Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based, skills-focused therapy originally developed to help individuals manage intense emotions and build healthier relationships. Combining cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies, DBT teaches clients how to regulate emotions, tolerate distress, and improve interpersonal effectiveness.
At OC Sport Psychology, we use DBT to support athletes and individuals who want to build emotional resilience, manage high-pressure situations, and develop greater balance in their lives—on and off the field.
Intense emotions and impulsive reactions can interfere with performance, relationships, and overall well-being. DBT offers practical tools to help you navigate these challenges and create a more stable, fulfilling life.
DBT can help you:
- Understand and regulate strong emotions
- Reduce impulsivity and improve decision-making under stress
- Build effective coping strategies for setbacks or crises
- Enhance focus and emotional balance in high-stakes situations
- Improve relationships through healthier communication and boundaries
- Increase self-awareness and self-compassion
For athletes, DBT skills translate into better emotional control during competitions and improved mental recovery after mistakes. For non-athletes, DBT offers a framework for managing daily stress, anxiety, and interpersonal challenges.
