CBT vs DBT
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are both evidence-based talk therapies. DBT grew out of CBT and adds mindfulness and emotion-regulation skills.
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Side by side
| CBT | DBT | |
|---|---|---|
| Core idea (NIMH) | Become aware of automatic thoughts that are inaccurate or harmful, question them, and change self-defeating behavior patterns | Mindfulness — awareness of one’s present situation and emotional state — plus skills to control intense emotions |
| Developed for | A broad range of conditions; exposure therapy for anxiety is a type of CBT | NIMH says DBT was developed specifically for people with borderline personality disorder |
| Skills taught | Challenging thoughts, problem-solving, changing behaviors | Controlling intense emotions, reducing self-destructive behaviors, improving relationships |
From NIMH’s Psychotherapies and Borderline Personality Disorder pages. Therapists often combine elements of more than one approach.
Which one?
NIMH notes that treatment is often tailored to the specific disorder, and that therapists may use one approach or combine elements of several. That decision belongs with a clinician who has assessed you. Useful questions: what approach do you use, why for my situation, and what evidence supports it?
Common questions
- Is DBT only for borderline personality disorder?
- NIMH says it was developed specifically for borderline personality disorder. Clinicians also use DBT skills for other concerns; ask a therapist whether it fits yours.
- Can CBT help with self-harm?
- NIMH lists CBT among the therapies that can reduce mood swings, anxiety symptoms, and self-harming or suicidal behaviors in borderline personality disorder. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 now.
Sources
- Psychotherapies (opens in a new tab) — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Borderline Personality Disorder (treatment section) (opens in a new tab) — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (opens in a new tab) — 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
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