Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy that is based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) but is usually for those who experience emotions very intensely and have difficulty regulating those emotions. It’s a common therapy for people with borderline personality disorder, but it can be used and adapted for other mental health concerns as well. DBT specifically focuses on helping patients accept their lives and behaviors while also learning to change their lives and unhelpful behaviors. 

With DBT, Dr. McGuire will help you strike a balance between accepting who you are and the benefits of changing. Your therapy will focus on mindfulness, acceptance, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills. You will work on these approaches throughout your therapy sessions so you can bring them into your everyday life.

DBT is also well-known for its effectiveness. There have been multiple clinical trials showing how effective it is at reducing self-harm and providing patients with relief from their mental illness. 

What Does DBT Treat?

While DBT was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), it can be used to address a wide variety of mental health conditions, including

• Anxiety and depression
• Substance abuse
• Self-harm
• ADHD
• Eating disorders 
• PTSD

What to Expect from Dialectical Behavior Therapy

To start your DBT with Dr. McGuire, she’ll first ask you a series of questions about yourself to determine if this is the right therapeutic approach for your needs. If DBT is right for you, she will begin to walk you through recognizing, understanding, labeling, and regulating your emotions using a variety of tools and techniques, as well as homework to help you bring what you learn in therapy to your daily life. 

The main aspects of DBT that you’ll work on include mindfulness to help you be present in your current moment and the fleeting nature of your emotions. We’ll also focus on distress tolerance, ensuring you can tolerate negative emotions rather than feeling the need to escape them. 

Emotional regulation is also a major part of DBT. During your sessions, Dr. McGuire will help you learn strategies to manage and change your more intense emotions. Finally, with interpersonal skills, you will be better able to communicate with others and strengthen your relationships. 

Your individual therapy sessions will range from 40-60 minutes. How long DBT is needed will differ from person to person. 

Schedule a Consultation

Are you struggling with intense emotions and ready to find relief? You don’t have to go it alone. With the help of Dr. McGuire at Cottonwood Psychiatry, you can learn to regulate your emotions and live your best life. To get started, schedule a consultation today. Call our Denver office or message us via our online contact form.

Dr. Colleen McGuire

Dr. Colleen McGuire, DO, is a Board-Certified Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine specializing in Psychiatry with a background in Anthropology and Music from the University of New Mexico, pre-med studies in Denver, and a medical degree from Touro University in California. She completed her residency at the University of Colorado, serving as Chief Resident, and has held key roles such as Attending Psychiatrist and Assistant Professor at Denver Health, as well as working in various inpatient, outpatient, and telepsychiatry settings. Dr. McGuire specializes in trauma, midlife hormonal issues, and alternatives to medication, utilizing therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Known for her empathetic, client-centered approach and strong collaborative relationships, she is licensed in multiple states and enjoys mentoring nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Outside of work, she is a classical pianist, swimmer, and animal lover who values personal growth and creativity.

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