Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in 94925

Photo of Christina Ashley Young, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Ashley Young
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
I am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and utilize a DBT framework in most of my sessions.
My clients tend to be people who want to feel more in control of their emotions, more effective at getting what they want, less stuck, more flexible, more connected and really just more at peace. They seek relief from patterns - sometimes chronic and severe, sometimes only subtly troublesome - of painful emotions, negative self-talk and thoughts, rumination, relationship instability and self sabotaging behaviors. Many of my clients tend to have had very painful formative or recent experiences of invalidation that have been difficult or confusing. https://insightgrouptherapy.com/christina-young-polony
I am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and utilize a DBT framework in most of my sessions.
My clients tend to be people who want to feel more in control of their emotions, more effective at getting what they want, less stuck, more flexible, more connected and really just more at peace. They seek relief from patterns - sometimes chronic and severe, sometimes only subtly troublesome - of painful emotions, negative self-talk and thoughts, rumination, relationship instability and self sabotaging behaviors. Many of my clients tend to have had very painful formative or recent experiences of invalidation that have been difficult or confusing. https://insightgrouptherapy.com/christina-young-polony
(415) 650-0628 View (415) 650-0628
Photo of Julie Miknis, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julie Miknis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in DBT, RO-DBT and CBT for adolescents and adults. I am committed to providing a safe and hope-filled space for my clients to explore their experiences and move towards healing and transformation. In a confidential, caring, and supportive environment, my goal as a therapist is to help clients work through the struggles they face that hold them back from living a life of happiness, purpose, and meaning.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in DBT, RO-DBT and CBT for adolescents and adults. I am committed to providing a safe and hope-filled space for my clients to explore their experiences and move towards healing and transformation. In a confidential, caring, and supportive environment, my goal as a therapist is to help clients work through the struggles they face that hold them back from living a life of happiness, purpose, and meaning.
(415) 943-4537 View (415) 943-4537
Photo of Katherine Pearson - Kate Pearson, LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kate Pearson, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925  (Online Only)
I have extensive training in DBT, EMDR, psychodynamic and attachment-based therapies, and practice from a trauma-informed approach.
Anaïs Nin wrote "we see the world not as it is, but as we are." Without self-reflection, we can all fall into old patterns and behaviors which no longer serve us. With self-reflection we can make sense of our worldview and become active agents of change and growth in our own lives. I have about 20 years of clinical experience practicing psychotherapy in a variety of settings.
I have extensive training in DBT, EMDR, psychodynamic and attachment-based therapies, and practice from a trauma-informed approach.
Anaïs Nin wrote "we see the world not as it is, but as we are." Without self-reflection, we can all fall into old patterns and behaviors which no longer serve us. With self-reflection we can make sense of our worldview and become active agents of change and growth in our own lives. I have about 20 years of clinical experience practicing psychotherapy in a variety of settings.
(415) 853-3850 View (415) 853-3850
Photo of Dana Kahn, PhD, Psychologist
Dana Kahn
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Hello. I have been a licensed Clinical Psychologist for twenty-five years. With experience, training, and a deep sense of compassion, I provide a safe space for patients to share their most vulnerable feelings. I am an active participant in the treatment, and I believe that a therapeutic relationship must be based on trust and mutual respect. I believe that every client has a unique story to tell, and therapy is tailored to those needs. I provide trauma-based therapy, CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-oriented psychotherapy. I treat adults, adolescents and families.
Hello. I have been a licensed Clinical Psychologist for twenty-five years. With experience, training, and a deep sense of compassion, I provide a safe space for patients to share their most vulnerable feelings. I am an active participant in the treatment, and I believe that a therapeutic relationship must be based on trust and mutual respect. I believe that every client has a unique story to tell, and therapy is tailored to those needs. I provide trauma-based therapy, CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-oriented psychotherapy. I treat adults, adolescents and families.
(415) 891-8378 View (415) 891-8378
Photo of Nicolas Chu, PsyD, Psychologist
Nicolas Chu
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy, and exposure-based treatment for anxiety.
My philosophy is to empower my patients to be helpful and compassionate towards themselves and develop a healthy way to deal with life’s difficult times. Therapy is about personal connection, and my first goal is always to provide a safe, comfortable environment for my patients.
