April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to move beyond awareness and toward genuine understanding and support for individuals with autism. While autism has long been discussed in mental health and educational spaces, acceptance means recognizing that people with autism don’t need to be “fixed.” Instead, they need environments, relationships, and support systems that honor their neurodivergence.

When searching for effective therapy approaches, you’re likely to come across Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) among many others. Both are supported by evidence and help people navigate emotions, change behaviors, and build meaningful lives. But how do they compare? And why might DBT be the best choice for those struggling with emotional dysregulation?

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and the first step in our comprehensive DBT program is an initial assessment with a therapist. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you’ve been through an assessment before, it’s completely normal to feel a little nervous. Our goal is to create a collaborative, nonjudgmental space where you feel supported and understood.

Self-harm refers to deliberate actions that cause physical harm to oneself as a way to cope with emotional distress. It can take many forms, including cutting, burning, scratching, hitting oneself, or interfering with wound healing. While self-harm is often associated with adolescents, individuals of any age, gender, or background can struggle with it. Though it may seem counterintuitive, self-harm often serves as a coping mechanism—helping individuals regulate overwhelming emotions, express distress, or regain a sense of control when they feel powerless.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is more than just learning skills—it’s about applying them to real-life challenges. Individual therapy is one of the four key components of a comprehensive DBT program, offering a personalized space to explore struggles, refine skills, and work toward meaningful goals with the guidance of a trained DBT therapist.

At the DBT Center of Utah, we encourage our clients to complete a diary card every day and bring it to their individual therapy sessions. More than just a checklist, this powerful tool helps track your emotions, stress levels, urges, behaviors, and DBT skills usage—giving both you and your therapist a clear picture of your progress.