Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Fair Oaks, CA

Photo of Joshua L Collver, LCSW, MHA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joshua L Collver
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MHA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628  (Online Only)
ACT and DBT use mindfulness techniques to promote psychological flexibility, adaptive responses to challenges, and help people develop meaning in their lives.
My intention as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) is to help individuals achieve optimal health, safety, and wellness. By reaching out and seeking help, you are taking a courageous step towards change. I offer a collaborative and supportive partnership in the service of addressing your struggles and life challenges. Services include: individual and family therapy, brief and long-term therapy, and clinical supervision of ASW. I treat adolescents ages 13-17 and adults. I utilize techniques from evidence based treatment approaches and specialize in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT)
ACT and DBT use mindfulness techniques to promote psychological flexibility, adaptive responses to challenges, and help people develop meaning in their lives.
My intention as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) is to help individuals achieve optimal health, safety, and wellness. By reaching out and seeking help, you are taking a courageous step towards change. I offer a collaborative and supportive partnership in the service of addressing your struggles and life challenges. Services include: individual and family therapy, brief and long-term therapy, and clinical supervision of ASW. I treat adolescents ages 13-17 and adults. I utilize techniques from evidence based treatment approaches and specialize in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT)
(916) 823-8459 View (916) 823-8459
Photo of Carmelina Mule', PsyD, MSW, Psychologist
Carmelina Mule'
Psychologist, PsyD, MSW
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
I am certified in Adolescent Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and work with clients who have a history of self injurious behaviors, emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and interpersonal problems.
I work with adolescents, families and adults struggling with a variety of emotional, psychological and behavioral issues. I provide both therapy and assessment in my practice. I focus on symptom management and reduction, coping skills, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, healthy living practices, and interpersonal relationships/effectiveness. I use different approaches to help clients work through individual and interpersonal difficulties and believe strongly in the concepts of self determination and self actualization. I also provide divorce mediation services.
I am certified in Adolescent Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and work with clients who have a history of self injurious behaviors, emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and interpersonal problems.
I work with adolescents, families and adults struggling with a variety of emotional, psychological and behavioral issues. I provide both therapy and assessment in my practice. I focus on symptom management and reduction, coping skills, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, healthy living practices, and interpersonal relationships/effectiveness. I use different approaches to help clients work through individual and interpersonal difficulties and believe strongly in the concepts of self determination and self actualization. I also provide divorce mediation services.
(916) 287-8926 View (916) 287-8926
Photo of Mare Brooks-Motl, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mare Brooks-Motl
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Waitlist for new clients
Having trained in NLP, EMDR, DBT and Somatic therapies, utilizing these interchangeably.
I am a strength based holistic integrative therapist. I specialize in assisting people realize their full potential far past any diagnosis they have ever been given or heard from a provider in the past. My ideal client is someone who is ready to move past their own limits and are looking for deeper meaning within their own psychology. I work well with motivated clients who have experienced trauma, anxiety and/or are depressed and looking for someone to assist in helping them in believing they can become more than their past and their suffering. Unchanging labels harm everyone, let's challenge them together.
Having trained in NLP, EMDR, DBT and Somatic therapies, utilizing these interchangeably.
I am a strength based holistic integrative therapist. I specialize in assisting people realize their full potential far past any diagnosis they have ever been given or heard from a provider in the past. My ideal client is someone who is ready to move past their own limits and are looking for deeper meaning within their own psychology. I work well with motivated clients who have experienced trauma, anxiety and/or are depressed and looking for someone to assist in helping them in believing they can become more than their past and their suffering. Unchanging labels harm everyone, let's challenge them together.
(916) 827-3785 View (916) 827-3785
Photo of Andrea Diemert, LMFT, LAADC , CCHT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Andrea Diemert
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LAADC , CCHT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
By incorporating evidence-based modalities such as Brainspotting, hypnotherapy, and DBT education.
Are you struggling to find meaning and satisfaction in your daily life, feeling stuck in a cycle of dissatisfaction? Or are you feeling overwhelmed by persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness? As a dedicated therapist, my primary focus is on nurturing an environment of trust, attachment, and safety, where you can feel empowered to explore your challenges and strengths with compassion and guidance. . I specialize in addressing a range of complex issues, including substance abuse, identity and values conflicts, trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, ego work, and mood disorders. Goal oriented clients apply!
By incorporating evidence-based modalities such as Brainspotting, hypnotherapy, and DBT education.
