Columbus Park is proud to offer a comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy program specifically for individuals who struggle with eating disorders (DBT-ED). DBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes the teaching and integration of skills for coping. Our DBT program incorporates group skills, individual skills reinforcement, and phone coaching, all implemented with fidelity to the DBT model. Our staff has advanced training in DBT through Behavioral Tech and via weekly DBT team and individual consultation, and are constantly honing their skills and competencies. Our clients receive the highest level of skills training and coaching with therapists who are not just experts in DBT but in DBT adapted specifically for eating disorders.

What is DBT?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on expanding skills for coping and problem-solving while decreasing impulsivity and increasing self-awareness. DBT targets emotion-driven, destructive behaviors and replaces them with more effective and sustainable solutions in the form of positive coping skills. DBT is an efficient, time-limited, and change-oriented therapeutic intervention with strong research support for treating a wide range of conditions, including eating disorders. 

Adherent DBT

Over the last two decades, DBT has increased in popularity. It’s a “hot” treatment with a lot of buzz and positive references in the field. Many providers integrate elements of DBT as part of a broader treatment alongside other techniques. It’s essential to note that this “light” version of DBT can be helpful in some cases, but it is not consistent with how DBT is intended to be delivered and shouldn’t be the course for patients with serious or chronic emotional and behavioral concerns. Adherent DBT (“the full dose”) incorporates individual therapy, skills training, and between-session coaching (for patient and parent[s]) and should be delivered by clinicians with intensive training who are part of a DBT Team (meaning that the therapist meets weekly with their team with the intention of collaborating and working together in service of delivering the treatment at the highest level).

For more information about our DBT services, visit the pages below: