Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: DBT Treatment to Find your Inner Peace
Burn it to the ground. Then burn it again just to make sure. Then walk away with a cold detachment that quickly slides into shame, regret and self doubt. The flames now burn differently. Self doubt ravages into self-hate. And instead of suffering silently, it's time for big actions against yourself. You left them this time. It's different. Nope. They would have left you anyway - you're completely unlovable. Aggressively rubbing your forearm isn't enough pain. Stop it. No, keep going - you're worthless. Go get the nail file. Cut a little. Just to let it out. You deserve it. The pain will leave. It will all leave. No it won't. You deserve this. I can't do this. I'm a failure. Somebody has to help me. Rescue me. Please. I just want it to all be over.
If the imagery of that paragraph left you scared, dizzy, exhausted or in all too familiar place, imagine how crippling living with BPD can be. If you ever experienced an episode of intense emotions, mood instability, impulsive behaviors exploding into suicidal thoughts and/or self-harm then it's possible you've encountered an episode of Borderline Personality Disorder. The gold standard in supporting recovery from BPD is Dialectical Behavior Therapy! DBT is so helpful for many things, keep going to learn more.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
At gokc, we specialize in helping individuals overcome life’s challenges with compassionate, evidence-based therapeutic approaches. One of our core offerings is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a proven and highly effective treatment designed to help individuals build a life they truly want to live. Whether you’re navigating intense emotions, struggling with relationships, or seeking better coping strategies, DBT offers hope, clarity, and the skills to thrive.
Let’s dive into what DBT is, how it can benefit you, and what you can expect when you begin your therapy journey with us at gokc.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based therapeutic approach originally developed to treat individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). However, it has since been adapted to help people with a wide range of mental health challenges, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Self-harming behaviors or suicidal thoughts
The term "dialectical" refers to the balance between two seemingly opposite ideas: acceptance and change. In DBT, clients learn to accept their current realities while also working toward meaningful and lasting changes in their lives. It’s a therapy rooted in both validation and growth, making it an empowering choice for those who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about their path forward.
How DBT Works
At gokc, DBT therapy is grounded in four core modules, each designed to teach practical skills for managing life’s challenges:
1. Mindfulness
Mindfulness forms the foundation of DBT. It involves learning to stay present in the moment without judgment. By developing mindfulness skills, you can:
- Reduce emotional reactivity
- Improve focus and clarity
- Build greater awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
Our Kansas City therapists will guide you in practicing mindfulness techniques that can be integrated into your daily life, from deep breathing exercises to mindful walking.
2. Distress Tolerance
Life can throw curveballs, and distress tolerance skills help you weather the storm without resorting to harmful behaviors. This module teaches you how to:
- Cope with crisis situations
- Build resilience in the face of adversity
- Accept difficult moments without judgment or avoidance
Expect to learn strategies like self-soothing, distraction techniques, and crisis survival plans to help you navigate even the most overwhelming situations.
3. Emotion Regulation
For many people, intense emotions can feel like a rollercoaster. DBT’s emotion regulation module provides tools to:
- Identify and label emotions
- Reduce the intensity of painful feelings
- Build positive emotional experiences
Through this work, you’ll gain control over your emotions rather than feeling controlled by them. Our therapists will help you practice these techniques in a safe and supportive environment.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness
Relationships are at the heart of the human experience. This module focuses on improving communication and relationship skills, helping you:
- Set healthy boundaries
-Connect with meaning
- Advocate for your needs
- Resolve conflicts constructively
Whether you’re working on family dynamics, friendships, or romantic relationships, interpersonal effectiveness skills empower you to connect more authentically and meaningfully.
What to Expect in DBT Therapy at gokc?
When you choose DBT at gokc, you’re not just signing up for generic sessions; you’re embarking on a journey of growth, healing, and empowerment. Here’s what you can expect from us:
Individual Therapy Sessions
One-on-one DBT sessions are tailored to your specific needs and goals. Your therapist will work closely with you to:
- Identify patterns of behavior that no longer serve you
- Develop personalized coping strategies
- Provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings
Our Kansas City-based therapists are highly experienced in DBT and committed to helping you succeed.