Are you struggling to find meaning and satisfaction in your daily life, feeling stuck in a cycle of dissatisfaction? Or are you feeling overwhelmed by persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness? As a dedicated therapist, my primary focus is on nurturing an environment of trust, attachment, and safety, where you can feel empowered to explore your challenges and strengths with compassion and guidance. . I specialize in addressing a range of complex issues, including substance abuse, identity and values conflicts, trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, ego work, and mood disorders. Goal oriented clients apply!
(916) 621-5556 View (916) 621-5556
Photo of Julie Tucker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julie Tucker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I have an eclectic style that combines CBT, DBT, ACT, Narrative, and Expressive Therapy.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety or relationships? Are you having difficulties with marriage, parenting, divorce, or work? Have you had medical trauma that affects every aspect of your life? It can be hard to deal with these issues alone, feeling stuck, and allowing yourself to move forward. Therapy can help. I believe a safe and strong therapeutic relationship is important to foster growth and change. I am attentive and sensitive while providing a safe and nurturing environment where my clients learn, grow, and heal.
I have an eclectic style that combines CBT, DBT, ACT, Narrative, and Expressive Therapy.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety or relationships? Are you having difficulties with marriage, parenting, divorce, or work? Have you had medical trauma that affects every aspect of your life? It can be hard to deal with these issues alone, feeling stuck, and allowing yourself to move forward. Therapy can help. I believe a safe and strong therapeutic relationship is important to foster growth and change. I am attentive and sensitive while providing a safe and nurturing environment where my clients learn, grow, and heal.
(279) 465-0814 View (279) 465-0814
Photo of Rosalind Daniel, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rosalind Daniel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
I will customize my therapeutic approach based on your needs and have experience in CBT/DBT, mindfulness, emotion-focused, family systems, attachment-based, person-centered, solution based, and psychodynamic theories.
I have been a therapist for 28 years and have worked with people aged 3 - 93! My specialization in graduate school was child and adolescent treatment. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life. Due to my practice being online now, I have narrowed my client base from 13 -99! Most of my clients have struggled with life transitions, depression, and anxiety.
I will customize my therapeutic approach based on your needs and have experience in CBT/DBT, mindfulness, emotion-focused, family systems, attachment-based, person-centered, solution based, and psychodynamic theories.
I have been a therapist for 28 years and have worked with people aged 3 - 93! My specialization in graduate school was child and adolescent treatment. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life. Due to my practice being online now, I have narrowed my client base from 13 -99! Most of my clients have struggled with life transitions, depression, and anxiety.
(562) 784-5075 View (562) 784-5075
Photo of Gina Anne Mertz - Gina A. Mertz, MFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gina A. Mertz, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
I utilize a variety of treatment approaches including TF-CBT, DBT, CBT and Family Therapy.
I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 25 years experience providing counseling to children, teens, adults and families. My mission is to provide help, hope and healing to you and your family through a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship. Whether you're seeking help for yourself or your loved ones, my goal is to always encourage, support and help you navigate the trials and hardships we encounter in life.
I utilize a variety of treatment approaches including TF-CBT, DBT, CBT and Family Therapy.
I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 25 years experience providing counseling to children, teens, adults and families. My mission is to provide help, hope and healing to you and your family through a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship. Whether you're seeking help for yourself or your loved ones, my goal is to always encourage, support and help you navigate the trials and hardships we encounter in life.
(916) 584-9135 View (916) 584-9135
Photo of Jennifer Welch, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Welch
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
I am certified in Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, have special training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and also utilize play therapy with children.
Sometimes we find ourselves feeling lost, confused and without hope. Other times, we may just be stuck. This is where therapy comes in. I believe the relationship we create together is the foundation for great therapy. I want you to experience relief! Therefore, I utilize an individualized approach to address life's many challenges, inspiring growth. I am confident that the journey of therapy can greatly improve one's quality of life.
I am certified in Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, have special training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and also utilize play therapy with children.
Sometimes we find ourselves feeling lost, confused and without hope. Other times, we may just be stuck. This is where therapy comes in. I believe the relationship we create together is the foundation for great therapy. I want you to experience relief! Therefore, I utilize an individualized approach to address life's many challenges, inspiring growth. I am confident that the journey of therapy can greatly improve one's quality of life.
(530) 314-7425 View (530) 314-7425
Photo of Daniel Thompson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Daniel Thompson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
My name is Dan Thompson and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in San Jose, California, and working with adult clients statewide via telehealth. I specialize in helping individuals find the courage and hope to recover, reflect and rebuild themselves after a break-up, separation, or divorce by using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment Theory, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) so that they can start the next chapter of their lives with self-respect, acceptance, and compassion.
