Introduction
Anger is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. However, for some people, anger can be a problem that interferes with their lives. If you find that you are often angry and that your anger is causing problems in your relationships, at work, or in other areas of your life, then you may want to consider seeking help from a therapist.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a type of psychotherapy that is effective in treating anger problems. DBT is a comprehensive treatment that teaches people skills for managing their emotions, tolerating distress, and improving their relationships.
If you would like more information on anger management, please see this article.
What is DBT?
Marsha Linehan developed DBT in the early 1990s. DBT is based on the idea that people with anger problems have difficulty accepting and regulating their emotions. As a result, they may act impulsively and without thinking about the consequences of their actions.
DBT teaches people skills for accepting and regulating their emotions. These skills include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This can help people become more aware of their thoughts and feelings and respond to them more skillfully.
- Distress tolerance is tolerating difficult emotions without destructively acting on them. This can help people stay calm in the face of anger and avoid making impulsive decisions.
- Emotion regulation is the ability to manage emotions healthily. This includes being able to identify and express emotions constructively.
- Interpersonal effectiveness is the ability to communicate effectively and to assert oneself healthily. This can help people to resolve conflict and maintain healthy relationships.
How can DBT help with anger management?
DBT can help people with anger management by teaching them skills for:
- Identifying and labelling their emotions
- Understanding the triggers that lead to anger
- Developing healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with anger
- Communicating effectively in anger-provoking situations
What can I expect in DBT treatment?
DBT treatment typically involves individual therapy and group therapy. In individual therapy, you will work with a therapist to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. In group therapy, you will learn skills for managing anger and practice these skills with other people who are also struggling with anger.
DBT treatment is typically a long-term treatment, but it can be very effective in helping people to manage their anger and improve their lives.
What are the benefits of DBT for anger management?
DBT is effective in reducing anger and improving the quality of life for people with anger problems. DBT can also help people to:
- Improve their relationships
- Increase their self-esteem
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve their overall mental health
If you are struggling with anger, I encourage you to seek help from a therapist who is trained in DBT. DBT can help you to learn the skills you need to manage your anger and live a happier, healthier life.
In addition to the benefits listed above, DBT can also help people to:
- Develop a better understanding of their triggers
- Learn to communicate more effectively in relationships
- Develop a stronger sense of self-worth
- Improve their overall mental health