Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Dixon, CA

Photo of Liliana Diaz-Rodriguez - Díaz Counseling Center, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Díaz Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Dixon, CA 95620
My name is Liliana, I am a California Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been practicing for 6 years. I graduated in 2016 from University of Phoenix with a Masters of Science in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy. I specialize in working with children, adolescents and young adults. My focus is to support clients with stressors that might include academics, communication, family issues, acculturation, etc. I am fluent in Spanish. Mi nombre es Liliana, soy terapeuta con licencia para practicar y proveer servicios de salud mental en el estado de California. Comuníquese conmigo si tiene preguntas.
My name is Liliana, I am a California Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been practicing for 6 years. I graduated in 2016 from University of Phoenix with a Masters of Science in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy. I specialize in working with children, adolescents and young adults. My focus is to support clients with stressors that might include academics, communication, family issues, acculturation, etc. I am fluent in Spanish. Mi nombre es Liliana, soy terapeuta con licencia para practicar y proveer servicios de salud mental en el estado de California. Comuníquese conmigo si tiene preguntas.
(707) 979-6351 View (707) 979-6351
Photo of Senaida Rangel, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Senaida Rangel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Dixon, CA 95620
I offer evening appointments! Currently accepting new clients! Sometimes we reach a season of life that we need a little help navigating, and the good news is that you do not have to do it alone. I have experience working with culturally diverse individuals in various treatment settings, with an emphasis on working with first responders and military and spouses, individuals in recovery, and adolescents/teens. As an individual who has worked along side first responders in a jail setting and the partner of a fire fighter, I have first hand knowledge of the demands and challenges that arise in the day to day work and in personal lives.
I offer evening appointments! Currently accepting new clients! Sometimes we reach a season of life that we need a little help navigating, and the good news is that you do not have to do it alone. I have experience working with culturally diverse individuals in various treatment settings, with an emphasis on working with first responders and military and spouses, individuals in recovery, and adolescents/teens. As an individual who has worked along side first responders in a jail setting and the partner of a fire fighter, I have first hand knowledge of the demands and challenges that arise in the day to day work and in personal lives.
(707) 876-0353 View (707) 876-0353
Photo of Kevin Anderson, MA, LMFT, CCTP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kevin Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dixon, CA 95620
Attention Teens and Adults: Have you experienced a traumatic event that you're still struggling to cope with? Do you feel overwhelmed by stress, like it's taking over your life? Are you having trouble sleeping, eating or concentrating because of stress? Do you feel anxious all the time, even about things that shouldn't be a big deal? Do you have panic attacks or other physical symptoms of anxiety? Do you avoid social situations or activities because of anxiety? Have you been feeling down or hopeless for more than two weeks? Do you have trouble enjoying things you used to like?
Attention Teens and Adults: Have you experienced a traumatic event that you're still struggling to cope with? Do you feel overwhelmed by stress, like it's taking over your life? Are you having trouble sleeping, eating or concentrating because of stress? Do you feel anxious all the time, even about things that shouldn't be a big deal? Do you have panic attacks or other physical symptoms of anxiety? Do you avoid social situations or activities because of anxiety? Have you been feeling down or hopeless for more than two weeks? Do you have trouble enjoying things you used to like?
(707) 452-3986 View (707) 452-3986
Photo of Yolanda Rosas, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Yolanda Rosas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Dixon, CA 95620
Welcome! Sometimes it takes a lot of courage to reach out for help and I am so glad you have made your way here. Everyday living can bring us to experience loss, grief, depression, anxiety, stress, and much more. Some experiences knock us down and shake us around a bit. As humans, we are wired for survival. So, when we are going through traumatic experiences our mind will go into survival mode sending such experiences to our subconscious to help us continue.
Welcome! Sometimes it takes a lot of courage to reach out for help and I am so glad you have made your way here. Everyday living can bring us to experience loss, grief, depression, anxiety, stress, and much more. Some experiences knock us down and shake us around a bit. As humans, we are wired for survival. So, when we are going through traumatic experiences our mind will go into survival mode sending such experiences to our subconscious to help us continue.
(626) 606-2458 View (626) 606-2458
Photo of Kaela Robinson - Breakaway Child-Family Therapy, ASW
Breakaway Child-Family Therapy
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dixon, CA 95620
Hi, my name is Kaela Robinson. I am a mental health professional with a genuine passion for helping individuals and families in their struggles. I believe in authentic encounters with clients with unconditional regard where trust and safety take the center of the therapeutic relationship.
