Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in San Tan Valley, AZ
Jennifer Rappleye
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CCTP II
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness-based therapies, and trauma focused therapies including Accelerated Resolution Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
We can do it! I support those who want change in their lives through increasing awareness and understanding while developing new behaviors and a present-focused mindset. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and families using a mindfulness-based approach to cognitive behavioral therapy. I believe that each individual is the expert on their needs and has the choice to engage in change behaviors. I am a facilitator and teacher that helps identify the need and guide the process. If you are looking for help without judgement then you have come to the right place. I look forward to working with you! Reach out below!
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness-based therapies, and trauma focused therapies including Accelerated Resolution Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
We can do it! I support those who want change in their lives through increasing awareness and understanding while developing new behaviors and a present-focused mindset. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and families using a mindfulness-based approach to cognitive behavioral therapy. I believe that each individual is the expert on their needs and has the choice to engage in change behaviors. I am a facilitator and teacher that helps identify the need and guide the process. If you are looking for help without judgement then you have come to the right place. I look forward to working with you! Reach out below!
Immediate in-person openings, Cash rate as low as $85 per session! Michelle is an Arizona native who dreams of adventure. Her outgoing personality makes it easy to identify with. Michelle has the unique ability to quickly identify dysfunctional thought and behavior patterns. Once these patterns are known, solution-focused, DBT and cognitive behavioral techniques can be used to elicit change. She has clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families with a variety of struggles including family disruption, trauma, anxiety, behavioral problems, grief and depression.
Immediate in-person openings, Cash rate as low as $85 per session! Michelle is an Arizona native who dreams of adventure. Her outgoing personality makes it easy to identify with. Michelle has the unique ability to quickly identify dysfunctional thought and behavior patterns. Once these patterns are known, solution-focused, DBT and cognitive behavioral techniques can be used to elicit change. She has clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families with a variety of struggles including family disruption, trauma, anxiety, behavioral problems, grief and depression.
Ashley Lynch Gaede
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, BCN
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), EMDR-Sand Tray, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
Through my 20 years of being a foster/adopt parent, I have experienced how trauma, attachment, anxiety, learning disorders, Autism, ADHD, and mood disorders, affect daily functioning and the ability to enjoy life. I have come to appreciate how important it is to feel a sense of safety and belonging. We are biologically wired to need connections/relationships for optimal growth and development. However, negative life experiences, the inability to self-regulate our emotions, and or other mental health concerns, can negatively affect the way we interact with others, causing difficulties in building those positive relationships we need.
I specialize in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), EMDR-Sand Tray, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
Through my 20 years of being a foster/adopt parent, I have experienced how trauma, attachment, anxiety, learning disorders, Autism, ADHD, and mood disorders, affect daily functioning and the ability to enjoy life. I have come to appreciate how important it is to feel a sense of safety and belonging. We are biologically wired to need connections/relationships for optimal growth and development. However, negative life experiences, the inability to self-regulate our emotions, and or other mental health concerns, can negatively affect the way we interact with others, causing difficulties in building those positive relationships we need.
Break Free Therapy PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140 (Online Only)
I provide therapy using multiple modalities and tools: Psychoeducation, CBT, DBT, EMDR, Talk Therapy, outside the box thinking, grounding techniques, Coping Skills, Resource Skills,and Mindfulness Skills.
Are you an adult individual that wants to break free from the controlling aspects of: Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Poor Communication, Trauma, Low Self Image, or inability to express emotions appropriately? Do you struggle with Negative Self Talk, or using Negative Coping Skills that are effective, but destructive at the same time? Do you struggle with planning your future, managing your finances, raising your kids, or just need someone to talk to about current life stressing events? Book your session at helloalma.com/ina-blue
I provide therapy using multiple modalities and tools: Psychoeducation, CBT, DBT, EMDR, Talk Therapy, outside the box thinking, grounding techniques, Coping Skills, Resource Skills,and Mindfulness Skills.
