Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy was developed by Marsha Linehan, PhD to help people who feel chronically overwhelmed by intense emotions and impulsive urges. Decades of research now show DBT’s effectiveness for a wide range of struggles, including chronic anxiety or depression, addictive patterns, eating-related concerns, and the relational turbulence that can follow trauma.
What Makes DBT Unique?
DBT blends mindful acceptance and active change: two poles held in “dialectic” balance. Instead of trying to erase difficult feelings, you learn practical skills for riding the emotional waves while steering your life toward what matters.
Four core skill-sets
- Mindfulness: grounding in the present moment
- Emotion Regulation: understanding and modulating intense feelings
- Distress Tolerance: surviving crisis without making it worse
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: negotiating needs and boundaries while preserving relationships
A Complete DBT Program Includes Three Elements
| Component | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Individual Therapy | One-on-one sessions focus on your weekly diary card, target high-priority behaviors, and weave mindfulness practice into real-time problem solving. |
| Group Skills Training | A classroom-style group (not a process group) where you learn and rehearse the four skill-sets, gaining feedback and accountability in a supportive setting. |
| Phone Coaching | Brief calls—usually under 15 minutes—offered between sessions to help you apply skills precisely when you need them most. |
“Does DBT work without skills group?”
Research and experience say no. Group training off-loads the how-to lessons, freeing your individual sessions for deeper application, troubleshooting, and insight.
My Approach
I integrate DBT’s evidence-based tools with trauma-informed, depth-oriented perspectives, helping you move from emotional chaos toward a more centered, purposeful life. Together we’ll cultivate both the practical skills and the richer self-understanding needed for lasting change.
Ready to Begin?
If you’re curious about DBT or wondering whether it fits your needs, reach out for a complimentary consultation. We can discuss current individual and group openings and chart the path that feels right for you.