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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Psychosis Consultation
DBT Treatment: When Emotions Feel Intense and Hard to Manage

Some emotions don’t just come and go—they feel overwhelming, fast-moving, and hard to control. You might find yourself reacting in ways you regret, struggling in relationships, or feeling stuck in patterns you can’t seem to change.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is designed to help you better understand and manage those experiences—so you can respond more intentionally, feel more stable, and build a life that feels more manageable and meaningful.

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, skills-based therapy that focuses on building practical tools you can use in everyday life, especially in moments when emotions feel overwhelming.

The DBT model is centered around four core skill areas:
Emotion regulation:
Understanding and managing intense feelings
Distress tolerance:
Getting through difficult moments without overreacting
Interpersonal effectiveness:
Communicating needs and improving relationships
Mindfulness:
Staying present and aware without reacting automatically
What DBT Can Help With
  • Anxiety and chronic stress
  • Depression and mood-related concerns
  • Emotional dysregulation and mood instability
  • Interpersonal or relationship difficulties
  • Impulsivity and behavioral challenges
  • Maladaptive coping strategies
How It Works: What to Expect in DBT
Learn practical skills
You’ll be introduced to specific tools for managing emotions, handling distress, improving relationships, and staying present.
Break down real-life situations
Sessions often focus on recent challenges—what happened, what you felt, and how you responded.
Practice new ways of responding
You’ll work through how to apply DBT skills in those moments, building more effective ways to cope and respond.
Build awareness and mindfulness
You’ll develop the ability to notice emotions, thoughts, and urges without immediately reacting to them.
Apply skills between sessions
A key part of DBT is practicing skills in everyday life, with support and guidance to help you use them when it matters most.
Between sessions, you may notice:
  • Increased awareness of emotions and reactions
  • Opportunities to use new skills in real-life situations
  • Gradual improvements in how you handle stress or conflict
Progress builds over time as these skills become more natural and consistent.
Building Skills That Carry Into Daily Life
At SCCS, DBT isn’t just about what happens in sessions; it’s about helping you feel more steady and capable in everyday moments. Before you leave, your therapist will help you feel grounded and clear on how to apply what you practiced.
Improvements Patients Notice Over Time With DBT:
  • Improved communication and relationships
  • Reduced impulsive or reactive behaviors
  • Responding more calmly in stressful situations
  • Staying more present and grounded
  • Healthier coping strategies
  • Feeling more stable and in control day-to-day
Getting Started with DBT at SCCS

Starting therapy doesn’t mean you need to have everything figured out.

Reach Out
Contact our team to schedule a consultation and ask any questions.
Get to know you
We’ll learn more about your experiences, challenges, and goals.
Begin building skills
Early sessions focus on introducing tools you can start using right away.
Strengthen over time
As you continue, you’ll build confidence using these skills in everyday life.
FAQs:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a skills-based therapy that combines mindfulness with practical strategies to help individuals balance acceptance and change, manage intense emotions, and respond more effectively to stress and relationships.

Yes. DBT is typically covered as part of regular therapy sessions.

At South Coast, we accept Medi-Cal and the following private insurance plans:

  • Magellan
  • Kaiser
  • Cigna Evernorth
  • Health Net
  • Aetna

Coverage can vary depending on your specific plan, so our team can help you verify benefits and understand your options.

DBT may be helpful for teens and adults who experience intense emotions, difficulty regulating emotions, or relationship challenges. A clinician will help determine whether DBT skills are an appropriate part of treatment based on individual needs and goals.

No. While DBT can support individuals in crisis, it is also helpful for people who want to improve emotional regulation, coping skills, and relationships.

Yes. DBT can be helpful for depression, especially when it’s connected to intense emotions, negative thought patterns, or difficulty coping with stress. It provides practical tools to manage emotions, build motivation, and create more stability day-to-day.

The length of DBT can vary depending on individual needs. Many people participate in DBT for several months to a year, though some may benefit from a shorter or longer duration depending on their goals and progress.

DBT skills are practical tools you can use in everyday situations—especially when emotions feel overwhelming. In therapy, you’ll learn how to apply these skills in real-life moments, helping you respond more effectively instead of reacting automatically.

DBT skills can be incorporated into individual therapy. Some clients may also participate in skills groups, depending on treatment needs and availability.

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