Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Arvada

Finding Balance in the Storm

If you feel emotions intensely, life can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster you can’t get off. One moment you are fine, and the next, a wave of anger, sadness, or anxiety hits you with overwhelming force, often leaving you exhausted. Please hear this: You aren’t “too much,” and you aren’t broken; you just experience the world deeply.

At 70 West Counseling, we view high sensitivity as a strength, not a flaw. However, navigating a world not built for that sensitivity requires a specialized toolkit. Our approach to DBT therapy in Arvada balances two opposing truths: acceptance of who you are today, and the commitment to make necessary changes for tomorrow.

How Does DBT Therapy Work?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a skills-based therapy originally designed for people who experience extreme emotional sensitivity.

What is a “Dialectic”?

At its simplest, a dialectic is the idea that two seemingly opposite things can be true simultaneously. In our thinking, we often get stuck in “Black and White” or “All or Nothing” patterns. A dialectic approach challenges us to replace the word “But” with “And.”

The most important dialectic in therapy is the balance between Acceptance and Change:

• Acceptance: “I am doing the best I can right now.”
• Change: “I need to do better to get the life I want.”

DBT focuses on four specific skill sets:

• Mindfulness: Being fully present in the moment.
• Distress Tolerance: Surviving a crisis without acting impulsively.
• Emotion Regulation: Understanding and managing big feelings.
• Interpersonal Effectiveness: Asking for what you need while keeping your self-respect.

Why DBT Is Effective

DBT is the premier evidence-based treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), but research has expanded its use to anyone struggling with emotional dysregulation.

The science is rooted in Biosocial Theory, which suggests that some people are born with higher biological sensitivity. DBT effectively rewires the brain’s ability to pause before reacting, providing a gap between an emotion and an action.

Who Can Benefit from DBT in Arvada?

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideation
• Chronic Emotional Overwhelm
• Substance Use Issues
• Eating Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder