Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Pelham, AL
![Photo of Jill Dean, MA, EdS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a6f93563-45df-440c-8dee-2bb31a525932/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jill Dean
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, EdS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pelham, AL 35124
I am trauma-informed and client-centered, using EFT, DBT, somatic therapies, exposure therapy and more in a safe, welcoming environment.
Do you have anxiety, addiction, complex trauma, grief, women's issues, or AuDHD/ADHD? Or do you consider yourself to be neurodivergent? Do you often struggle in interpersonal relations? Let an experienced Licensed Professional Counselor meet you where you are and begin to explore those areas of concern causing difficulty. We will work to develop healthy, and obtainable changes. I offer a safe space where you can be yourself, with no judgement and no bias. I provide all-inclusive services to individuals beginning at 14 years old, and couples. Counseling can lead you to develop a healing path. Call or email today!
I am trauma-informed and client-centered, using EFT, DBT, somatic therapies, exposure therapy and more in a safe, welcoming environment.
Do you have anxiety, addiction, complex trauma, grief, women's issues, or AuDHD/ADHD? Or do you consider yourself to be neurodivergent? Do you often struggle in interpersonal relations? Let an experienced Licensed Professional Counselor meet you where you are and begin to explore those areas of concern causing difficulty. We will work to develop healthy, and obtainable changes. I offer a safe space where you can be yourself, with no judgement and no bias. I provide all-inclusive services to individuals beginning at 14 years old, and couples. Counseling can lead you to develop a healing path. Call or email today!
![Photo of Cindy Sharp, LICSW-S, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/315be8bf-efc1-487f-9629-1d5012010808/3/320x400.jpeg)
Cindy Sharp
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW-S, EMDR
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pelham, AL 35124
I focus on a holistic client-centered, strengths-based approach to therapy utilizing various treatment approaches which can include EMDR,CBT, DBT, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Do you find yourself constantly being triggered by past trauma? Are you experiencing feelings of worry and self-doubt that cause you to feel stuck and not able to live the life you dreamed of? Do you find yourself struggling to find normalcy again after a divorce, bad break-up, unexpected loss or this Covid-19 pandemic? Are you a parent with a preteen or teen that’s dealing with anxiety or depression?
I focus on a holistic client-centered, strengths-based approach to therapy utilizing various treatment approaches which can include EMDR,CBT, DBT, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Do you find yourself constantly being triggered by past trauma? Are you experiencing feelings of worry and self-doubt that cause you to feel stuck and not able to live the life you dreamed of? Do you find yourself struggling to find normalcy again after a divorce, bad break-up, unexpected loss or this Covid-19 pandemic? Are you a parent with a preteen or teen that’s dealing with anxiety or depression?
![Photo of Marilyn Michelle Knight - Integrative Health Services, LLC Michelle Knight, MSW, LICSW, PIP, CREP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33697042-a524-4aba-8ddf-340376e72251/2/320x400.jpeg)
Integrative Health Services, LLC Michelle Knight
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, PIP, CREP
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Pelham, AL 35124
Modalities I often use are DBT, CBT, and mindfulness therapy.
I counsel on many sensitive and intimate topics. Are you struggling with marital issues, have an at-risk teen, grief, gambling, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, or a chronic illness? Is a relationship or career choice no longer serving you in a positive way? My office is a nurturing place that welcomes openness and individuality. I'm an outside the box thinker, a supporter of the LGBTQ plus community, someone who has a personal investment in your success, and can be the confidential sounding board that is difficult to find.
Modalities I often use are DBT, CBT, and mindfulness therapy.
I counsel on many sensitive and intimate topics. Are you struggling with marital issues, have an at-risk teen, grief, gambling, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, or a chronic illness? Is a relationship or career choice no longer serving you in a positive way? My office is a nurturing place that welcomes openness and individuality. I'm an outside the box thinker, a supporter of the LGBTQ plus community, someone who has a personal investment in your success, and can be the confidential sounding board that is difficult to find.
![Photo of Marie Blunt, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/61eeeeac-7c2a-4c80-9488-a913f31cadd1/1/320x400.png)
Marie Blunt
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pelham, AL 35124 (Online Only)
I utilize an integrative therapeutic approach to meet clients' individual needs, incorporating skills and techniques from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Person-centered Therapy.