I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy, and exposure-based treatment for anxiety.
My philosophy is to empower my patients to be helpful and compassionate towards themselves and develop a healthy way to deal with life’s difficult times. Therapy is about personal connection, and my first goal is always to provide a safe, comfortable environment for my patients.
(415) 496-0286 View (415) 496-0286
Photo of Lori Lavinthal, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lori Lavinthal
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
I provide DBT, and general psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, families and couples in my San Francisco and Marin practices. For the past 20 years I have helped people transform, creating the lives they want to live. Stylistically I am warm, thoughtful, and engaged creating a non-judgmental safe environment.
I provide DBT, and general psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, families and couples in my San Francisco and Marin practices. For the past 20 years I have helped people transform, creating the lives they want to live. Stylistically I am warm, thoughtful, and engaged creating a non-judgmental safe environment.
(415) 594-4462 View (415) 594-4462
Photo of Mary Rutledge Faucette, PhD, Psychologist
Mary Rutledge Faucette
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Corte Madera, CA 94925
The treatment approaches I utilize are supported by research as being effective, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy as well as Motivational Interviewing.
Welcome! I look forward to speaking with you about my practice and the services that I offer. I provide warm and supportive therapy in which the individuals I work with feel cared for and understood. I work collaboratively with you to reach your treatment goals, I specialize in Addiction, Dual Diagnosis(Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders), Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Domestic Violence. I provide 24/7 availability for current clients who are in crisis.
The treatment approaches I utilize are supported by research as being effective, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy as well as Motivational Interviewing.
Welcome! I look forward to speaking with you about my practice and the services that I offer. I provide warm and supportive therapy in which the individuals I work with feel cared for and understood. I work collaboratively with you to reach your treatment goals, I specialize in Addiction, Dual Diagnosis(Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders), Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Domestic Violence. I provide 24/7 availability for current clients who are in crisis.
(415) 562-0272 View (415) 562-0272
Photo of Dr. Alicia Smart, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Alicia Smart
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Smart is a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician with extensive training in various therapeutic modalities, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT), Emotion-Focused Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure Therapy.
Dr. Alicia Smart is the founder and clinical director of Guidepost DBT, a center dedicated to providing comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with an emphasis on in-person care. She is also the co-founder and chief training officer at TheraHive.com, a mental health education company that offers online DBT skills groups to a global audience.
Smart is a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician with extensive training in various therapeutic modalities, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT), Emotion-Focused Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure Therapy.
Dr. Alicia Smart is the founder and clinical director of Guidepost DBT, a center dedicated to providing comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with an emphasis on in-person care. She is also the co-founder and chief training officer at TheraHive.com, a mental health education company that offers online DBT skills groups to a global audience.
(415) 737-5156 x2 View (415) 737-5156 x2
Photo of Russell (Rusty) Hendlin, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Russell (Rusty) Hendlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
I bring warmth, humor, compassion, clarity and understanding to my work. I support couples and families in improving communication, expressing feelings, resolving conflict, and establishing clearer roles. I encourage parents to set fair and firm limits and establish healthy boundaries. I assist individuals and families in becoming more confident, hopeful, cooperative and relaxed. I support relating with clarity, serenity, and loving kindness. I use mentalization based therapy (MBT) and systems therapy as primary approaches, but can use CBT, DBT, ACT, motivational interviewing, attachment or other approches as needed.
I bring warmth, humor, compassion, clarity and understanding to my work. I support couples and families in improving communication, expressing feelings, resolving conflict, and establishing clearer roles. I encourage parents to set fair and firm limits and establish healthy boundaries. I assist individuals and families in becoming more confident, hopeful, cooperative and relaxed. I support relating with clarity, serenity, and loving kindness. I use mentalization based therapy (MBT) and systems therapy as primary approaches, but can use CBT, DBT, ACT, motivational interviewing, attachment or other approches as needed.
(415) 849-4069 View (415) 849-4069
Photo of Kiersten Kotaka - Marin Youth Therapy, LMFT, PPS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marin Youth Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PPS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Are you worried about your child, teen or young adult but unsure how to help them? You can see something has changed in them: perhaps they seem depressed, anxious, or isolated in ways they didn’t used to be. You want them to learn skills to deal with life's challenges and resolve the issues that are holding them back. Because more than anything, you want to see your child thrive. My practice focuses on the unique needs of children 4+ through young adulthood and their families. I create developmentally appropriate, customized treatment plans using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) strategies, art and play therapy interventions.
