comprised of but not limited to DBT for anxiety, borderline personality disorder treatment, substance abuse programs, individual DBT, behavioral therapy, teen therapy, family therapy, and therapy for young adults.
Find Out Whether DBT Is Right for You
If you or someone you know is interested in DBT therapy you’re now in good hands. To more fully determine if you can benefit from DBT, scheduling a meeting with a DBT therapist is the next step you should take. For more information, call us at 631-828-2082 or visit our contact page and send us a message.