Are you an adult individual that wants to break free from the controlling aspects of: Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Poor Communication, Trauma, Low Self Image, or inability to express emotions appropriately? Do you struggle with Negative Self Talk, or using Negative Coping Skills that are effective, but destructive at the same time? Do you struggle with planning your future, managing your finances, raising your kids, or just need someone to talk to about current life stressing events? Book your session at helloalma.com/ina-blue
Total Life Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
Sessions as low as $70! As an Arizona Licensed Outpatient Treatment Center, we are committed to providing the best therapy and helping services possible. Total Life Counseling offers up-to-date mental health and substance abuse treatments that promote meaningful change and spiritual growth for our clients. Services available at Total Life: Child, Adolescent and Adult services, Individual, Couples and Family Therapy; Mental Health (MH) Intensive Outpatient Programs, Chemical Dependency (CD) Intensive Outpatient Programs, Dialectical Behavior Groups ( DBT), Support and Educational Groups.
Sessions as low as $70! As an Arizona Licensed Outpatient Treatment Center, we are committed to providing the best therapy and helping services possible. Total Life Counseling offers up-to-date mental health and substance abuse treatments that promote meaningful change and spiritual growth for our clients. Services available at Total Life: Child, Adolescent and Adult services, Individual, Couples and Family Therapy; Mental Health (MH) Intensive Outpatient Programs, Chemical Dependency (CD) Intensive Outpatient Programs, Dialectical Behavior Groups ( DBT), Support and Educational Groups.
Cynthia Hawk
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
San Tan Valley, AZ 85142 (Online Only)
Therapeutic modalities includes Brainspotting, EMDR, CBT, DBT, IBT, and Expressive Art Therapy (EXA).
Cynthia Hawk, M.Ed., LPC-S, MAC, MCBQS, Founder & Owner, is a Mental Health Counseling Psychotherapist, National Master Addiction Counselor, Certified by the Missouri Credentialing Board to train addiction counselors, a Certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (train & supervise counselors), Certified Mental Health First Aider, Wellness Coach & Trainer, Board Certified "Kink Conscious" Sex Therapist and Coach, and student obtaining a PhD in Clinical Sexology.
Therapeutic modalities includes Brainspotting, EMDR, CBT, DBT, IBT, and Expressive Art Therapy (EXA).
Cynthia Hawk, M.Ed., LPC-S, MAC, MCBQS, Founder & Owner, is a Mental Health Counseling Psychotherapist, National Master Addiction Counselor, Certified by the Missouri Credentialing Board to train addiction counselors, a Certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (train & supervise counselors), Certified Mental Health First Aider, Wellness Coach & Trainer, Board Certified "Kink Conscious" Sex Therapist and Coach, and student obtaining a PhD in Clinical Sexology.
Mwoyo Mental Health
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LASAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Tan Valley, AZ 85143 (Online Only)
I am a certified clinical trauma professional (CCTP) and I am certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT).
Feeling marginalized or are you bending under the weight of others' expectations? Then let's talk about it. I started Mwoyo Mental Health to provide culturally sensitive individual therapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorders, just to name a few. Whatever your life experience or problem, I would be honored to help you empower yourself.
I am a certified clinical trauma professional (CCTP) and I am certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT).
Feeling marginalized or are you bending under the weight of others' expectations? Then let's talk about it. I started Mwoyo Mental Health to provide culturally sensitive individual therapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorders, just to name a few. Whatever your life experience or problem, I would be honored to help you empower yourself.
Through the use of EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Parts Work, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I would honor the opportunity to see you, hear you, and help guide you on your healing journey.
I know that you want to feel a sense of peace, purpose, and joy in your life, and to overcome the struggles that have held you back from reaching your true potential. My goal is to show up for you when you may not be able to show up for yourself, to support you in a non-judgmental and empathetic way, and to help you realize your strengths and capacity for change. You might feel hopeless, stuck, or lost, but you have already taken the first step by seeking out a therapist, and together we can build on that momentum. We all deserve compassion, support, and the space to heal. You are worthy and capable of having a fulfilling life!
Through the use of EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Parts Work, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I would honor the opportunity to see you, hear you, and help guide you on your healing journey.