Are you worried about your child, teen or young adult but unsure how to help them? You can see something has changed in them: perhaps they seem depressed, anxious, or isolated in ways they didn’t used to be. You want them to learn skills to deal with life's challenges and resolve the issues that are holding them back. Because more than anything, you want to see your child thrive. My practice focuses on the unique needs of children 4+ through young adulthood and their families. I create developmentally appropriate, customized treatment plans using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) strategies, art and play therapy interventions.
(415) 965-4536 View (415) 965-4536
Photo of Kristin Wolcott Farese - Kristin Wolcott Farese, LCSW, CGP, LCSW, CGP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristin Wolcott Farese, LCSW, CGP
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CGP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Corte Madera, CA 94925
I am extensively trained in depth-oriented and skills-based models, including NARM (Neuro-Affective Relational Model) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy).
I am an experienced psychotherapist offering sessions for individuals, couples and families. I strive to facilitate conversations that invite fresh perspectives and personal agency, attuning to broader social-cultural factors that influence individuals and relationships. My clients often discover they can release coping strategies that no longer support them, and cultivate conditions for personal growth, freedom and more satisfaction in life.
I am extensively trained in depth-oriented and skills-based models, including NARM (Neuro-Affective Relational Model) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy).
I am an experienced psychotherapist offering sessions for individuals, couples and families. I strive to facilitate conversations that invite fresh perspectives and personal agency, attuning to broader social-cultural factors that influence individuals and relationships. My clients often discover they can release coping strategies that no longer support them, and cultivate conditions for personal growth, freedom and more satisfaction in life.
(415) 881-5445 View (415) 881-5445
Photo of Dr. Courtney Crisp, Psy D, Psychologist
Dr. Courtney Crisp
Psychologist, Psy D
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Corte Madera, CA 94925
I practice evidence-based interventions, including components of mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (CBT, ACT, and DBT).
I specialize in working with the queer/LGBTQIA+ community, eating disorders, and severe mental illness such as bipolar disorder. I also work with those dealing with general life stressors, people seeking to improve their relationship with money, and those recovering from high control groups. You may feel anxious or depressed, that your old ways of doing things are not working anymore. You may feel overwhelmed and like you could use a supportive guide in facing life's challenges. In our sessions, we can explore all of this and more in a supportive, safe, and authentic environment. It is an honor to meet you.
I practice evidence-based interventions, including components of mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (CBT, ACT, and DBT).
I specialize in working with the queer/LGBTQIA+ community, eating disorders, and severe mental illness such as bipolar disorder. I also work with those dealing with general life stressors, people seeking to improve their relationship with money, and those recovering from high control groups. You may feel anxious or depressed, that your old ways of doing things are not working anymore. You may feel overwhelmed and like you could use a supportive guide in facing life's challenges. In our sessions, we can explore all of this and more in a supportive, safe, and authentic environment. It is an honor to meet you.
(415) 360-8860 View (415) 360-8860
Photo of Karyn (Kiki) Pascoe, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Karyn (Kiki) Pascoe
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Grounded in insight-oriented depth psychology, attachment-based therapy, Internal Family Systems, Narrative therapy, DBT, Humanistic and Existential Therapies, Mindfulness Based Therapy and the Expressive Arts, I create a holistic framework that honors each client's unique needs.
My practice welcomes individuals, couples, teens and families from all backgrounds, cultures, and life stages. Whether you're grappling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, professional stress, chronic illness, or the complexities of neurodiversity, I provide a safe and supportive space for exploration, curiosity and growth. I have a particular affinity for working with creative minds, highly sensitive souls, and those who dance to the beat of their own drum.
Grounded in insight-oriented depth psychology, attachment-based therapy, Internal Family Systems, Narrative therapy, DBT, Humanistic and Existential Therapies, Mindfulness Based Therapy and the Expressive Arts, I create a holistic framework that honors each client's unique needs.
