Managing Anxiety and Depression with Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Anxiety and depression can make everyday life feel overwhelming, exhausting, and isolating. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health treatment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been shown to help many people develop the skills they need to cope, find balance, and improve their quality of life.

Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT has since been adapted to address a range of mental health concerns — including anxiety and depression. By combining acceptance and change strategies, DBT helps individuals build the tools to manage intense emotions, shift unhelpful thinking patterns, and respond to life’s challenges more effectively.

How DBT Works

DBT focuses on four main skill areas:

1. Mindfulness

Learning to be present in the moment without judgment. Mindfulness helps reduce rumination and worry — two patterns that often worsen anxiety and depression.

2. Distress Tolerance

Building the ability to cope with emotional pain in healthy ways, instead of reacting impulsively or avoiding the situation altogether.

3. Emotion Regulation

Understanding emotions, reducing emotional vulnerability, and learning strategies to shift unhelpful emotional states.

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness

Improving communication, setting boundaries, and maintaining relationships while respecting both your needs and others’.

Why DBT Helps with Anxiety and Depression

• Breaks the Cycle of Negative Thinking: Mindfulness techniques help interrupt patterns of worry and self-criticism.

• Builds Emotional Resilience: Skills in distress tolerance and emotion regulation provide tools to manage mood swings and overwhelming feelings.

• Improves Daily Functioning: By focusing on both acceptance and change, DBT helps clients work toward meaningful goals while reducing symptoms.

• Encourages Self-Compassion: DBT promotes a kinder, more understanding relationship with yourself — an important step in managing depression and anxiety.

What to Expect in DBT Sessions

DBT can be offered in individual therapy, group skills training, or a combination of both. In sessions, you’ll:

• Learn and practice new coping skills

• Review real-life situations where you can apply DBT techniques

• Receive guidance and encouragement from your therapist

• Track your progress toward specific goals

Over time, these skills become part of your daily life, making it easier to navigate stress, improve mood, and feel more in control.

Taking the First Step

If anxiety or depression is making life feel unmanageable, DBT could be a valuable path toward relief. The skills you learn can empower you to handle difficult emotions, improve your relationships, and reconnect with what matters most to you.

You don’t have to face these challenges alone — we offer support and proven tools are available.