What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive, evidence-based form of psychotherapy developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s. Originally created to treat chronically suicidal individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), DBT has since proven effective for a wide range of conditions characterized by emotional intensity and difficulty managing distress.
The word "dialectical" refers to the balance between two seemingly opposite truths: acceptance and change. DBT teaches women that they can accept themselves exactly as they are right now while simultaneously working to create meaningful change. This philosophical foundation — "I am doing my best, and I can do better" — is transformative for women who have been caught in cycles of self-criticism and shame.
At IKANN Wellness in Fort Lauderdale, our DBT program is specifically designed for women. We recognize that women face unique emotional challenges shaped by societal expectations, hormonal influences, caregiving roles, and often extensive histories of interpersonal trauma. DBT's emphasis on validation, skill-building, and empowerment makes it an ideal therapeutic approach for women who have been told they are "too emotional," "too sensitive," or "too much."
DBT teaches four core skill sets — mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness — that provide practical tools for navigating life's challenges with greater resilience and less suffering. These are not abstract concepts; they are concrete, learnable skills that women practice and apply in real-world situations throughout treatment.
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How DBT Works: The Four Core Skill Sets
DBT is structured around four interconnected modules that together provide a comprehensive toolkit for emotional wellness:
1. Mindfulness
The foundation of all DBT skills. Mindfulness teaches women to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, stay present in the current moment, and participate fully in their lives. For women who live in constant anxiety about the future or rumination about the past, mindfulness provides a path to presence and clarity.
2. Distress Tolerance
Life inevitably includes painful moments that cannot be immediately fixed. Distress tolerance skills help women survive emotional crises without making them worse.
- TIPP skills (Temperature, Intense exercise, Paced breathing, Progressive relaxation)
- Radical acceptance: Acknowledging painful realities without fighting them
- Self-soothing: Using the five senses to calm the nervous system
- Pros and cons: Thoughtful evaluation during emotional distress
3. Emotional Regulation
This module helps women understand, name, and manage their emotions more effectively.
- Identifying and labeling emotions accurately
- Reducing vulnerability through self-care (PLEASE skills)
- Building positive experiences that create emotional resilience
- Opposite action — choosing behaviors opposite to unhelpful urges
- Checking the facts to determine if an emotional response fits
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness
Many women struggle to ask for what they need, say no, and maintain self-respect in relationships.
- DEAR MAN: Skills for asking effectively and saying no
- GIVE: Skills for maintaining relationships while meeting your needs
- FAST: Skills for maintaining self-respect during interactions
Our DBT Treatment Approach at IKANN Wellness
IKANN Wellness provides comprehensive, adherent DBT that includes all four components recommended by the DBT model:
Individual DBT Therapy
Weekly one-on-one sessions with a DBT-trained therapist focused on applying skills to your specific life challenges. Individual therapy addresses your unique goals, processes difficult experiences, and helps you overcome obstacles to using skills effectively.
DBT Skills Training Group
Women-only groups meet weekly to learn and practice all four DBT skill modules. The group format provides a supportive environment for skill acquisition, peer learning, and interpersonal practice. Groups cycle through all four modules over approximately 24 weeks.
Between-Session Coaching
Our program provides access to between-session phone or text coaching for moments when you need help applying skills in real-time. This bridge between sessions ensures that support is available when you need it most.
Therapist Consultation Team
Our DBT therapists participate in a weekly consultation team — a core component of adherent DBT — to ensure they are providing the highest quality treatment and staying motivated and effective in this demanding work.
Integration with Other Modalities
While DBT forms the backbone of our approach for many conditions, we integrate it with CBT, EMDR, and holistic therapies as appropriate. For trauma processing, art therapy, equine-assisted therapy, and body-based approaches often complement DBT powerfully.
Treatment Programs Available
DBT is available across all levels of care at IKANN Wellness:
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Daily DBT programming including individual therapy, skills groups, and intensive practice. Ideal for women in acute crisis or those who benefit from immersive skill-building.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
DBT-focused sessions 3–5 days/week with evening options. Combines individual therapy, skills groups, and real-world skills application.
Outpatient Program (OP)
Weekly individual DBT therapy and ongoing skills groups for maintenance and continued growth.
Telehealth Options
Individual DBT sessions and select skills groups available via secure video for women across Florida.
Why Choose IKANN Wellness for Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Our program includes all four components of comprehensive DBT — individual therapy, skills group, phone coaching, and consultation team.
DBT skills groups composed exclusively of women create safety for exploring sensitive emotional and relational topics.
Our DBT therapists have completed intensive DBT training and follow the treatment model as designed for maximum effectiveness.
DBT is supported by over 30 years of clinical research demonstrating effectiveness for BPD, self-harm, suicidal behavior, eating disorders, substance use, and chronic emotional distress.
DBT provides concrete, actionable tools that women use every day — not just during therapy sessions.
From intensive PHP to outpatient maintenance, we match treatment intensity to each woman's needs.
Free insurance verification at (786) 504-7626.
Ready to Start?
Call (786) 504-7626 or fill out our confidential contact form. Our admissions team is available 7 days a week, 9 AM – 9 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Who is DBT best suited for?
What is the difference between DBT and CBT?
How long does a DBT program take?
Can I do DBT alongside medication?
Is DBT available via telehealth?
Start Your Journey to Healing Today
You deserve treatment that sees the whole you — not just a diagnosis. IKANN Wellness provides compassionate, women-focused care in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Florida.