I know that you want to feel a sense of peace, purpose, and joy in your life, and to overcome the struggles that have held you back from reaching your true potential. My goal is to show up for you when you may not be able to show up for yourself, to support you in a non-judgmental and empathetic way, and to help you realize your strengths and capacity for change. You might feel hopeless, stuck, or lost, but you have already taken the first step by seeking out a therapist, and together we can build on that momentum. We all deserve compassion, support, and the space to heal. You are worthy and capable of having a fulfilling life!
Vernice Morris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140 (Online Only)
I have an eclectic approach to the therapeutic process in that I use different evidence-based models such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CB), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy( DBT) , Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy(ACT).
I am an english speaking licensed clinical social worker in the state of Arizona and Texas providing telehealth only sessions at this time. I currently work with individuals that are suffering from depression and anxiety, mood disorders. I currently offer both in person and online sessions. Trusting someone to share your most intimate thoughts and feelings can be a scary process. I am here to provide a safe, non-judgmental space in which you can explore different areas of your life ad relationships in order
I have an eclectic approach to the therapeutic process in that I use different evidence-based models such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CB), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy( DBT) , Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy(ACT).
I am an english speaking licensed clinical social worker in the state of Arizona and Texas providing telehealth only sessions at this time. I currently work with individuals that are suffering from depression and anxiety, mood disorders. I currently offer both in person and online sessions. Trusting someone to share your most intimate thoughts and feelings can be a scary process. I am here to provide a safe, non-judgmental space in which you can explore different areas of your life ad relationships in order
Shea Thomas
LPC Intern, BS, CTP, CGP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140 (Online Only)
I draw from therapeutic modalities like Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT) to create a plan tailored to meet your unique needs.
My approach to counseling is relational, trauma-focused, and grounded in the belief that you are the expert of your own life. I bring a unique blend of empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based techniques to my sessions. I am here to walk alongside you as we navigate challenges and uncover your inner strengths. Collaboration is at the heart of my therapy style and I believe healing requires active participation from both of us. With empathy, encouragement, and honesty, I challenge my clients to explore new perspectives that will lead to lasting change.
I draw from therapeutic modalities like Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT) to create a plan tailored to meet your unique needs.
My approach to counseling is relational, trauma-focused, and grounded in the belief that you are the expert of your own life. I bring a unique blend of empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based techniques to my sessions. I am here to walk alongside you as we navigate challenges and uncover your inner strengths. Collaboration is at the heart of my therapy style and I believe healing requires active participation from both of us. With empathy, encouragement, and honesty, I challenge my clients to explore new perspectives that will lead to lasting change.
I employ trauma-informed interventions, including EMDR and DBT, and have a passion for PTSD and Complex Trauma.
Finding the right therapist can be exhausting. This one is too hard. That one is too soft. It sounds like something out of Goldilocks and the Three Bears doesn’t it? You’re likely browsing this profile because your past has been painful. Maybe you’re feeling stuck – unable to move forward. Maybe it feels like your emotions are more in control of you than you are of them. Or maybe you fluctuate between feeling disconnected and shut down to feeling completely on edge. If any of this sounds familiar, then you and I might be the right fit.
I employ trauma-informed interventions, including EMDR and DBT, and have a passion for PTSD and Complex Trauma.
Finding the right therapist can be exhausting. This one is too hard. That one is too soft. It sounds like something out of Goldilocks and the Three Bears doesn’t it? You’re likely browsing this profile because your past has been painful. Maybe you’re feeling stuck – unable to move forward. Maybe it feels like your emotions are more in control of you than you are of them. Or maybe you fluctuate between feeling disconnected and shut down to feeling completely on edge. If any of this sounds familiar, then you and I might be the right fit.
