DBT Skill: Willing Hands

Willing Hands DBT, or WH-DBT, is a unique form of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) that focuses on mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation. WH-DBT is designed for individuals struggling with food-related issues such as emotional eating, binge eating disorder, or anorexia nervosa.

Unlike traditional DBT, WH-DBT addresses the underlying emotional triggers contributing to food-related issues, helping individuals learn how to regulate their emotions healthily without turning to food as a coping mechanism. In this blog post, we will explore the key principles and benefits of WH-DBT.

Principles of WH-DBT

1. Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a key principle of WH-DBT. It involves being present at the moment and observing thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can become more aware of their emotional triggers and develop skills to manage their emotions healthily.
2. Distress Tolerance: Distress tolerance is another key principle of WH-DBT. It involves developing skills to tolerate distressing emotions without turning to food as a coping mechanism. This includes learning how to self-soothe, distract oneself, and engage in activities that bring joy and pleasure.
3. Emotion Regulation: Emotion regulation is the final key principle of WH-DBT. It involves developing skills to manage and regulate emotions healthily. This includes learning to identify and label emotions, challenge negative thoughts, and increase positive emotions.

Benefits of WH-DBT

1. Improved Quality of Life: WH-DBT can help individuals struggling with food-related issues improve their overall quality of life. By learning how to regulate their emotions in a healthy way, individuals can reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and shame, which can improve their overall well-being.
2. Increased Self-Awareness: WH-DBT can help individuals become more self-aware by teaching them how to observe their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. This can help individuals better understand their emotional triggers and learn how to manage their emotions healthily.
3. Decreased Food-Related Issues: WH-DBT can help individuals decrease food-related issues such as emotional eating, binge eating disorder, or anorexia nervosa. Individuals can reduce their reliance on food as a coping mechanism by learning how to regulate their emotions healthily.
4. Improved Relationships: WH-DBT can also improve relationships by teaching individuals how to communicate effectively, regulate emotions, and build healthy boundaries. This can improve relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners.

Final Thoughts

Willing Hands DBT is a unique form of Dialectical Behavior Therapy that focuses on mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation to help individuals struggling with food-related issues. WH-DBT can help individuals improve their overall quality of life, increase self-awareness, decrease food-related issues, and improve relationships by addressing the underlying emotional triggers that contribute to food-related issues. If you or someone you know is struggling with food-related issues, WH-DBT may be a practical treatment approach to consider. It is important to consult with a mental health professional to determine if WH-DBT is the right treatment approach for you.

Grouport Offers Online DBT Skills Groups

Want to practice dialectical behavior therapy in a supportive group setting? The Grouport DBT series by Grouport Therapy offers a 12-week program that can help you develop new skills to replace negative behaviors and emotions.

Our group meets once a week at a scheduled time, and you'll receive access to session links via email after enrolling and paying for the program. By joining our DBT skills group, you can improve relationships, manage anxiety, and reduce emotional suffering, regaining hope for the future.

Don't hesitate to take the first step towards a better life. Our next session is waiting for you. Join our Grouport DBT series today and start improving your mental health alongside a supportive group of individuals.

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