What is a primary aim of the DBT approach?

The primary aim of the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) approach is to promote emotional regulation and distress tolerance. This therapeutic model is designed to help individuals, particularly those with borderline personality disorder and other emotional dysregulation issues, develop skills to manage and cope with intense emotions more effectively.

DBT emphasizes the importance of understanding and acknowledging emotions rather than attempting to eliminate them entirely. Instead of developing intense emotional responses or reinforcing maladaptive behaviors, DBT equips individuals with tools to help them identify, understand, and manage their emotions in a healthy manner. Additionally, by fostering emotional regulation, individuals can improve their ability to tolerate distressing situations without resorting to harmful behaviors. This focus on balance—between acceptance of one’s emotions and the need for change—is a core tenet of DBT, underscoring its goal of fostering a more adaptive emotional experience in clients.