Life can feel overwhelming at times—especially when emotions run high or relationships become difficult to manage. If you’ve been struggling with intense feelings, impulsive behaviors, or a sense of inner chaos, you’re not alone. Many people experience these challenges, and there is help available. One powerful therapeutic approach that offers support and skills for lasting change is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
At Be Well Psychology in Calgary, we use DBT to help clients create more balance in their lives, build emotional resilience, and improve their relationships. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or difficulties in how you relate to others, DBT offers practical tools—and a hopeful path forward.
What Is DBT?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that helps people manage strong emotions, cope with distress, and navigate relationships more effectively. Originally developed to support people with borderline personality disorder, DBT has since been proven to benefit a wide range of individuals facing emotional and behavioral challenges.
The “dialectical” part of DBT refers to balancing two seemingly opposite ideas: acceptance and change. In DBT, you learn to accept yourself and your experiences as they are, while also working toward meaningful changes in how you respond to life’s challenges. It’s this balance that makes DBT such a powerful and compassionate form of therapy.
How DBT Can Help
DBT is especially helpful for people who:
- Struggle with emotional regulation: If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by emotions like anger, sadness, fear, or frustration, DBT can help you learn to understand and manage those feelings in healthy ways.
- Experience intense anxiety: DBT teaches grounding techniques, mindfulness, and distress tolerance skills that help reduce anxiety and bring a sense of calm during stressful moments.
- Engage in impulsive or self-destructive behaviors: Whether it’s self-harm, substance use, or other risk-taking behaviors, DBT offers strategies to reduce harmful patterns and build healthier coping tools.
- Have difficulty in relationships: If relationships often feel unstable or draining, DBT can help you improve communication, set boundaries, and create more connection and understanding in your interactions with others.
- Struggle with low self-esteem or a negative self-image: DBT encourages self-compassion, validation, and skill-building that can support a more confident and grounded sense of self.
The Core Skills of DBT
DBT is often taught through a combination of individual therapy and skills training. The four main skill areas include:
- Mindfulness: Learning to stay present in the moment and become more aware of thoughts, feelings, and sensations—without judgment.
- Distress Tolerance: Developing tools to get through painful or overwhelming situations without making things worse.
- Emotion Regulation: Understanding and managing intense emotions so they feel less disruptive and more manageable.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Building healthier communication, setting boundaries, and maintaining relationships that are respectful and fulfilling.
These skills are taught in a structured, supportive way—offering real-life tools you can start using right away.
A Mind-Body Approach to DBT
At Be Well Psychology, our therapists incorporate DBT within a holistic, mind-body approach. That means we look at the full picture of your health—mental, emotional, and physical—and support you in aligning your values, goals, and personal growth. DBT fits beautifully into this framework, offering concrete strategies while honoring your unique experiences and inner wisdom.
Take the First Step
DBT isn’t just about surviving difficult emotions—it’s about learning to thrive. With the right tools, support, and guidance, healing is possible. If you or someone you love is struggling, we’re here to help.
Connect with Be Well Psychology today to learn more about how DBT can support your journey toward balance, connection, and lasting change.
