What is DBT and how does it work?

DBT, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy, is a structured approach that helps people manage strong emotions, improve relationships, and build healthier habits. It combines acceptance with change, offering tools to handle life’s ups and downs more effectively. DBT is often used for anxiety, mood disorders, and trauma recovery.

What are the 4 skills of DBT?

DBT teaches four main skill sets: Mindfulness – staying present Distress Tolerance – managing crises Emotion Regulation – understanding and calming emotions Interpersonal Effectiveness – setting boundaries and communicating clearly At Sandia Therapy and Wellness Center in Albuquerque, our therapists guide clients through these tools in a supportive setting.

What is the difference between DBT and EMDR?

DBT and EMDR are both effective therapies, but they focus on different things. DBT teaches coping skills and emotional balance, while EMDR helps the brain process trauma. Your therapist can help decide which therapy or a combination is right for your goals.

Does DBT treat trauma?

Yes, DBT can be helpful for people who have experienced trauma. It doesn’t focus on processing the traumatic event directly (like EMDR), but it helps build emotional strength, safety, and stability before trauma-focused work begins.

Which are the 7 crucial DBT strategies?

Key DBT strategies include: Behavior chain analysis Validation Mindfulness practice Skill building Homework and tracking Crisis management plans Therapist consultation These tools help create lasting change through structure and support.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Albuquerque, NM

DBT at Sandia Therapy teaches skills for emotional balance, healthy relationships, and lasting change.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) blends acceptance and change strategies to help manage intense emotions, harmful thoughts, and relationship challenges. At Sandia Therapy and Wellness Center in Albuquerque, our DBT-trained therapists and counselors teach practical skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and effective communication. With consistent guidance and care, DBT therapy supports long-term emotional growth and healthier relationships.

Make Appointment

What the Experts Say About DBT

Psychology Today DBT

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a structured program of psychotherapy with a strong educational component designed to provide skills for managing intense emotions and negotiating social relationships.

Originally developed to curb the self-destructive impulses of chronic suicidal patients, it is also the treatment of choice for borderline personality disorder, emotional dysregulation, and a growing array of psychiatric conditions.

Click here to learn more on the Psychology Today website.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents

DBT-A is a treatment for self-harming adolescents with borderline personality disorder (BPD) that includes individual therapy, group skills training for parents or caregivers, and telephone coaching by therapists. This intervention was adapted from a treatment that has been shown to reduce suicidal and nonsuicidal self-harm in adults. The “adult” version of DBT also reduces emergency department visits and hospitalizations, and improves treatment completion, social adjustment, and personality functioning among adults.

Click here to learn more on the SAMHSA website.

What is DBT

DBT focuses on teaching people skills to manage intense emotions, cope with challenging situations, and improve their relationships. It encourages people to learn and use mindfulness training in practical ways.

During individual and group sessions, therapists encourage a nonjudgmental attitude and emphasize acceptance, compassion, and other aspects of mindfulness.

Click here to learn more on the Harvard Health Publishing website.

DBT Therapy FAQs: Skills, Strategies, and How It Helps

Dialectical Behavior Therapy gives you tools to handle emotions and build stronger habits. These common questions explain how DBT works and how therapy in Albuquerque can support lasting mental health growth.

What is DBT and how does it work?
DBT, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy, is a structured approach that helps people manage strong emotions, improve relationships, and build healthier habits. It combines acceptance with change, offering tools to handle life’s ups and downs more effectively. DBT is often used for anxiety, mood disorders, and trauma recovery.
What are the 4 skills of DBT?
DBT teaches four main skill sets:

Mindfulness – staying present

Distress Tolerance – managing crises

Emotion Regulation – understanding and calming emotions

Interpersonal Effectiveness – setting boundaries and communicating clearly

At Sandia Therapy and Wellness Center in Albuquerque, our therapists guide clients through these tools in a supportive setting.
What is the difference between DBT and EMDR?
DBT and EMDR are both effective therapies, but they focus on different things. DBT teaches coping skills and emotional balance, while EMDR helps the brain process trauma. Your therapist can help decide which therapy or a combination is right for your goals.
Does DBT treat trauma?
Yes, DBT can be helpful for people who have experienced trauma. It doesn’t focus on processing the traumatic event directly (like EMDR), but it helps build emotional strength, safety, and stability before trauma-focused work begins.
Which are the 7 crucial DBT strategies?
Key DBT strategies include:

Behavior chain analysis

Validation

Mindfulness practice

Skill building

Homework and tracking

Crisis management plans

Therapist consultation

These tools help create lasting change through structure and support.

Have more questions? Visit our dedicated DBT FAQ page for answers.

Make an Appointment

Click below to schedule with one of our therapists in Albuquerque, NM.