• Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Hawaii
  • What is it like to be in DBT?
  • Empirically Supported
  • DBT in Hawaii
  • The Clinicians
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What is it like to be in DBT?

• DBT is supportive: The therapist helps the client recognize his or her strengths and develop these positive characteristics to build a life worth living.
• DBT balances acceptance and change: Prople come to therapy in order to change, but DBT also recognizes that acceptance must be present so that the client can tolerate the pain and suffering of the here-and-now.
• DBT is cognitive: The therapist and client work together to identify and change beliefs, expectations and assumptions that often lead to problematic emotions and  behaviors.
• DBT is behavioral: Even destructive behavior patterns exist for a reason - some positive "payoff results". In DBT, the client and therapist identify new behaviors that can obtain the same "payoff" without the painful consequences.
• DBT is skill-oriented: Clients in DBT learn and enhance skills for managing emotions, relationships, and impulses.
• DBT requires a collaborative relationship: DBT clients and therapists work as a team. Constant attention is paid to the relationship so that treatment can progress as effectively as possible.