Dialectic Behavior

Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive-behavioral therapy approach.

DBT works on the premise that clients are doing the best that they can to cope, that they are using coping skills that worked in the past, but are no longer effective.  This is an approach that integrates the cognitive, the emotional, the behavioral and the spiritual.

For a client to receive the maximum benefit from this approach, it is recommended that they receive both the DBT skills training and individual therapy from a DBT therapist. 

DBT skills training groups are available at DaTrac.  At DaTrac, DBT is taught using the training workbook that Marsha Linehan developed.

Download the brochure in Adobe PDF.

How can DBT Help?

If you answer yes to one or more of the following questions, you could benefit from the DBT approach:  

	Do you become overwhelmed when a crisis hits and don't know how to calm yourself?
	Do you feel suicidal or think of abusing yourself or doing dangerous things at times of crises?
	Do you often worry about others leaving or rejecting you?
	Do you find yourself in relationships where you switch from thinking the other person is “perfect” to thinking they are “awful”?
	Do you often feel empty and bored much of the time?
	Do you often have sudden shifts of mood?
	Do you have trouble controlling your anger and have frequent outbursts or physical fights?

DBT  Skills Training

DBT Skills Training is designed to teach new skills. It cannot provide the kind of support and insight required to integrate these skills into your everyday life. 

Therefore, it is required that you also be seeing regularly an individual therapist. You will benefit most if your therapist has DBT experience and training. MN Mental Health Clinics has several trained therapists.  

The DBT skills training group meets once a week. The first section called Core Mindfulness helps you become more centered and in touch with your feelings. 

This section meets for 1 1/2 hours for six weeks.

There are three other sections that meeting weekly for 3 hours for eight weeks. 

Emotion Regulation helps you manage your emotions in constructive ways. Distress Tolerance helps you deal more effectively with crisis without engaging in self-defeating or self-abusive behavior. Interpersonal Skills helps you deal with people and relationships

If you need a more frequent or intensive level of service than DBT provides, additional groups can be added to best fit your needs.

What if I’ve Completed DBT Skills Training and Want More?

Phase II is a DBT interactive process group available to people who have successfully completed DBT Skills Training and have benefited from it, but are still in need for some on-going support. Phase II meets once a week for two hours.

How Do I Get Started?

If you have a question about what services would be helpful, call our Intake Coordinator at 651-365-8222. 

Approval will be needed from your insurance company. 

If you don’t have insurance and are a Dakota County resident, you may be eligible if you have low income for County support through Dakota County Social Services.

To schedule an appointment phone:

MN Mental Health Clinics - (651) - 365-8222

At your request, we will contact you confidentially to discuss the program and set an appointment time.

We are committed to providing comprehensive and integrated mental health services that meet the needs of clients, families and the community.