My name is Dan Thompson and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in San Jose, California, and working with adult clients statewide via telehealth. I specialize in helping individuals find the courage and hope to recover, reflect and rebuild themselves after a break-up, separation, or divorce by using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment Theory, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) so that they can start the next chapter of their lives with self-respect, acceptance, and compassion.
(650) 381-1349 View (650) 381-1349
Photo of Ashley Ikeda, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ashley Ikeda
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Hi there! Welcome to my practice. My name is Ashley Ikeda and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 120013). I have worked with clients of all ages who have experienced/are experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance abuse, relationship issues, life adjustments, self/harm, and acute or chronic trauma. I practice from a client-centered and integrative approach and utilize both evidence-based and trauma-informed therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, and Somatic Experiencing practices depending on what a client needs.
Hi there! Welcome to my practice. My name is Ashley Ikeda and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 120013). I have worked with clients of all ages who have experienced/are experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance abuse, relationship issues, life adjustments, self/harm, and acute or chronic trauma. I practice from a client-centered and integrative approach and utilize both evidence-based and trauma-informed therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, and Somatic Experiencing practices depending on what a client needs.
(951) 498-5844 View (951) 498-5844
Photo of Seija Zimmerman, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Seija Zimmerman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
I often use emotion regulation skills building, from an approach called Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, with teens and young adults to support them with managing the stressors that come with growing up.
Do you find yourself back in the same negative situations with the same kind of people, over and over? Are you a 'people pleaser'? Do you take care of everyone else first? I often work with individuals, couples or families that struggle with saying 'no' and setting healthy boundaries. The people I work with generally want to feel more in control of their lives, learn to manage emotions effectively and have better relationships. With teenagers and young adults, I work together with them to bring balance into their lives, specifically because there are currently too many stressors for young people.
I often use emotion regulation skills building, from an approach called Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, with teens and young adults to support them with managing the stressors that come with growing up.
Do you find yourself back in the same negative situations with the same kind of people, over and over? Are you a 'people pleaser'? Do you take care of everyone else first? I often work with individuals, couples or families that struggle with saying 'no' and setting healthy boundaries. The people I work with generally want to feel more in control of their lives, learn to manage emotions effectively and have better relationships. With teenagers and young adults, I work together with them to bring balance into their lives, specifically because there are currently too many stressors for young people.
(916) 299-8083 View (916) 299-8083
Photo of Vanessa Del Rio, LPCC
Vanessa Del Rio
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Hello there, my name is Vanessa Del Rio, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in Palm Springs, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, and trauma, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to help my clients feel better and make progress that will enhance their lives. My overall approach is warm and personable. My therapy styles vary based on the needs of each client I work with.
Hello there, my name is Vanessa Del Rio, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in Palm Springs, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, and trauma, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to help my clients feel better and make progress that will enhance their lives. My overall approach is warm and personable. My therapy styles vary based on the needs of each client I work with.
(657) 300-6249 View (657) 300-6249
Photo of Diana Dee Sundukos, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Diana Dee Sundukos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
I utilize a person centered, strengths based approach in tandem with a variety of evidenced based techniques such as cognitive, somatic, motivational, dialectical, and behavioral therapy.
In searching for a therapist, you have taken the courageous first step towards emotional freedom. Whether it is to cope with the challenges of everyday life, overcoming negative or traumatic life experiences, or learning how to work through difficult relationships, I am here to help you achieve a happy healthy future. I work with individuals of all ages including children and adolescents. I strive to provide a safe place where you and/or your child can explore confusing feelings, improve communication, learn to problem solve, and develop healthy boundaries for healthier happier relationships.
I utilize a person centered, strengths based approach in tandem with a variety of evidenced based techniques such as cognitive, somatic, motivational, dialectical, and behavioral therapy.
In searching for a therapist, you have taken the courageous first step towards emotional freedom. Whether it is to cope with the challenges of everyday life, overcoming negative or traumatic life experiences, or learning how to work through difficult relationships, I am here to help you achieve a happy healthy future. I work with individuals of all ages including children and adolescents. I strive to provide a safe place where you and/or your child can explore confusing feelings, improve communication, learn to problem solve, and develop healthy boundaries for healthier happier relationships.
(916) 249-7642 View (916) 249-7642
Photo of Tina Glishich, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tina Glishich
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
I provide safe, accepting, and mindful environment as well as culturally sensitive services for children, adults, and families who are experiencing difficulties with emotional stress such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, behavioral issues such as ADHD, defiant, and oppositional behaviors, culture-related stress such as immigration and issues regarding identity including gender variant clients. I love helping couples and use Emotionally Focus Therapy in addition to CBT techniques.
