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Home > PA Providers > General Pediatricians

Joanna Cole, PMH, PhD

(Joanna C.M. Cole, PhD)

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Specializes in: General Pediatrics

Professional interests include: motivational interviewing, pregnancy, dialectical behavior therapy, and more.

3401 CIVIC CENTER BOULEVARD
Philadelphia, PA 19104

(215) 590-5190

Joanna Cole, PMH, PhD is in Philadelphia, PA specializing in general pediatrics. Joanna Cole, PMH, PhD is affiliated with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Office Locations

Address:

3401 CIVIC CENTER BOULEVARD
Philadelphia, PA 19104

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Some issues Joanna Cole, PMH, PhD can help you with:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is a form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) that was originally developed to help the most severely mentally ill and depressed patients accept therapy. It relies on the same concept in CBT that examines the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and actions, but in DBT the emphasis is first on acceptance rather than change. There is also an emphasis on mindfulness, 'being in the moment,' and relaxation techniques such as yoga. These are combined with a great deal of validation and encouragement from the therapist.

The word 'dialectical' means acting through opposing forces, and this word refers to a few different opposing concepts in DBT:

The therapy combines traditional Western psychotherapy techniques with Eastern religious philosophy.
Patients must learn that life, thoughts, and feelings are not all black and white -- there are many shades of grey.
The therapy works on accepting and validating the patient for being where they are at the moment while also encouraging them to change for the better.

Dialectical behavior therapy was developed when therapists attempting to use CBT techniques on the most seriously ill patients ran into a problem. When they suggested that a patient change their thoughts, these very vulnerable patients would become overwhelmed and turn aggressive or suicidal. DBT was developed to support these patients with acceptance and validation while still guiding them towards changing problematic thoughts. Although also used for suicidal and self-harming patients today, these days, DBT is mainly used to treat borderline personality disorder. It is one of the few effective interventions for this serious illness.

DBT has been shown to be very effective at reducing self-destructive behavior. It can also be used to teach new coping skills and increase a patient's self-esteem and motivation to become healthier.