Transformative Healing with Dialectical Behavior Therapy

What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)?

Symptoms

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral treatment model developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. The goal of DBT is to transform negative thinking patterns and destructive behaviors into positive outcomes.

Individuals have the opportunity to examine a deeper meaning of their lives through the DBT process of recovery. They will set goals for themselves, incorporate activities they enjoy, and mindfully understand their process of struggle. Therapists work alongside individuals to empathize with their journey and to ensure that self-compassion and mindfulness are a part of the recovery process. A positive self-identity is created in these sessions in which the person establishes self-compassion, acceptance, purpose, and an increased sense of self-worth.

Key areas of focus

Mindfulness

DBT helps individuals establish techniques for mindful eating and acceptance of the present moment. Patients will keep a diary and reflect on their moments of difficulty and success on their journey.

Distress Tolerance

Individuals will learn how to cope with situations that cause stress and anxiety by reframing their thoughts, implementing self-soothing techniques, and understanding the present moment.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

DBT helps individuals learn how to establish what they want and how to assess their needs while maintaining self-respect and healthy relationships with others.

Emotional Regulation

DBT seeks to aid individuals in how to understand, adapt, and change their emotions to improve their mindset and take positive, healthy actions.

our EXPERTS

At Privé-Swiss, the entire focus of our programs is on the unique individual coming for care. DBT sessions are completely private, one-on-one intensive sessions provided by Sandra Daignault, LCSW, an expert in this treatment modality.

Sandra Daignault, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker who brings to our clients over 20 years clinical experience, and a reputation as one of the top Dialectical Behavioral therapists on the east coast. She created and directed the Integrative Behavioral Health Program at Middlesex Hospital, Middletown CT. Previously, she was the lead group therapist and staff educator for well over a decade at Yale Psychiatric Hospital. She piloted and implemented what has been considered the most successful therapeutic program the hospital had ever offered as part of its psychiatric and addiction services. Sandy worked in both the inpatient and intensive outpatient service lines at Yale. Through her work at the hospitals, she has shown the importance of including psychiatric services as an essential component of providing the best wholistic health care — combining a mind and body approach, along with closely working with primary care physicians to help patients to achieve maximum wellness.

Sandy Daignault is author of the book, Come to Group!: An Essential Psychoeducational Workbook for All Psychiatric Clinicians Looking to Educate and Support Their Patients’ Wellness, 2013 — a resource used by many DBT therapists across the country. She has maintained a private practice and has worked for and with several of the most respected psychiatrists in the field.