What is DBT?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat borderline personality disorder, and has since been adapted for eating disorders — particularly binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa where emotional dysregulation drives the cycle.
DBT teaches four core skill modules:
Mindfulness,
Distress
Tolerance,
Emotion Regulation & Interpersonal Effectiveness.
Sessions combine individual therapy with skills practice using diary cards to track urges, emotions, and skill use between appointments.
In eating disorder treatment, DBT addresses the link between overwhelming emotions and disordered eating behaviors, teaching concrete strategies that reduce the urge to use food as emotional regulation.
Who is DBT for?
Adults and adolescents with binge eating disorder or emotional eating
Bulimia nervosa with significant emotional dysregulation
Co-occurring anxiety, depression, or trauma
Individuals who want concrete, practical coping skills
Those who have struggled with urge-based or impulsive behaviors