What the heck is DBT: The Wise Mind
Have you ever heard of the therapy framework DBT? It stands for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and it can help you build healthier coping skills, tolerate difficult emotions and improve your relationships.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or DBT, is an evidence-based treatment developed by Marsha Linehan in the 1970s. She constructed this approach to help her understand and manage her own symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder, or BPD (I know right, what a baddie!). She also wears a lot of leather jackets which, for me, is a plus 😊. Since then, research has found that DBT is effective for not only managing BPD but for things like eating disorders, suicidal ideation, self-harm, anxiety, depression, impulse control, and addictions.
One of my favorite parts of DBT is its integration of Eastern (Zen) contemplative practices such as the “Wise Mind” which promotes balance. In DBT, we are always working to connect to the Wise Mind or this internal place of knowing, guidance and centeredness. As a DBT therapist, I have truly appreciated this layer, one that feels authentic and spiritual in nature, a quality not always present in other interventions.
When we build up the skill to connect to our Wise Mind it serves as our North Star, our landing pad. Here, we can ask for direction and guidance to make the best short-term and long-term decisions that integrate BOTH emotions and logic instead of getting swept away by either one. As DBT would say, decisions that take us closer to building our “life worth living”.
With just a little practice, you too can get closer to connecting to your Wise Mind. Try the following 5 minute video exercise to practice building your Wise Mind skills.
Need extra support? I’m here to help! Click the link below to schedule an appointment with me, a DBT therapist, and start building your skills.
Exercise: Video: Is this Wise Mind?
Resources
Linehan, M. M., & Wilks, C. R. (2015). The Course and Evolution of Dialectical Behavior Therapy. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 69(2), 97–110.
Pasieczny, N., & Connor, J. (2011). The effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy in routine public mental health settings: an Australian controlled trial. Behavior Research and therapy, 49(1), 4-10.