My practice welcomes individuals, couples, teens and families from all backgrounds, cultures, and life stages. Whether you're grappling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, professional stress, chronic illness, or the complexities of neurodiversity, I provide a safe and supportive space for exploration, curiosity and growth. I have a particular affinity for working with creative minds, highly sensitive souls, and those who dance to the beat of their own drum.
(415) 991-0126 View (415) 991-0126
Photo of Tessa A Garcia, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tessa A Garcia
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
I am intensively trained in DBT and EMDR.
Life is complex, and while emotions add vibrancy to our day to day experiences they can also be difficult to navigate effectively. Therapy allows the opportunity to enrich our relationship to our self, others and build a life that truly feels worth living. Finding a place to feel safe, heard and supported is essential in therapy, and I strive to provide that for my clients. I bring warmth and curiosity into my work and I will challenge you at times with acceptance and openness.
I am intensively trained in DBT and EMDR.
Life is complex, and while emotions add vibrancy to our day to day experiences they can also be difficult to navigate effectively. Therapy allows the opportunity to enrich our relationship to our self, others and build a life that truly feels worth living. Finding a place to feel safe, heard and supported is essential in therapy, and I strive to provide that for my clients. I bring warmth and curiosity into my work and I will challenge you at times with acceptance and openness.
(415) 223-8323 View (415) 223-8323
Photo of Madison Geraldi, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Madison Geraldi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy and relate it directly to what it is you are struggling with.
Welcome! I'm Madison Geraldi, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to helping you find balance and harmony in your life. I work with teens and young adults who struggle with communication, depression, self esteem, relationship issues and school issues.
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy and relate it directly to what it is you are struggling with.
Welcome! I'm Madison Geraldi, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to helping you find balance and harmony in your life. I work with teens and young adults who struggle with communication, depression, self esteem, relationship issues and school issues.
(415) 980-5350 View (415) 980-5350
Photo of Ryan Woodring, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ryan Woodring
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Specializing in evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Radically Open Dialectical Therapy (RO DBT), I strive to make our sessions a safe and empowering space for exploration and growth.
I hope you will consider me a trusted ally in your journey to personal and professional growth. My mission is to provide you with the tools and support needed to create a life filled with joy and fulfillment. I believe in the power of genuine connection and practical guidance to help you navigate through life's challenges with confidence and resilience.
Specializing in evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Radically Open Dialectical Therapy (RO DBT), I strive to make our sessions a safe and empowering space for exploration and growth.
I hope you will consider me a trusted ally in your journey to personal and professional growth. My mission is to provide you with the tools and support needed to create a life filled with joy and fulfillment. I believe in the power of genuine connection and practical guidance to help you navigate through life's challenges with confidence and resilience.
(415) 691-2248 View (415) 691-2248
Photo of Jessica Garibaldi, PsyD, Psychologist
Jessica Garibaldi
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925  (Online Only)
Dr. Garibaldi is a psychologist with expertise in mood disorders, life stressors, and substance abuse. She specializes in treating a variety of disorders, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. Dr. Garibaldi utilizes an integrative approach, incorporating evidence-based treatments; such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Additionally, she has experience working from a relational, attachment focused model. She tailors her approach to best fit the presenting needs of each patient.
Dr. Garibaldi is a psychologist with expertise in mood disorders, life stressors, and substance abuse. She specializes in treating a variety of disorders, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. Dr. Garibaldi utilizes an integrative approach, incorporating evidence-based treatments; such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Additionally, she has experience working from a relational, attachment focused model. She tailors her approach to best fit the presenting needs of each patient.
(628) 232-9185 View (628) 232-9185
Photo of Joseph Choy, PsyD, Psychologist
Joseph Choy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
My training is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and I integrate my specialization of other evidence-based therapies such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) with the power of mindfulness to provide an adaptive and flexible approach to your needs.
We are often ruled by thoughts and patterns of conditioning that are largely outside of our awareness. While adaptive, this process can sometimes lead us astray. I aim to help you uncover unhealthy patterns of conditioning by cultivating awareness through mindful intention which will ultimately help guide you towards a more conscious and fulfilling life. I have extensive experience working with individuals suffering from mood disorders, trauma-related disorders and substance abuse.
My training is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and I integrate my specialization of other evidence-based therapies such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) with the power of mindfulness to provide an adaptive and flexible approach to your needs.
