DBT for Anxiety

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been shown to be highly effective in treating anxiety. 

Learn more about Anxiety

Research demonstrates that DBT significantly reduces anxiety symptoms across multiple disorders, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorder. The adaptive coping mechanisms offers real-time anxiety management tools, particularly valuable for those needing immediate relief strategies.

HOW DBT WORKS FOR ANXIETY: 

  • Mindfulness skills train you to observe anxious thoughts without judgment, ground yourself in the present, accept anxiety as temporary and develop non-judgmental body awareness. DBT offers practical techniques for any setting: breath focus during a big game or meeting, physical sensation awareness while walking, or thought observation without engagement. These practices strengthen your ability to stay present when anxiety triggers worry spirals.

  • DBT helps individuals identify, challenge, and change unhelpful or negative thoughts to more balanced dialectical thoughts. This process is referred to as Cognitive Restructuring. Individuals use DBT skills to shift distorted thinking patterns and get out of negative thought loops.

  • Crisis-level anxiety and panic requires distress tolerance skills. These methods help you survive intense anxiety without worsening it through avoidance or impulsive actions and without making it worse. Individuals learn TIPP, self soothe, distraction, and more to utilize in high distress.

  • Relationships can be challenging for individuals with depression. DBT clients learn how to identify positive relationships, build communication skills and work towards creating a strong inner circle of supportive friends.

  • DBT clients learn to identify their values and goals and work towards work and life changes that are in alignment with their hopes and dreams.

If you think DBT could be a good fit for you or a loved one, call our intake line at 425-615-0605 for more information about how our program can help you! Our practice is based out of Bellevue, WA and through both in-person and virtual services we work with people in all around the Seattle area and throughout Washington State.