What is DBT? | Dialectical Behavior Therapy Explained (Part 1)

Discover how dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) transforms insight into action and helps you ride out emotional storms. Clinical psychologist Dr. Kiki Fehling shares her personal journey—from using DBT skills to recover after a heart attack to teaching them to clients—and explains why understanding yourself isn’t enough. DBT combines proven cognitive‑behavioral techniques with mindfulness, radical acceptance and coping skills. It teaches you to recognize, regulate and work with your emotions rather than be controlled by them.

Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/

Learn more about Kiki: https://www.kikifehling.com/


In this conversation you’ll learn what “dialectics” means (hint: embracing both acceptance and change) and how the Wise Mind helps balance your rational and emotional sides. Dr. Fehling explains that DBT was created for people with borderline personality disorder but research now shows it helps PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and eating disorders. You’ll hear how DBT tackles anxiety through exposure and opposite‑action techniques that teach you to face fears while soothing your body and mind. For depression, the therapy reconnects you to activities and relationships that bring joy, and for addiction it provides healthier ways to cope with pain.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, DBT is collaborative and directive—your therapist actively tracks behaviors, teaches life skills and offers coaching between sessions. A comprehensive DBT program includes weekly individual therapy, weekly skills groups and 24/7 phone coaching, and therapists consult with one another to ensure quality care. Even if you can’t commit to the full program, learning DBT skills through books or online groups can still make a difference. Ready to build a more stable, fulfilling life? Watch until the end, subscribe for part two (where we dive into the skills themselves), share your story in the comments and pass this along to someone who could use a little DBT wisdom.

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Dr. Kiki’s DBT Journey & Why Insight Isn’t Enough
02:13 – What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy? DBT Explained
03:07 – Dialectics: Balancing Acceptance and Change
07:55 – Who Benefits: BPD, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression & Addiction
08:58 – DBT Skills for Anxiety: Exposure & Opposite Action
10:00 – DBT for Depression: Reconnecting With Life & Joy
11:02 – Addiction & DBT: Coping Without Substances
16:21 – Talk Therapy vs DBT: Collaborative Skill‑Based Healing
27:26 – Inside a Comprehensive DBT Program: Individual, Group & Coaching
33:14 – DBT‑Informed Options & Learning Life Skills

❓ Questions the Video Answers:

What is dialectical behavior therapy and how does it work?
Who can benefit from DBT therapy?
How does DBT help with emotional regulation and distress tolerance?
What DBT skills can reduce anxiety and worry?
How can DBT help someone struggling with depression?
Is DBT effective for substance use disorders and addiction?
What is the Wise Mind in DBT and how do you access it?
How do dialectics balance acceptance and change?
How is DBT different from traditional talk therapy or CBT?
What does a comprehensive DBT program involve?
How long does DBT therapy typically take?
Can I learn DBT skills on my own through books or online groups?
What are distress tolerance and opposite‑action skills?
Does DBT work for borderline personality disorder and PTSD?
How do DBT skills improve relationships and build a life worth living?
#DBT #MentalHealth #EmotionalRegulation