DBT is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that was first developed in the 1980s by psychologist Marsha Linehan, PhD, at the University of Washington in Seattle, according to the Association ...

Medically reviewed by Geralyn Dexter, PhD, LMHC Key Takeaways Dialectical behavior therapy helps people manage intense ...

Transform Your Emotions. Transform Your Life. The Lilac Center’s Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program helps those facing intense emotions, depression, anxiety, or anger create lasting change.

CBT focuses on changing harmful thinking patterns to improve your mental health. DBT is adapted for people with intense emotions. Both types of therapy can teach you healthy coping mechanisms.