About Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder but has proven remarkably effective for substance use disorders, particularly when emotional dysregulation plays a central role. At Trust SoCal, our DBT-trained therapists help clients develop four core skill areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
DBT is especially valuable for individuals who use substances to cope with overwhelming emotions. By teaching healthier ways to manage intense feelings, tolerate distress, and communicate effectively, DBT addresses the emotional root causes of addiction while building practical life skills that support long-term sobriety.