We are often ruled by thoughts and patterns of conditioning that are largely outside of our awareness. While adaptive, this process can sometimes lead us astray. I aim to help you uncover unhealthy patterns of conditioning by cultivating awareness through mindful intention which will ultimately help guide you towards a more conscious and fulfilling life. I have extensive experience working with individuals suffering from mood disorders, trauma-related disorders and substance abuse.
(628) 300-0288 View (628) 300-0288
Photo of Leslie Yan Meier, PhD, Psychologist
Leslie Yan Meier
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Corte Madera, CA 94925
My experience is in providing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) cognitive processing therapy (CPT), anger management therapy, and psychodynamic approaches.
My approach to psychotherapy is a collaborative and flexible partnership with each client. I believe that trust, respect, non-judgment, genuineness, and compassion form the foundation of a therapeutic relationship. Through the process of psychotherapy, I endeavor to help clients gain insight and perspective into their relationships and behaviors with the intention of achieving positive change. We will work in tandem to identify treatment goals and expectations at the outset of treatment, and will ensure that the focus of therapy is on the most salient issues.
My experience is in providing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) cognitive processing therapy (CPT), anger management therapy, and psychodynamic approaches.
My approach to psychotherapy is a collaborative and flexible partnership with each client. I believe that trust, respect, non-judgment, genuineness, and compassion form the foundation of a therapeutic relationship. Through the process of psychotherapy, I endeavor to help clients gain insight and perspective into their relationships and behaviors with the intention of achieving positive change. We will work in tandem to identify treatment goals and expectations at the outset of treatment, and will ensure that the focus of therapy is on the most salient issues.
(415) 226-4996 View (415) 226-4996
Photo of Patricia (Tish) Rutledge, MS, APCC
Patricia (Tish) Rutledge
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, APCC
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
I have a lifelong interest in learning, and am currently studying Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Internal Family Systems.
Hello and a warm welcome to my page! I'm an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor specializing in co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma and grief for individual clients. I am a compassionate person-centered therapist who believes in results. My style is warm and directive, which means I play an active role in helping my clients learn to solve their problems. I value humor and warm smiles, and interject these when appropriate. I am also in recovery and am grateful to help clients find sobriety, peace and happiness as I have found.
I have a lifelong interest in learning, and am currently studying Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Internal Family Systems.
Hello and a warm welcome to my page! I'm an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor specializing in co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma and grief for individual clients. I am a compassionate person-centered therapist who believes in results. My style is warm and directive, which means I play an active role in helping my clients learn to solve their problems. I value humor and warm smiles, and interject these when appropriate. I am also in recovery and am grateful to help clients find sobriety, peace and happiness as I have found.
(415) 842-1123 View (415) 842-1123
1
Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists

Who is DBT for?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is designed for people who experience extreme emotional suffering because they lack the skills of emotion regulation and distress tolerance. The basic affliction can underlie a wide range of conditions, from borderline and other personality disorders to PTSD and treatment-resistant anxiety and depression. The therapy is helpful to those whose emotional reactivity is so intense it is disruptive to everyday functioning and leads to frequent crises.

Why do people need DBT?

The ability to regulate emotions is a core psychological skill that enables people to function in life and pay attention to the world outside themselves; it is consistently associated with well-being. DBT is designed to help people learn how to manage and regulate their emotions. Originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder whose extreme emotional suffering led to self-harming behavior and suicide attempts, the therapy is now applied to other conditions involving emotion dysregulation, particularly when other treatments have failed.

What happens in DBT?

Individuals meet weekly with their therapist to discuss their experiences relating to moods, behavior, and skills. Using checklists they maintain, they review emotional experiences and positive practices they engage in. The diaries help individuals discern what led up to a specific problem encountered, this is followed by discussion of the consequences of their actions. In addition, individuals may meet in class-like small groups to learn skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance.

How long does DBT last?

Because it is intended to establish long-lasting behavioral change among those with persistent problems, DBT is designed to last six months to a year. DBT includes both weekly sessions of individual therapy and weekly skills-training sessions conducted in small groups. Studies of DBT have documented improvement within a year of treatment, particularly in controlling self-harmful behavior; nevertheless, individuals may require therapy for several years.