Children and adolescents are dealing with stress and trauma in ways that challenge their support systems beyond the norms of the past. Finding additional support through therapy can be the relief needed for both the child and those around them. As a therapist, I strive to provide a safe, supportive environment where children can be heard and collaborate to process stress and learn practical, age-appropriate life and coping skills. Children are inherently resilient and can be positioned to grow into all they can become with the proper support and tools. It is my passion to help brighten the future of children or adolescents in need.
I utilize an integrative therapeutic approach to meet clients' individual needs, incorporating skills and techniques from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Person-centered Therapy.
Children and adolescents are dealing with stress and trauma in ways that challenge their support systems beyond the norms of the past. Finding additional support through therapy can be the relief needed for both the child and those around them. As a therapist, I strive to provide a safe, supportive environment where children can be heard and collaborate to process stress and learn practical, age-appropriate life and coping skills. Children are inherently resilient and can be positioned to grow into all they can become with the proper support and tools. It is my passion to help brighten the future of children or adolescents in need.
![Photo of Shamichael Kittler Integrative Health Services, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26c2afb4-d696-4b27-97fe-b08b1f1e40cd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shamichael Kittler Integrative Health Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Pelham, AL 35124
I use various treatment techniques, to include person centered, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 6 years of experience working with adults who have Mental Health and Substance Abuse Diagnoses. My professional background includes working with adults who experience anxiety, stress, substance abuse issues, codependency, and relationship issues.
I use various treatment techniques, to include person centered, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 6 years of experience working with adults who have Mental Health and Substance Abuse Diagnoses. My professional background includes working with adults who experience anxiety, stress, substance abuse issues, codependency, and relationship issues.
![Photo of Kenya Wilcox, LMSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/04cd921f-c381-4e93-aa91-04e3c4093a76/1/320x400.png)
I utilize therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodrama.
I am accepting new clients for evening and Saturday sessions! I genuinely believe that life is a roller coaster. In today's world, “life will life you,” and it is up to me to assist you when that happens. In a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment, you are the expert, and I am here to assist the expert in reaching their goal. In our therapeutic partnership, we will identify issues, triggers, strengths, and barriers. We will also formulate strategies that will allow you to push through obstacles and reach milestones. “Life be life-ing” sometimes; However, I am here to support and assist!
I utilize therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodrama.
I am accepting new clients for evening and Saturday sessions! I genuinely believe that life is a roller coaster. In today's world, “life will life you,” and it is up to me to assist you when that happens. In a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment, you are the expert, and I am here to assist the expert in reaching their goal. In our therapeutic partnership, we will identify issues, triggers, strengths, and barriers. We will also formulate strategies that will allow you to push through obstacles and reach milestones. “Life be life-ing” sometimes; However, I am here to support and assist!
![Photo of Marilyn Lee Knight - Integrative Health Services, LLC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f78c780-dd48-4a30-86f3-dcae71e37c45/1/320x400.jpeg)
SATURDAY OPENINGS AVAILABLE and ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. Integrative Health Services, LLC focuses on treating the mind, body, and spirit. Everyone is not the same and therefore, treatment is tailored to fit the individual needs of each person. Overall health and well-being are strongly encouraged while receiving mental health treatment. This is why Integrative Health Services keeps a unique referral list of highly qualified primary care doctors, massage therapists, holistic doctors/herbalists, yoga therapy instructors, psychiatrists, rheumatologists, personal trainers and many others that promote overall health and well-being.
SATURDAY OPENINGS AVAILABLE and ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. Integrative Health Services, LLC focuses on treating the mind, body, and spirit. Everyone is not the same and therefore, treatment is tailored to fit the individual needs of each person. Overall health and well-being are strongly encouraged while receiving mental health treatment. This is why Integrative Health Services keeps a unique referral list of highly qualified primary care doctors, massage therapists, holistic doctors/herbalists, yoga therapy instructors, psychiatrists, rheumatologists, personal trainers and many others that promote overall health and well-being.