Hi, my name is Kaela Robinson. I am a mental health professional with a genuine passion for helping individuals and families in their struggles. I believe in authentic encounters with clients with unconditional regard where trust and safety take the center of the therapeutic relationship.
(707) 675-1629 View (707) 675-1629
Photo of Tiffany Pardo, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tiffany Pardo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dixon, CA 95620
In this busy hectic daily grind we call life imagine therapy in a way that feels safe and comfortable. Are you trying to adjust to a new life transition? It could be the adjustment to parenthood, work/school issues, coping with a medical diagnosis, facing infertility, or grief after the loss of a loved one. Perhaps you're feeling down or anxious—maybe you’re unsure about the future of a relationship or just feeling that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Whatever your needs, I’m here to offer support.
In this busy hectic daily grind we call life imagine therapy in a way that feels safe and comfortable. Are you trying to adjust to a new life transition? It could be the adjustment to parenthood, work/school issues, coping with a medical diagnosis, facing infertility, or grief after the loss of a loved one. Perhaps you're feeling down or anxious—maybe you’re unsure about the future of a relationship or just feeling that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Whatever your needs, I’m here to offer support.
(707) 203-0637 View (707) 203-0637
Photo of Samantha Corona, AMFT, APCC, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Samantha Corona
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC, MS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Dixon, CA 95620
Current Evening Availability! You may be facing significant life transitions or emotional challenges, and are seeking a supportive and understanding environment to navigate through them. I provide a non-judgmental space to express feelings, practical strategies to manage emotions, and guidance to develop healthier coping mechanisms. Life can be overwhelming, and it's okay to seek help when you need it. Our new "modern life/world" has allowed us to communicate with others in unprecedented new ways, and yet not enough opportunities to be truly heard and understood. My goal is to empower clients to achieve improved overall well-being.
Current Evening Availability! You may be facing significant life transitions or emotional challenges, and are seeking a supportive and understanding environment to navigate through them. I provide a non-judgmental space to express feelings, practical strategies to manage emotions, and guidance to develop healthier coping mechanisms. Life can be overwhelming, and it's okay to seek help when you need it. Our new "modern life/world" has allowed us to communicate with others in unprecedented new ways, and yet not enough opportunities to be truly heard and understood. My goal is to empower clients to achieve improved overall well-being.
(707) 940-7497 View (707) 940-7497

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Rachel Trott, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rachel Trott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Davis, CA 95616  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am eclectic in my approach; some evidence-based approaches I utilize are: EMDR, mindfulness, cognitive/dialectical behavioral therapies, acceptance commitment therapy and narrative therapy.
Everyone deserves the time and space to lay down their worries, their fears, their past, their pain—and especially their hopes for the future and the change they want to see in their lives. My job is to provide that time and space to my clients, listening attentively, non-judgmentally and empathetically. Once we’ve settled into that space, we can work together to identify your goals and work to achieve them. I am experienced in working with adults and teens with depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD and trauma, mood and thought disorders, substance use, grief, major life transitions and self-esteem. If you're ready, I'm here for you.
I am eclectic in my approach; some evidence-based approaches I utilize are: EMDR, mindfulness, cognitive/dialectical behavioral therapies, acceptance commitment therapy and narrative therapy.
Everyone deserves the time and space to lay down their worries, their fears, their past, their pain—and especially their hopes for the future and the change they want to see in their lives. My job is to provide that time and space to my clients, listening attentively, non-judgmentally and empathetically. Once we’ve settled into that space, we can work together to identify your goals and work to achieve them. I am experienced in working with adults and teens with depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD and trauma, mood and thought disorders, substance use, grief, major life transitions and self-esteem. If you're ready, I'm here for you.
(707) 883-1246 View (707) 883-1246
Photo of Kimberly Lorna Shin, MA, LPCC, ATR-BC, CADC
Kimberly Lorna Shin
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, ATR-BC, CADC
Verified Verified
Davis, CA 95616  (Online Only)
I am trained to teach DBT skills and CBT techniques.
