Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Services

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Services in Woodland, CA

Cristeta Rillera utilizes dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) techniques in the Woodland, CA area. If you’re struggling with mountainous feelings of anger, sadness, shame, or guilt, DBT can help you overcome these emotions and teach you how to deal with them in future circumstances.

Cristeta creates a warm, trauma-informed counseling environment through virtual or in-person appointments. Together, you’ll explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences through a dialectical lens, gaining a better understanding of both yourself and the situations that may trigger your intense feelings.

Schedule your first appointment with Cristeta by calling (530) 302-6097 today or send an email to [email protected].

What Is DBT?

DBT is a common talk therapy technique that assists those who experience very intense, overwhelming emotions. DBT is derived from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and was originally adapted for those with borderline personality disorder. This therapy type is designed to help individuals come to terms with their feelings by developing long-term coping skills and initiating real lifestyle changes that can facilitate the consistent management of these feelings.

The central focus of DBT can be split into four core skills:

Mindfulness: You’ll learn how to become more present in your emotions and thoughts
Distress Tolerance: You’ll discover the best, most useful ways to handle stressful circumstances.
Emotional Regulation: You’ll understand how best to manage large, overwhelming emotions and alter them for the better.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: You’ll learn to cultivate and maintain positive relationships and boundaries.

Unlike CBT, DBT does not focus on labeling your negative thoughts as distortions – instead, DBT takes into account how those who experience emotions and feelings more intensely can benefit from direct validation, and exploring them further by examining how both your thoughts and the reality of your circumstance coexist.

Exploring therapy techniques

Who Is DBT Right For?

As mentioned above, DBT was originally created as a treatment option for those with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Those with BPD tend to experience intense emotions in fluctuations, which can be triggered by things like the workplace or personal relationships.

Those with BPD often have a difficult time maintaining their relationships and are overcome with an immense fear of abandonment. DBT can help address the emotional dysregulation that those with BPD experience, creating a toolkit of coping skills that allow individuals to face these emotions head-on.

DBT & Anxiety

If you have anxiety, you know how difficult it is to stay present. Severe anxiety can make you feel as if you’re spiraling out of control, like your emotions are spilling out with nowhere to go. You may find yourself in the pit of these negative thoughts, and perhaps you’ve also found yourself resorting to impulsive behaviors (like excessive shopping, etc.) to rid yourself of these anxious feelings. DBT creates an environment where your thoughts and behavior patterns are explored and adjusted. This therapy helps you develop real resources for your most anxious moments so you can center yourself and manage those dominating emotions. DBT is very useful for those with anxiety, and many people find DBT to be one of the most effective therapy types for reducing debilitating anxiety.

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DBT & Trauma

When you’ve experienced a traumatic event or recurring instances of trauma, there can be a variety of long-term symptoms that accompany it. Those with trauma often report having feelings of anxiety, depression, shame, and guilt, along with physical symptoms like bodily pain, headaches, nausea, and insomnia. These symptoms can make it incredibly difficult to create positive, healthy relationships and set boundaries that stick.

DBT can help you understand your trauma responses and behaviors, all while assisting you with honing conflict resolution and stress management skills that will allow you to foster enjoyable, loving, positive relationships with those around you.

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Connect With Cristeta For Your First Appointment.

If you’re interested in exploring talk therapy options with Cristeta Rillera, feel free to call (530) 302-6097 today. You can also submit a contact form with your information, and Cristeta will reach out to you to schedule the best time for your consultation. Get started today to begin your therapy journey.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Services