15 Second Videos
Break Free Therapy PLLC
Cynthia Hawk
Mwoyo Mental Health
Shea Thomas
Beverly Rossiter
Heidi Lasser
Christina Delp
Chelsey Liaga
Audra Ekeinde Jimenez
Dena Tibsherany
Ana Toothman
Laura Tyndall
I utilize evidence-based techniques such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Life can be beautiful, but at times, it can feel messy, out of control, and overwhelming. When facing challenges that seem insurmountable, it's normal to feel unsure of where to turn or feel like you do not have the right tools. I'm here to help you discover right the tools to overcome these obstacles and challenges. Together, we'll explore your strengths, uncovering patterns that might be causing roadblocks. Through this process, we can foster hope, understanding, and growth as you strive for a better future.
I utilize evidence-based techniques such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Life can be beautiful, but at times, it can feel messy, out of control, and overwhelming. When facing challenges that seem insurmountable, it's normal to feel unsure of where to turn or feel like you do not have the right tools. I'm here to help you discover right the tools to overcome these obstacles and challenges. Together, we'll explore your strengths, uncovering patterns that might be causing roadblocks. Through this process, we can foster hope, understanding, and growth as you strive for a better future.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples, who are 18 years or older and offer a range of therapeutic approaches, including DBT, CBT, EFCT and EMDR.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or emotional regulation? Or perhaps you're facing relationship issues, grief, trauma, or PTSD? The path towards healing can be daunting to go through alone. With constant challenges and obstacles that come along the way, it may be hard to ask for help especially when we are at our most vulnerable. Just know that you never have to go through it alone as I am here to be a fellow traveler with you on your journey towards finding inner balance and peace. My goal is to tailor your experience towards your specific needs so that I can foster a space that promotes authenticity, trust, and growth.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples, who are 18 years or older and offer a range of therapeutic approaches, including DBT, CBT, EFCT and EMDR.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or emotional regulation? Or perhaps you're facing relationship issues, grief, trauma, or PTSD? The path towards healing can be daunting to go through alone. With constant challenges and obstacles that come along the way, it may be hard to ask for help especially when we are at our most vulnerable. Just know that you never have to go through it alone as I am here to be a fellow traveler with you on your journey towards finding inner balance and peace. My goal is to tailor your experience towards your specific needs so that I can foster a space that promotes authenticity, trust, and growth.
Seeking help is a courageous step forward, and it can begin a vital journey of recognition, goal setting, motivation, and action toward living the way you prefer. I completed MA in Counseling in 2003, with a focus on Family Systems. I'm licensed in Addiction Counseling and Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and also trained in CBT and Motivational Interviewing. I've been in the Behavioral Health Field for 19 years.
Seeking help is a courageous step forward, and it can begin a vital journey of recognition, goal setting, motivation, and action toward living the way you prefer. I completed MA in Counseling in 2003, with a focus on Family Systems. I'm licensed in Addiction Counseling and Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and also trained in CBT and Motivational Interviewing. I've been in the Behavioral Health Field for 19 years.
Sabrina Spotorno
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
San Tan Valley, AZ 85142 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), ready to help you see just how capable you are of making long lasting changes in your life. Graduating summa cum laude from Adelphi University, I had a generalist education with training in several modalities, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), ready to help you see just how capable you are of making long lasting changes in your life. Graduating summa cum laude from Adelphi University, I had a generalist education with training in several modalities, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy.
Beverly Rossiter
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
San Tan Valley, AZ 85142 (Online Only)
As a LPC, I have worked with several different populations, Including adults and adolescents with mental health issues and substance addiction. I utilize several modalities for treatment, including but not limited to , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy,( DBT) Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, (EMDR). I have worked extensively with anxiety, depression and PTSD. I am proud to say I have helped many individuals recover. I have been a counselor for over 30 years, although licensed in Arizona since 2019, I worked in Oregon as an addiction couns.
As a LPC, I have worked with several different populations, Including adults and adolescents with mental health issues and substance addiction. I utilize several modalities for treatment, including but not limited to , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy,( DBT) Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, (EMDR). I have worked extensively with anxiety, depression and PTSD. I am proud to say I have helped many individuals recover. I have been a counselor for over 30 years, although licensed in Arizona since 2019, I worked in Oregon as an addiction couns.
