DBT?

You may wonder what DBT stands for? DBT stands for Dialectical (not Diabolical) Behavior Therapy and it is a cognitive behavioral therapy created by *Marsha Linehan, Ph.D. (she is my idol!). I was fortunate enough to be introduced to this theory at my first job out of my Masters. I was trained under her protocol that she uses and was blessed enough to meet her in person!!

DBT blends eastern practices of mindfulness with skills training. Clients learn skills such as Emotion Regulation, Impulse Control, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. The core of this program is teaching people to "Create a life worth living." Her theory is pretty amazing stuff!!

If followed in true form, DBT is a year long commitment. Clients participate in weekly individual sessions (skill practice) and group sessions (learning skills). You go through the program twice in that year because it can be a bit overwhelming the first time through. However, once you have the 'light bulb' moment, nothing in your life will EVER be the same. You can't undo or take away the awareness you have now learned.

So, why do I bring this up on a blog for Medifast? Take Shape for Life, in conjunction with Medifast, are all about creating healthy lifestyles. It's not JUST about losing the weight. It's about creating healthy habits to adapt into the rest of your life. DBT is all about creating a life worth living. Teaching people new skills to improve their life through addressing self-esteem, setting healthy boundaries with others, and allowing them to see life can be better.

Many people use food as a coping mechanism for unpleasant feelings, such as fear, sadness, anxiety, and guilt or shame. Most people, when they lose their primary coping skill, begin to supplement with another coping skill, be it positive or negative. DBT is just one of many counseling theories that is effective at addressing life issues. It is by no means the only way. It is the way I was trained, which is why I write about it. I think it's a pretty fantastic theory and I am passionate about sharing it with others, just as I am passionate about Medifast and being a Health Coach. I want to help people improve their life, no matter what that improvement may be.

What I can speak to, is how DBT has helped me in my own weight loss journey, my life, and my outlook on my future. I honestly don't know where I would be without my skill-base from this training. I am more aware of my emotions, how they feel in my body, and judgments and choices I make. I can combat my emotional impulses with logic and talk myself out of negative downward spirals. It has truly helped me stay on track with choosing a healthier lifestyle for myself. However, this is only my personal experience with DBT. As all methods, individual results may vary.

(I personally think DBT should be taught to adolescents/teenagers in every school across the country, but what do I know.)

How have you taken a step to 'create a life worth living?'
Laura

PS-If you are interested in learning more about DBT and want to see if there is a trained facilitator in your area, go to www.behavioraltech.com and you can search for a clinician there.

*I have not been compensated by Dr. Linehan, or her affiliates, for my mentioning her in my blog.