When Emotions Take Over: Why DBT Can Be Life-Saving
Have you ever felt like your emotions are too big to handle? Maybe sadness turns into rage, or anxiety keeps you awake for days. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a proven treatment for people who struggle with intense emotional reactions, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or unstable relationships. It was originally created to help people with Borderline Personality Disorder, but today, it’s widely used to treat depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and anxiety.
DBT for emotional regulation teaches real-life skills to stay calm, set boundaries, and feel more in control. That’s why it’s making a huge difference for patients in places like Phoenix, Gilbert, Scottsdale, and Glendale.
“Feelings are much like waves. We can’t stop them from coming but we can choose which one to surf.”
— Jonatan Mårtensson
Here’s the danger: Untreated emotional dysregulation can lead to broken relationships, lost jobs, self-injury, or even suicide. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 high school students have seriously considered suicide—and emotional instability is often at the core. DBT can stop the spiral.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
DBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan. It’s designed for people who feel emotions more intensely and have trouble calming down once upset. Unlike regular therapy, DBT focuses on two ideas at once:
- Acceptance of who you are right now
- Change to make your life better
This balance—called “dialectics”—helps people stay grounded without giving up.
Four Core Skills of DBT
- Mindfulness – Staying present without judgment
- Distress Tolerance – Handling pain in healthy ways
- Emotion Regulation – Managing emotional reactions
- Interpersonal Effectiveness – Communicating clearly while respecting yourself and others
At Bella Vida TMS, our therapists help you learn and practice these skills through individual therapy and skills group training. These tools can work even when nothing else has.
Why DBT for Emotional Regulation Works So Well
DBT Is Built for Emotional Chaos
Many people with intense emotions are told to “just calm down.” But the truth is—it’s not that simple. Your nervous system might be overactive, making your reactions feel overwhelming. DBT teaches the skills you never got to learn—like how to soothe yourself, say no without guilt, or ride out a tough feeling without exploding.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 75% of people with Borderline Personality Disorder who complete DBT experience fewer suicidal behaviors and hospitalizations.
It’s Backed by Research
In study after study, DBT has been shown to improve:
- Emotional control
- Relationship quality
- Self-harming behaviors
- Symptoms of depression and anxiety
In fact, DBT is one of the few therapies proven to reduce suicide attempts in high-risk groups. It’s also being adapted for teens, veterans, and people with co-occurring disorders, like substance use and PTSD.
Who Can Benefit from DBT?
You don’t have to be diagnosed with a personality disorder to get help from DBT. It’s for anyone who:
- Feels emotions very strongly
- Struggles to calm down after being upset
- Engages in impulsive or harmful behaviors
- Has a history of trauma
- Deals with frequent relationship drama
People in Scottsdale and Phoenix are finding that DBT offers real, lasting change—not just short-term relief.
DBT Helps With:
- PTSD
- Major Depression
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks
- Eating Disorders
- Substance Use
- Self-harm and Suicidal Thoughts
- Mood Swings
At Bella Vida TMS, we often combine DBT with TMS or Ketamine therapy for people who haven’t found success with traditional treatments alone. When combined, these tools can unlock deeper healing and faster progress.
DBT vs. Other Therapies
| Feature | DBT | Talk Therapy | Medication Alone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skills-Based | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Focus on Emotional Control | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes | ⚠️ Sometimes |
| Proven to Reduce Self-Harm | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Mixed Results | ❌ No |
| Covered by Insurance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Used with TMS & Ketamine | ✅ Highly Compatible | ✅ Sometimes | ✅ Yes |
How DBT Is Delivered at Bella Vida TMS
At Bella Vida TMS, our licensed therapists are trained in evidence-based DBT approaches. Here’s what your care may include:
🧠 One-on-One Therapy
Work with a trained DBT therapist to understand your emotions, track triggers, and build a strong relationship with yourself.
👥 Skills Group Sessions
Weekly group therapy teaches and reinforces DBT’s four key modules.
📞 Phone Coaching
Support outside of sessions when you need help using a skill in real life.
🤝 Team Consultation
Our DBT team meets regularly to ensure you’re getting the most effective care.
What Makes Bella Vida TMS Different?
In addition to therapy, we offer TMS and Ketamine therapy, which can help when depression makes it hard to engage in talk therapy. These treatments rewire the brain and calm overactive areas responsible for mood and stress. For some, this makes DBT easier and more effective.
Whether you’re in Gilbert, Glendale, or nearby areas, we make your care personalized and flexible—and we accept most major insurance plans.
Getting Started with DBT
What to Expect:
- A full intake to understand your history, symptoms, and goals
- A customized treatment plan—may include DBT, TMS, Ketamine, or all three
- A licensed therapist who listens, respects, and empowers you
- Flexible scheduling for busy lives
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Life doesn’t have to feel like a constant emotional rollercoaster. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers a clear path to emotional balance and stronger relationships. Whether you’re battling depression, overwhelmed by trauma, or just need better tools to manage daily stress, DBT can help.
And at Bella Vida TMS, we combine DBT, TMS, and Ketamine therapy for a whole-person approach that works—even when other methods haven’t.
FAQ’s
1. What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and how does it help with emotional regulation?
Answer:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to help people manage intense emotions. It combines mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills to reduce emotional outbursts, self-harm, and anxiety. DBT teaches you how to stay calm and in control, even in high-stress situations.
2. Is DBT effective for people with anxiety and depression?
Answer:
Yes. DBT has been shown to reduce symptoms of both anxiety and depression by teaching emotional regulation skills and healthy coping strategies. Studies show that DBT helps people better manage their mood, avoid negative thinking traps, and build stronger relationships—all of which support improved mental health.
3. How long does it take for DBT to work for emotional regulation?
Answer:
Many people begin seeing improvements within a few weeks, but full DBT programs typically last 6 months to a year. Emotional regulation is a skill that develops over time, and consistent practice in individual therapy and DBT skills groups can lead to lasting change.
4. Who benefits most from DBT for emotional regulation?
Answer:
DBT is especially helpful for individuals with mood disorders, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, or anyone who struggles with emotional outbursts, impulsivity, or relationship conflicts. It’s also effective for teens, young adults, and people with co-occurring mental health conditions.
5. Can DBT be combined with other treatments like TMS or Ketamine therapy?
Answer:
Yes. At Bella Vida TMS, DBT is often combined with TMS or Ketamine therapy to help people who haven’t responded to traditional treatments alone. These therapies work together to rewire brain patterns and support emotional stability, creating a more holistic path to recovery.
🌐 References
- American Psychological Association (APA)
📘 Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/dialectical-behavior-therapy
A summary of DBT as a recommended treatment for PTSD and emotional disorders. - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
📘 Psychotherapy Overview
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Psychotherapy
Covers types of therapy including DBT and how they help with mental illness. - Psychology Today
📘 Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/dialectical-behavior-therapy
Explains how DBT works and who benefits most from this approach. - Behavioral Tech
📘 DBT Resources and Research
https://behavioraltech.org/resources/faqs/dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt/
A deep dive into the clinical foundation of DBT and skills training. - National Library of Medicine (NIH)
📘 Linehan’s DBT: Research and Effectiveness
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2963469/
Peer-reviewed evidence supporting DBT as an effective treatment. - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
📘 Evidence-Based Practice Resource Center
https://www.samhsa.gov/ebp-resource-center
Lists DBT as an evidence-based model for managing emotional and behavioral disorders.