Heidi Lasser
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
San Tan Valley, AZ 85142 (Online Only)
I have experience providing CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Person-centered, and trauma-focused therapies.
I believe that counseling should be a partnership and that most people have the ability within themselves to work through their struggles. As a counselor I am here to be a real, authentic person, helping put the pieces of the puzzle together with you, and providing needed tools to help you live your best possible life. I would like to help you through and support you during any of your current or past challenges. My Master of Arts degree is in Guidance and Counseling, Community Counseling from Eastern Michigan University. I am a mother of two adult children, and have lived in the Detroit area, Boise, and now happily in Phoenix.
I have experience providing CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Person-centered, and trauma-focused therapies.
I believe that counseling should be a partnership and that most people have the ability within themselves to work through their struggles. As a counselor I am here to be a real, authentic person, helping put the pieces of the puzzle together with you, and providing needed tools to help you live your best possible life. I would like to help you through and support you during any of your current or past challenges. My Master of Arts degree is in Guidance and Counseling, Community Counseling from Eastern Michigan University. I am a mother of two adult children, and have lived in the Detroit area, Boise, and now happily in Phoenix.
Maricopa Christian Psychiatry
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
San Tan Valley, AZ 85142
Chi’s approach includes Solution-Focused Behavioral Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT).
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS. Every individual is unique with their own set of circumstances that may keep them from reaching their full potential. Do you strive to find your own way but often feel alone and misunderstood? The circumstances that may cause an individual to seek help are often not “stand-alone” situations but involve layers of issues. Addressing the root cause of problems requires a collaborative relationship. You know the details of your life and my role as a therapist is to guide you with expertise and a new perspective through a combination of evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Chi’s approach includes Solution-Focused Behavioral Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT).
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS. Every individual is unique with their own set of circumstances that may keep them from reaching their full potential. Do you strive to find your own way but often feel alone and misunderstood? The circumstances that may cause an individual to seek help are often not “stand-alone” situations but involve layers of issues. Addressing the root cause of problems requires a collaborative relationship. You know the details of your life and my role as a therapist is to guide you with expertise and a new perspective through a combination of evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Cash rate as low as $85 per session! Sam received his Master's degree in social work from Arizona State University. During his undergraduate years Sam worked in the substance use field and with those who suffer with addiction. Sam often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and a Person-Centered approach when working with clients. Sam works with adolescents and adults. Sam brings a unique perspective as he suffered with intense anxiety and depression during his adolescent years. Sam focuses on treating anxiety, depression, problematic behaviors.
Cash rate as low as $85 per session! Sam received his Master's degree in social work from Arizona State University. During his undergraduate years Sam worked in the substance use field and with those who suffer with addiction. Sam often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and a Person-Centered approach when working with clients. Sam works with adolescents and adults. Sam brings a unique perspective as he suffered with intense anxiety and depression during his adolescent years. Sam focuses on treating anxiety, depression, problematic behaviors.
Heidi Quinlan
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
San Tan Valley, AZ 85142 (Online Only)
For 21 years I have been working with children, families, adolescents, and adults experiencing challenges being the best version of themselves, achieving their goals, and living out their values as effectively as they desire. I began my career assisting those experiencing a mental health crisis, then focused on working with families using play and sand tray therapies, cognitive behavioral techniques, art therapy, and Theraplay. I added addiction recovery maintenance due to the numerous families affected by substance and behavioral addictions with Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
For 21 years I have been working with children, families, adolescents, and adults experiencing challenges being the best version of themselves, achieving their goals, and living out their values as effectively as they desire. I began my career assisting those experiencing a mental health crisis, then focused on working with families using play and sand tray therapies, cognitive behavioral techniques, art therapy, and Theraplay. I added addiction recovery maintenance due to the numerous families affected by substance and behavioral addictions with Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
See more therapy options for San Tan Valley
Nearby Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists Searches for San Tan Valley
- Apache Junction
- Avondale
- Casa Grande
- Chandler
- Coolidge
- Florence
- Fountain Hills
- Gilbert
- Mesa
- Queen Creek
- Scottsdale
- Tempe
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.