I believe that change is always possible and it's never too late to start the process. The pandemic has impacted us all in different ways and you are not alone. I work in a collaborative, eclectic, with my clients. I provide a safe space for you to learn and practice new skills- free of judgment. If you are ready to improve your life and open to discovering new options to life's challenges, I can help. Invest in yourself and creating the life you deserve.
I am trained to teach DBT skills and CBT techniques.
I believe that change is always possible and it's never too late to start the process. The pandemic has impacted us all in different ways and you are not alone. I work in a collaborative, eclectic, with my clients. I provide a safe space for you to learn and practice new skills- free of judgment. If you are ready to improve your life and open to discovering new options to life's challenges, I can help. Invest in yourself and creating the life you deserve.
(707) 532-2618 View (707) 532-2618
Photo of Melissa Regan, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa Regan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Davis, CA 95616
Melissa specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families from diverse backgrounds. Her therapeutic approach incorporates elements of art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, person-centered, mindfulness, and internal family system therapies.
Melissa specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families from diverse backgrounds. Her therapeutic approach incorporates elements of art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, person-centered, mindfulness, and internal family system therapies.
(530) 363-1254 View (530) 363-1254
Photo of Taneesha Chambers, LPCC, Counselor
Taneesha Chambers
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Davis, CA 95616
I am versed in CBT and DBT approaches and many others.
Hello, I'm Taneesha! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about assisting people while on their journey toward healing and growth in the face of the challenges they may be currently experiencing and/or past traumas that may be causing distress. I have experience with ages 18-97 and have worked with clients with many different experiences and diagnoses including Anxiety, Depression, PTSD/Trauma, Substance Abuse, Bipolar Disorder, Suicidal Ideation, and more.
I am versed in CBT and DBT approaches and many others.
Hello, I'm Taneesha! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about assisting people while on their journey toward healing and growth in the face of the challenges they may be currently experiencing and/or past traumas that may be causing distress. I have experience with ages 18-97 and have worked with clients with many different experiences and diagnoses including Anxiety, Depression, PTSD/Trauma, Substance Abuse, Bipolar Disorder, Suicidal Ideation, and more.
(408) 763-4866 View (408) 763-4866
Photo of Becca Crandall, LCSW, MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Becca Crandall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Davis, CA 95618
We will work together to help you feel more calm, confident and happy through research proven techniques like CBT, DBT and Solutions Focus focused therapy.
Life is hard. In one moment, life as you know it can be completely changed. Are the things that once made you happy no longer making you happy? Have you been through a frightening experience that left you feeling scared, lonely, or even doubting who you are? Maybe you’ve been through a series of little things that you believe shouldn’t be bothering you, but they are. Do you feel completely misunderstood and alone? I get it. You are not alone. Everyone needs space to process life’s challenges and successes. No one is supposed to be able to figure it all out on their own.
We will work together to help you feel more calm, confident and happy through research proven techniques like CBT, DBT and Solutions Focus focused therapy.
Life is hard. In one moment, life as you know it can be completely changed. Are the things that once made you happy no longer making you happy? Have you been through a frightening experience that left you feeling scared, lonely, or even doubting who you are? Maybe you’ve been through a series of little things that you believe shouldn’t be bothering you, but they are. Do you feel completely misunderstood and alone? I get it. You are not alone. Everyone needs space to process life’s challenges and successes. No one is supposed to be able to figure it all out on their own.
(530) 430-3497 View (530) 430-3497
Photo of William Shannon, LCP, Psychologist
William Shannon
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Davis, CA 95616
Theoretically, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and one I created for my dissertation called ‘cuento’ therapy.
Hello. Looking forward to meeting you. My name is Dr. William Shannon Ph.D. A Licensed Clinical Psychologist for over 25 years. I work with ages 11 through 92 focusing on working as a team to diagnose mental health issues and develop a treatment plan together to decrease mental health issues and increase motivation and life’s many valuable interests to explore. I am a very caring and easygoing person (thanks to my parents) but even I struggle at times.
Theoretically, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and one I created for my dissertation called ‘cuento’ therapy.
Hello. Looking forward to meeting you. My name is Dr. William Shannon Ph.D. A Licensed Clinical Psychologist for over 25 years. I work with ages 11 through 92 focusing on working as a team to diagnose mental health issues and develop a treatment plan together to decrease mental health issues and increase motivation and life’s many valuable interests to explore. I am a very caring and easygoing person (thanks to my parents) but even I struggle at times.