![Photo of Katie Bearden, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4db4f10f-7b4d-4b95-867d-6306399daf2c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Bearden
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pelham, AL 35124
Do you find yourself concerned about your mental well-being due to depression, anxiety, a mood disorder, self-harm, or poor performance at school or work? Are you struggling with how to manage your emotions or mental health? My goal is to help guide my clients as a supportive team-member in their therapeutic journey and help assist families with making their relationships stronger. I like to cater my therapeutic approach for my clients based on their narrative and develop coping skills to help manage their challenges based on their specific needs.
Do you find yourself concerned about your mental well-being due to depression, anxiety, a mood disorder, self-harm, or poor performance at school or work? Are you struggling with how to manage your emotions or mental health? My goal is to help guide my clients as a supportive team-member in their therapeutic journey and help assist families with making their relationships stronger. I like to cater my therapeutic approach for my clients based on their narrative and develop coping skills to help manage their challenges based on their specific needs.
![Photo of Jordan Nicole Vann - Jordan Vann (Integrative Health Services, LLC), LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ca6a0e3-9afe-4941-a383-6a31b3c3141a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jordan Vann (Integrative Health Services, LLC)
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pelham, AL 35124
*WE ARE TAKING NEW CLIENTS!* I address a range of mental health issues, including addiction, trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and more. Whether you are going through a life transition or have a history of mental health issues, I am glad that you have taken this positive step towards change. I welcome you to walk with me on your journey to wellness, as together, we work to address any barriers that prevent you from accessing your ideal self or life. If you are feeling lost and are ready to find your voice, this can be a safe place to develop and utilize the strengths that already exist within you.
*WE ARE TAKING NEW CLIENTS!* I address a range of mental health issues, including addiction, trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and more. Whether you are going through a life transition or have a history of mental health issues, I am glad that you have taken this positive step towards change. I welcome you to walk with me on your journey to wellness, as together, we work to address any barriers that prevent you from accessing your ideal self or life. If you are feeling lost and are ready to find your voice, this can be a safe place to develop and utilize the strengths that already exist within you.
![Photo of John W Wise, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/205df7ef-0697-40a0-8310-8b3e6c0b3c3f/3/320x400.png)
Life happens. And there’s no shame in asking for help in times of trouble. My goal as a counselor is to provide a space and to create a relationship that you can use for your own development, as well as provide you with tools and strategies to better cope with and maybe even resolve issues when the hard times come. Together we'll work to identify what may be holding you back or keeping you down. You will gain a better understanding of why you feel the way you do and you'll be empowered with the knowledge that change is possible.
Life happens. And there’s no shame in asking for help in times of trouble. My goal as a counselor is to provide a space and to create a relationship that you can use for your own development, as well as provide you with tools and strategies to better cope with and maybe even resolve issues when the hard times come. Together we'll work to identify what may be holding you back or keeping you down. You will gain a better understanding of why you feel the way you do and you'll be empowered with the knowledge that change is possible.
![Photo of Krista Chick Integrative Health Services, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/58d36d61-5cd6-48cd-ae96-3db7a3daaec0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Krista Chick Integrative Health Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Pelham, AL 35124
What events from your past have gotten you to where you are today? What events from your past have held you back from where you want to be? These are just some of the questions that can be explored and answered in therapy. We can easily be controlled by unprocessed events or trauma. However, healing is possible and allows us to move forward without letting past experiences negatively impact our lives. Together, we can work on removing these barriers that prevent you from becoming your best self.
What events from your past have gotten you to where you are today? What events from your past have held you back from where you want to be? These are just some of the questions that can be explored and answered in therapy. We can easily be controlled by unprocessed events or trauma. However, healing is possible and allows us to move forward without letting past experiences negatively impact our lives. Together, we can work on removing these barriers that prevent you from becoming your best self.
15 Second Videos
Jill Dean
Integrative Health Services, LLC Michelle Knight
Shamichael Kittler Integrative Health Services
Jordan Vann (Integrative Health Services, LLC)
Integrative Health Services, LLC
ACA Counseling Alexis Sapp
![Photo of Karli Martin - Behavioral Health Reimagined, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e5019829-a392-441c-8dcf-b5f7e7002b50/1/320x400.jpeg)
Have you been searching for testing services due to problems with your attention, memory, or problem solving? We are here for you! BHR is committed to giving you the best possible care; and that all starts with diagnosis. We commonly see people with concerns for ADHD, dementia, trauma history, cognitive changes after medical problems or treatment (ex: stroke, head injury, seizure, sleep apnea, chemo), sleep disturbance, and mood. Our providers are also skilled in pre-surgical evaluations including approval for gender-affirmative treatment, bariatrics, and DBS; and post-surgical status after brain surgery, anesthesia, etc.
