What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Psychologist Marsha Linehan developed Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in the 70s to help those experiencing intense emotions better manage them. The goal of DBT is to cope with distress in healthier ways and reduce conflict in relationships. DBT encompasses four main components that support various areas of life.
- Mindfulness: Mindfulness teaches you to stay present so that you have less anxiety about the future and less regret over the past.
- Distress Tolerance: Distress tolerance skills help you get through tough situations without reacting impulsively or making things worse.
- Emotion Regulation: Emotion regulation skills teach you how to understand and manage emotions rather than feeling overwhelmed by them.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Interpersonal effectiveness teaches you to communicate clearly and respectfully, which can reduce conflicts and improve relationship dynamics.
How Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Orange County Makes the Difference
DBT was initially used to treat borderline personality disorder but has since become a valuable tool for anyone looking to build emotional strength and improve their quality of life. This method doesn’t just focus on understanding emotions but equips clients with concrete skills to handle them. Let’s take a look at a few case studies:
Maureen
Growing up in a turbulent home, Maureen developed patterns of communication that often spiraled into yelling and name-calling when upset. Maureen’s Orange County DBT therapist taught her how to pause, stay present, and communicate with intention. Through DBT, she learned to express herself assertively but respectfully. Maureen broke the cycle of conflict and enjoys more understanding and supportive relationships with friends, family, and her partner.
Jared
Jared struggled to accept his divorce. Grief, anger, and even suicidal thoughts seemed to overtake him. Jared’s Orange County DBT therapist introduced distress tolerance skills to help him handle intense emotions safely, while mindfulness taught him to sit with his feelings without letting them take over. Gradually, DBT helped Jared find peace with his new reality and regain hope for the future.
Kiana
Kiana started binge eating in college whenever anxiety about exams or presentations overwhelmed her. Food became her way of coping with stress, but it left her feeling out of control. Through Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Orange County, Kiana learned healthier ways to handle those intense emotions. She practiced distress tolerance skills to manage urges and used mindfulness to tune into her body’s cues. Gradually, she built new habits, finding relief from stress without turning to food, and regained control over her well-being.
Meet Your DBT Therapist, Hannah Pasternak, LCSW
Hannah Pasternak specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) so that her clients can build skills to manage intense emotions and navigate life’s challenges. Focusing on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness fosters resilience in struggles from relationships and work stress to anxiety and trauma. Hannah creates a supportive and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their feelings and experiences. By combining DBT techniques with her strengths-based approach, she empowers individuals to create meaningful change in their lives. Hannah’s goal is to help her clients grow and thrive—not just in their relationships with others, but in the relationship they have with themselves.