(213) 693-4660 View (213) 693-4660
Photo of Aven Lugh Armstrong-Sutton, PhD(c), RSW, ASW, LMSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Aven Lugh Armstrong-Sutton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD(c), RSW, ASW, LMSW-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Davis, CA 95616
Waitlist for new clients
My approach to psychotherapy is integrated, and I have received training in various therapeutic modalities, including Brainspotting, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Functional Analytic Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Therapy.
With 17 years of experience, I specialize in providing psychotherapy and counseling services to individuals of all ages, from childhood to older adulthood. If you or someone you know is struggling with chronic anxiety, persistent depression, past traumas, life transitions, feelings of disconnection, substance abuse, or an unrelenting inner critic, please get in touch with me. I can help you build confidence, work through emotional pain, gain personal insight, and create a fulfilling life. Don't let these issues hold you back - take charge of your life today.
My approach to psychotherapy is integrated, and I have received training in various therapeutic modalities, including Brainspotting, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Functional Analytic Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Therapy.
With 17 years of experience, I specialize in providing psychotherapy and counseling services to individuals of all ages, from childhood to older adulthood. If you or someone you know is struggling with chronic anxiety, persistent depression, past traumas, life transitions, feelings of disconnection, substance abuse, or an unrelenting inner critic, please get in touch with me. I can help you build confidence, work through emotional pain, gain personal insight, and create a fulfilling life. Don't let these issues hold you back - take charge of your life today.
(530) 531-8908 View (530) 531-8908
Photo of Monica Garcia O'Brien, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Monica Garcia O'Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Davis, CA 95617
Work Experience: CHW Medical Foundation, Bayshore Family Center, Your House South, Sierra Vista Psychiatric Hospital (inpt/outpt)- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy/Art Therapy, Sutter Cancer Center- Bereavement Art Therapy, IEP driven mental health counseling/crisis response- Kings View Counseling, Yolo County Office of Ed, Davis Joint Unified School District.
Instead of looking at therapy as uncomfortable & difficult, consider this… we are our strongest when we have the courage to reveal & repair the most vulnerable aspects of ourselves. This is referred to as reframing, looking at a challenging situation in a new light. Let’s build some positive thinking patterns together. Laughing is also very therapeutic for the brain as it releases endorphins which increases focus, helps us integrate thoughts, & stimulates flexible thinking which are all important components of change & healing.
Work Experience: CHW Medical Foundation, Bayshore Family Center, Your House South, Sierra Vista Psychiatric Hospital (inpt/outpt)- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy/Art Therapy, Sutter Cancer Center- Bereavement Art Therapy, IEP driven mental health counseling/crisis response- Kings View Counseling, Yolo County Office of Ed, Davis Joint Unified School District.
Instead of looking at therapy as uncomfortable & difficult, consider this… we are our strongest when we have the courage to reveal & repair the most vulnerable aspects of ourselves. This is referred to as reframing, looking at a challenging situation in a new light. Let’s build some positive thinking patterns together. Laughing is also very therapeutic for the brain as it releases endorphins which increases focus, helps us integrate thoughts, & stimulates flexible thinking which are all important components of change & healing.
(530) 430-3352 View (530) 430-3352
Photo of Jennifer Gigena, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Gigena
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Davis, CA 95616
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and also work through the lens of Dialectical Behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client Centered, and Acceptance Commitment therapy.
My name is Jennifer Gigena. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, my focus is to foster an environment for individuals who are encountering challenges with various issues. My areas of focus include life transitions, complex trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, and relationship conflict. Our work together will be built on a solid foundation of trust, compassion, and respect. Harnessing the fear of what lies ahead with the curiosity that has brought you here today will guide us toward ending painful patterns, extinguishing thoughts of self-doubt, and creating the life that you want.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and also work through the lens of Dialectical Behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client Centered, and Acceptance Commitment therapy.
My name is Jennifer Gigena. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, my focus is to foster an environment for individuals who are encountering challenges with various issues. My areas of focus include life transitions, complex trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, and relationship conflict. Our work together will be built on a solid foundation of trust, compassion, and respect. Harnessing the fear of what lies ahead with the curiosity that has brought you here today will guide us toward ending painful patterns, extinguishing thoughts of self-doubt, and creating the life that you want.
