Dialectical behavioral

therapy

DBT equips clients with practical tools to navigate life's challenges more effectively.

what is dialectical behavioral therapy?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a widely respected form of psychotherapy that combines cognitive and behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. Originally developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT has since been adapted to help people struggling with a range of emotional dysregulation issues, mood disorders, and interpersonal difficulties. DBT has been adapted to use with children and adolescents as well. 

DBT focuses on teaching individuals skills to manage intense emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, regulate distress, and develop a greater sense of self-awareness.

A comprehensive DBT program offers combination of individual therapy sessions, skills training groups, phone coaching, and therapist consultation meetings.

I integrate DBT techniques and theory into my work with individuals and couples and am not apart of a comprehensive DBT program.

I do not offer phone coaching or DBT groups at this time.

 Key components of DBT include:

  • Learning to observe and describe one's experiences without judgment, which enhances awareness and acceptance of the present moment.

  • Acquiring strategies to cope with crises and distressing situations without making them worse, such as through distraction techniques or self-soothing activities.

  • Developing skills to identify, understand, and manage intense emotions in healthy ways, including recognizing triggers and implementing coping strategies.

  • Learning assertiveness, boundary-setting, and communication skills to navigate relationships more effectively and build healthier connections.

DBT is a collaborative approach, with therapists and clients working together to set goals, track progress, and problem-solve barriers to change. Its evidence-based techniques offer hope and practical solutions for individuals seeking to lead a life work living.

  • "Wisdom and freedom require the ability to allow the natural flow of emotions to come and go, experiencing emotions but not being controlled by emotions. Always having to prevent or suppress emotions is a form of being controlled by emotions.”

    Marsha M. Linehan, DBT Skills Training: Manual

  • "An important distinguishing factor of DBT is its emphasis on learning how to tolerate and accept distress."

    Masha Linehan, Building a Life Worth Liing Memoir

  • "Willingness is listening very carefully to your Wise Mind, and then acting from your Wise Mind."

    Masha Linehan, DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets (Second Edition)

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