Kairos Wellness Collective

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How Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) supports healing from suicidality

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) supports healing from suicidality in several ways:

  1. Focus on safety and stabilization: DBT emphasizes safety and stabilization as a priority for individuals who struggle with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Techniques such as creating a safety plan, developing coping strategies through mindfulness and emotional regulation, and building a support network are emphasized to reduce the risk of suicidal behavior and increase stabilization.

  2. Addressing underlying issues: DBT helps individuals to identify and address the underlying issues that contribute to suicidal ideation and behaviors, such as trauma, abuse, or mental health disorders. By addressing these issues in a supportive and non-judgmental environment, individuals can increase their understanding of their struggles and develop new ways of coping.

  3. Building interpersonal skills: One of the key components of DBT is building interpersonal skills to strengthen relationships and improve communication. By learning effective communication strategies, individuals are better able to express their emotions and needs, resolve conflicts, and build supportive relationships.

  4. Emphasis on acceptance and validation: DBT emphasizes acceptance and validation of one's experience, including difficult emotions, past traumas, and current struggles. By learning to accept and validate their experiences, individuals can decrease their level of shame and self-blame, and increase their motivation for change.

Overall, DBT provides a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to supporting individuals who struggle with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. By addressing multiple aspects of their experience, DBT supports healing from suicidality and helps individuals to build a meaningful and fulfilling life.

To learn more about our therapists and DBT, please contact Kairos Wellness Collective today.