Skills Training
In addition to individual therapy, many clients benefit from DBT skills training. These lessons focus on teaching and practicing the four DBT modules. Practical & tangible skills will help you find success while you explore the deeper undercurrents of your recovery. The heavy lifting work takes time. Many of our DBT skills can be mastered immediately!
Coaching
Life doesn’t stop between therapy sessions, and neither does our support. DBT often includes phone coaching, where you can reach out to your therapist for guidance during challenging moments. This ensures that you have the tools and encouragement to apply your skills in real-time. Also, we have a few great apps that provide immediate coaching, feedback and skill prompts. Talk to your gokc therapist about their personal favorites.
Structured, Goal-Oriented Approach
DBT is designed to be practical and results-driven. Our therapists use structured frameworks to help you track your progress, celebrate your wins, and tackle obstacles as they arise.
How DBT Can Benefit You
DBT is life-changing for many individuals, offering benefits such as:
- Reduced Emotional Distress: Learn to manage intense emotions without feeling overwhelmed.
- Improved Relationships: Build stronger, healthier connections with the people who matter most.
- Enhanced Coping Skills: Gain tools to navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence.
- Increased Self-Awareness: Understand yourself on a deeper level, including your triggers, values, and goals.
- Greater Sense of Balance: Find harmony between acceptance and change, allowing you to move forward with hope and purpose.
At gokc, we’ve seen firsthand how DBT transforms lives. From clients who’ve learned to manage anxiety and depression to those who’ve built healthier relationships and embraced their true selves, the possibilities are endless.
Why Choose gokc for DBT in Kansas City?
Well, we love it! And we’re awesome. Kansas City is more than just flyover country for us—it’s our home. And we’re proud to serve individuals across the metro area, including Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, Prairie Village, Waldo and beyond. We offer virtual therapy for all Missouri residents too! Here’s why clients trust us:
- Experienced Therapists: Our team is trained in DBT and passionate about helping clients achieve lasting change.
- Customized Care: We tailor our approach to meet your unique needs, goals, and circumstances.
- Warm, Supportive Environment: Our therapy offices in Brookside & Hyde Park provide a welcoming space for growth and healing.
- Accessible Services: We offer in-person and virtual therapy options, making it easy to fit DBT into your life.
A Hopeful Message for Your Journey
We know that seeking therapy can feel daunting, but it’s also one of the bravest steps you can take. DBT is a therapy of hope—it’s about discovering your strength, embracing change, and building a life you’re excited to wake up to each day.
At gokc, we believe in your ability to overcome challenges and thrive. Our therapists are here to walk alongside you every step of the way, offering guidance, support, and unwavering belief in your potential.
Take the First Step Today
Ready to begin your DBT journey? gokc is here to help. Whether you’re in Kansas City, Overland Park, Lee’s Summit or any of the KC metro, our team is ready to support you in creating meaningful change.
Don’t wait to start living the life you deserve. Schedule your DBT therapy session today and take the first step toward a brighter future. Call us at [insert phone number] or use our online booking system to get started.
Your journey to healing and growth starts here. You’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions About DBT Therapy
1. What is DBT therapy? Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to help individuals manage emotions, develop healthy relationships, and build coping skills. It’s particularly effective for people struggling with intense emotions, borderline personality disorder, and self-destructive behaviors.
2. What are the key components of DBT? DBT focuses on four main areas: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. These skills help individuals navigate daily life with more balance and control.
3. Who can benefit from DBT? DBT is useful for individuals experiencing emotional dysregulation, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, PTSD, and relationship difficulties. It’s especially helpful for those who feel emotions intensely and struggle to manage them effectively.
4. How is DBT different from other types of therapy? DBT is unique because it combines traditional cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies. It also includes group skills training in addition to one-on-one therapy sessions.
5. How long does DBT therapy take? DBT is often structured as a six-month to one-year program, but the length varies depending on individual needs and progress.
Other Therapy Services Offered at gokc in Brookside, Kansas City, and throughout MO + Kansas
At gokc, we offer a range of services designed to promote healing and well-being. In addition to trauma therapy, our services include Online Therapy, and EMDR for Trauma Recovery. Additionally, we offer Art Therapy, Nature Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing. Whether you're looking to address specific mental health issues or seeking a deeper connection with yourself, gokc can help you. Reach out today to get started on your journey to better self-esteem!