DBT is a life enhancement program developed by Marsha Linehan, PhD, at the University of Washington to treat people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It is based on a method of cognitive behavioral therapy that combines behavioral change with acceptance, compassion, and validation. DBT helps individuals with BPD tolerate their emotional pain while working towards a life worth living.

Through various skills and strategies, they learn to manage distress without resorting to self-destructive behaviors. DBT is not just a suicide prevention program; it is a comprehensive outpatient treatment that has been proven effective through randomized controlled clinical trials. People with BPD experience emotions intensely and struggle with interpersonal instability.

DBT helps them develop supportive relationships and meaningful work. The treatment includes individual psychotherapy, psychoeducation skills groups, therapist consultation meetings, and phone coaching. DBT is supportive, cognitive, and collaborative, encouraging clients to work on their relationships, complete homework assignments, and learn and apply new skills.

By practicing dialectics and balancing change and acceptance, DBT aims to help individuals with BPD achieve a capacity for freedom and joy