Have you been searching for testing services due to problems with your attention, memory, or problem solving? We are here for you! BHR is committed to giving you the best possible care; and that all starts with diagnosis. We commonly see people with concerns for ADHD, dementia, trauma history, cognitive changes after medical problems or treatment (ex: stroke, head injury, seizure, sleep apnea, chemo), sleep disturbance, and mood. Our providers are also skilled in pre-surgical evaluations including approval for gender-affirmative treatment, bariatrics, and DBS; and post-surgical status after brain surgery, anesthesia, etc.
![Photo of Dr. Dotti Bailey, DSW, LICSW, PIP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c4453d17-0891-40cc-a79b-6581bdda6faa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Bailey offers a multi-dimensional, holistic and individualized approach of trauma-focused therapy in a safe, supportive child/adolescent friendly environment. The purpose of trauma-focused therapy is to offer skills and strategies to assist them in better understanding, coping with and processing emotions and memories tied to traumatic experiences.
Dr. Bailey offers a multi-dimensional, holistic and individualized approach of trauma-focused therapy in a safe, supportive child/adolescent friendly environment. The purpose of trauma-focused therapy is to offer skills and strategies to assist them in better understanding, coping with and processing emotions and memories tied to traumatic experiences.
![Photo of Jordyn Diggs - Diggs Deeper Counseling & Consulting , LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1cdfec4-b08a-44ae-939b-a2de74be1e0e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Diggs Deeper Counseling & Consulting
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Pelham, AL 35124 (Online Only)
Welcome to Diggs Deeper, where our mission is explore the emotions, thoughts, and experiences that can sometimes create challenges in life. I am excited to work with you because our mental health impacts every aspect of our life’s and how we perceive and experience the world. Our objectives revolve around fostering healing and unveiling a life that is not only manageable but radiant.
Welcome to Diggs Deeper, where our mission is explore the emotions, thoughts, and experiences that can sometimes create challenges in life. I am excited to work with you because our mental health impacts every aspect of our life’s and how we perceive and experience the world. Our objectives revolve around fostering healing and unveiling a life that is not only manageable but radiant.
![Photo of Stephen Long - Integrative Health Services, LLC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bd0f50d-b23a-4fb4-99f2-1ee8d7b1c19a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Integrative Health Services, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Pelham, AL 35124
Stephen Long is a licensed therapist with over 28 years of experience specializing in men's mental health. His practice utilizes evidence-based therapies, ensuring personalized and effective treatment plans. Stephen is committed to creating a safe environment where clients can explore their emotions, build resilience, and achieve personal growth. He holds Master's and Specialist degrees in Counseling from the University of Montevallo and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Stephen Long is a licensed therapist with over 28 years of experience specializing in men's mental health. His practice utilizes evidence-based therapies, ensuring personalized and effective treatment plans. Stephen is committed to creating a safe environment where clients can explore their emotions, build resilience, and achieve personal growth. He holds Master's and Specialist degrees in Counseling from the University of Montevallo and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
![Photo of Brittany Cockrum, LPC, MA, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4de5553e-1264-44b1-9035-55e73e989840/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Cockrum
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pelham, AL 35124
Waitlist for new clients
Thank you for taking a moment to consider me for your counseling needs! I'm a counselor that specializes in children and adolescents, but has a wide scope of experience, ranging from severe mental illness, to parenting, to women's empowerment, and grief. I believe that the best counseling experience is derived when a person feels empowered enough to challenge their own comfort zone and explore their vulnerability, and I actively work to be the counselor that a client can do that with.
Thank you for taking a moment to consider me for your counseling needs! I'm a counselor that specializes in children and adolescents, but has a wide scope of experience, ranging from severe mental illness, to parenting, to women's empowerment, and grief. I believe that the best counseling experience is derived when a person feels empowered enough to challenge their own comfort zone and explore their vulnerability, and I actively work to be the counselor that a client can do that with.