(805) 977-5514 View (805) 977-5514
Photo of Janice Valdez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Janice Valdez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Davis, CA 95616
As a therapist my approach is electic with a touch of narrative, solution focused, cognitive behavioral, DBT, and trauma focused.
Hi, I’m Janice Valdez and I am a Licensed Marriage Family therapist. My career began providing services to individuals who suffer from addiction. For the last three years I have provided individual therapy to clients of all ages with an array of different issues including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, abuse, and more.
As a therapist my approach is electic with a touch of narrative, solution focused, cognitive behavioral, DBT, and trauma focused.
Hi, I’m Janice Valdez and I am a Licensed Marriage Family therapist. My career began providing services to individuals who suffer from addiction. For the last three years I have provided individual therapy to clients of all ages with an array of different issues including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, abuse, and more.
(661) 464-1984 View (661) 464-1984
Photo of Alexis Elizabeth Taylor, ASW
Alexis Elizabeth Taylor
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
Davis, CA 95616  (Online Only)
and DBT to help you achieve your goals.
If you are struggling due to big life changes, anxiety, relationship issues, or depression you’re not alone and I can help guide you through this phase of your life. You may be feeling out of control or like you just can’t catch your breath. Maybe you’re grieving right now, whether that’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or the loss of the life you once had. Maybe you’re starting or finishing college and you feel overwhelmed or lost. Or maybe you feel like anxiety is controlling your life rather than you. No matter the challenge you may be facing I am here to help you take that first step into creating a life you love again.
and DBT to help you achieve your goals.
If you are struggling due to big life changes, anxiety, relationship issues, or depression you’re not alone and I can help guide you through this phase of your life. You may be feeling out of control or like you just can’t catch your breath. Maybe you’re grieving right now, whether that’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or the loss of the life you once had. Maybe you’re starting or finishing college and you feel overwhelmed or lost. Or maybe you feel like anxiety is controlling your life rather than you. No matter the challenge you may be facing I am here to help you take that first step into creating a life you love again.
(805) 567-7682 View (805) 567-7682
Photo of Shu-Ya Hsieh, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shu-Ya Hsieh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Davis, CA 95616
Some tools I have found being useful are Affect Management Skills Training, Stress management, DBT informed Effective Interpersonal Skills training, EMDR, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
Are you looking for a friendly support in order to gain the clarity of your worries, difficulties, values, needs, and goals. I want to provide accurate understanding and to walk alongside you with your struggles. You are the expert in your life, not me. It would be a privilege for me to share your struggles and breakthrough.
Some tools I have found being useful are Affect Management Skills Training, Stress management, DBT informed Effective Interpersonal Skills training, EMDR, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
Are you looking for a friendly support in order to gain the clarity of your worries, difficulties, values, needs, and goals. I want to provide accurate understanding and to walk alongside you with your struggles. You are the expert in your life, not me. It would be a privilege for me to share your struggles and breakthrough.
(530) 792-9051 View (530) 792-9051
Photo of Jane Teixeira, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jane Teixeira
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Davis, CA 95618
I am trained in CBT, DBT, IFS, and EFT and certified in Brainspotting, which is similar to EMDR, and often used for trauma work and performance.
Hello and welcome! If you'd like to create more space for joy, connection, and calm in your life, I would love to work with you! I specialize in treating depression, trauma, anxiety, stress, self-esteem issues, body image issues, and perfectionism. I use a person-centered approach and mindfulness to help create a safe space for you to reflect on your relationship patterns and goals. I also like to infuse behavioral therapy techniques to help you hone in on concrete steps you can take to make active changes in your life. I hope to help you find more meaning, creativity, and joy in life.
I am trained in CBT, DBT, IFS, and EFT and certified in Brainspotting, which is similar to EMDR, and often used for trauma work and performance.
Hello and welcome! If you'd like to create more space for joy, connection, and calm in your life, I would love to work with you! I specialize in treating depression, trauma, anxiety, stress, self-esteem issues, body image issues, and perfectionism. I use a person-centered approach and mindfulness to help create a safe space for you to reflect on your relationship patterns and goals. I also like to infuse behavioral therapy techniques to help you hone in on concrete steps you can take to make active changes in your life. I hope to help you find more meaning, creativity, and joy in life.
(916) 634-0156 View (916) 634-0156

See more therapy options for Dixon

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.