Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s.

It was specifically designed to treat people with borderline personality disorder (BPD), particularly those struggling with chronic suicidal thoughts.

Over time, though, DBT has been adapted to help with other mental health issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders.

At its core, DBT is about finding a balance between acceptance and change, that’s the “dialectical” part.

It teaches people to accept themselves and their emotions as they are, while also working to change behaviors that are harmful or unhelpful.

It’s not about forcing positivity or ignoring pain; it’s about learning to manage intense emotions without self-destruction.