![Photo of Alexis Sapp - ACA Counseling Alexis Sapp, NCC, LPC-S, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63e41e8c-0b89-467c-ad69-1d3dfadb3c66/2/320x400.jpeg)
ACA Counseling Alexis Sapp
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC-S, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Pelham, AL 35124
Mrs. Sapp is a Nationally Board Certified Counselor (NBCC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor, (LPC), and a Supervising Counselor, SC. Mrs. Sapp is trained in EMDR and is eager to continue her professional development in the area of EMDR with children, adolescents, and teens. Mrs. Sapp enjoys the therapeutic benefit of engaging clients in walk-and-talk therapy while utilizing ACA's facility dogs. Her mission is to empower children, teens, and their families to overcome personal obstacles and improve their quality of life. She is passionate about the impact of counseling during childhood and adolescent years.
Mrs. Sapp is a Nationally Board Certified Counselor (NBCC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor, (LPC), and a Supervising Counselor, SC. Mrs. Sapp is trained in EMDR and is eager to continue her professional development in the area of EMDR with children, adolescents, and teens. Mrs. Sapp enjoys the therapeutic benefit of engaging clients in walk-and-talk therapy while utilizing ACA's facility dogs. Her mission is to empower children, teens, and their families to overcome personal obstacles and improve their quality of life. She is passionate about the impact of counseling during childhood and adolescent years.
![Photo of Dr. Terra Sharron Griffin, Ed D, LPC-S, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bfd0ec6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
If you are experiencing a challenging time in your life personally or professionally, need assistance working through a conflict or you are simply seeking personal growth, I am here to journey with you along the path; providing Support, Acceptance, and Guidance towards your Enlightenment (SAGE).
If you are experiencing a challenging time in your life personally or professionally, need assistance working through a conflict or you are simply seeking personal growth, I am here to journey with you along the path; providing Support, Acceptance, and Guidance towards your Enlightenment (SAGE).
![Photo of Lori E Gardner, MEd, LPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f164c6c6-1fb3-4826-a124-eff375cd0573/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! I’m glad you made the decision to seek counseling and I look forward to helping you reach your therapeutic goals. Counseling is more than just venting. It’s a process that requires commitment, transparency, and honesty- for the client and the therapist. Counseling can lead to increased self-awareness, a better understanding of behaviors, and peace regarding your past. It can help you discover your purpose, improve relationships, develop effective coping skills, and find hope in stressful situations. Counseling can be challenging and consists of taking an in-depth look at yourself. However, it is worth it!
Welcome! I’m glad you made the decision to seek counseling and I look forward to helping you reach your therapeutic goals. Counseling is more than just venting. It’s a process that requires commitment, transparency, and honesty- for the client and the therapist. Counseling can lead to increased self-awareness, a better understanding of behaviors, and peace regarding your past. It can help you discover your purpose, improve relationships, develop effective coping skills, and find hope in stressful situations. Counseling can be challenging and consists of taking an in-depth look at yourself. However, it is worth it!
![Photo of Amanda Johnston, LPC, NCC, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0d429d52-1afe-4090-831b-9727efa212bc/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that a client’s life is a journey towards the best version of themselves. That journey, however, is not without challenges that allow a client to take a deeper look into why they make certain choices. My approach looks at the connection between one's thoughts, feelings, and actions in past situations while helping a client reach the desired outcomes in the future. My 20+ years of experience have afforded me opportunities to work with individuals of all ages and needs. My passion, however, has been with clients struggling to find themselves, make sense of the world around them, and create healthy relationships with others.
I believe that a client’s life is a journey towards the best version of themselves. That journey, however, is not without challenges that allow a client to take a deeper look into why they make certain choices. My approach looks at the connection between one's thoughts, feelings, and actions in past situations while helping a client reach the desired outcomes in the future. My 20+ years of experience have afforded me opportunities to work with individuals of all ages and needs. My passion, however, has been with clients struggling to find themselves, make sense of the world around them, and create healthy relationships with others.
See more therapy options for Pelham
Nearby Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists Searches for Pelham
- Alabaster
- Bessemer
- Birmingham
- Calera
- Chelsea
- Helena
- Homewood
- Hoover
- Meadowbrook
- Mountain Brook
- Vestavia
- Vestavia Hills
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.