I provide safe, accepting, and mindful environment as well as culturally sensitive services for children, adults, and families who are experiencing difficulties with emotional stress such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, behavioral issues such as ADHD, defiant, and oppositional behaviors, culture-related stress such as immigration and issues regarding identity including gender variant clients. I love helping couples and use Emotionally Focus Therapy in addition to CBT techniques.
(916) 347-5794 View (916) 347-5794
Photo of Jillian Cardoso, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jillian Cardoso
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
I work to create a trusting relationship with each of my clients and utilize a person-centered approach that ensures a unique and personalized treatment plan. I will often integrate a cognitive behavioral or solution-focused intervention to assist you in understanding yourself and others around you to the best of your ability.
I work to create a trusting relationship with each of my clients and utilize a person-centered approach that ensures a unique and personalized treatment plan. I will often integrate a cognitive behavioral or solution-focused intervention to assist you in understanding yourself and others around you to the best of your ability.
(916) 900-0138 View (916) 900-0138
Photo of Christine Rios, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christine Rios
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Hi there, I'm Christine! My name is Christine Rios, I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, stress, relationship issues, trauma, depression, and abuse, using evidence-based therapeutic modalities. I have found that my approach works best for adults ranging from ages 18-60. I feel fairly comfortable working with people who are dealing with life stressors that are impacting their ability to function on a day-to-day basis.
Hi there, I'm Christine! My name is Christine Rios, I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, stress, relationship issues, trauma, depression, and abuse, using evidence-based therapeutic modalities. I have found that my approach works best for adults ranging from ages 18-60. I feel fairly comfortable working with people who are dealing with life stressors that are impacting their ability to function on a day-to-day basis.
(916) 249-1984 View (916) 249-1984
Photo of Kimmeshri Tracy Harrichan, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Kimmeshri Tracy Harrichan
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
You wish you had the relationship where you are supported, connected, talk like best friends, have fun together, have great sex.... but that's not your reality. Struggling or disconnected marriages can make you feel lonelier than if you were alone. You wonder if it will ever get better, you contemplate separating, you settle for what it is and live separate lives. But something tells you that you can't do this anymore and you are ready for a difference. You believe there is something better in a relationship and are willing to take the next step. Your ready to feel more connection, love, friendship, passion, and support.
You wish you had the relationship where you are supported, connected, talk like best friends, have fun together, have great sex.... but that's not your reality. Struggling or disconnected marriages can make you feel lonelier than if you were alone. You wonder if it will ever get better, you contemplate separating, you settle for what it is and live separate lives. But something tells you that you can't do this anymore and you are ready for a difference. You believe there is something better in a relationship and are willing to take the next step. Your ready to feel more connection, love, friendship, passion, and support.
(279) 529-5046 View (279) 529-5046
Photo of Linda Elaine Carlos - Community Counseling Associates, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Community Counseling Associates
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Our ideal client appreciates investing in the counseling process and knows its benefits. They value ongoing learning and personal growth. They understand a relationship with self, God and others is foundational to functioning well and handling the challenges of life. Our ideal client agrees to invest their trust in us (because we are trustworthy) and will dive deep to grow and be transformed into the best version of themselves. They know that whether they are ideal or not, they are also broken as human beings and are fully loved and appreciated in the midst of however they are! Our clients personal beliefs will be fully respected.
Our ideal client appreciates investing in the counseling process and knows its benefits. They value ongoing learning and personal growth. They understand a relationship with self, God and others is foundational to functioning well and handling the challenges of life. Our ideal client agrees to invest their trust in us (because we are trustworthy) and will dive deep to grow and be transformed into the best version of themselves. They know that whether they are ideal or not, they are also broken as human beings and are fully loved and appreciated in the midst of however they are! Our clients personal beliefs will be fully respected.
(916) 633-7548 x855 View (916) 633-7548 x855
Photo of Nicolina Marie Santoro, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicolina Marie Santoro
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Our work of joining to creatively support the insight and capacity for growth that lies within is profound and sacred. Life is a vast collection of experiences that we can't always be prepared for. These experiences can cause significant emotional and physical distress when we don’t allow for the process of working through them. My service to you is practical, relational and educational, focused on supporting you to intuitively remember your sense of peace so you may express your highest potential in the world for the greatest good of all concerned.
Our work of joining to creatively support the insight and capacity for growth that lies within is profound and sacred. Life is a vast collection of experiences that we can't always be prepared for. These experiences can cause significant emotional and physical distress when we don’t allow for the process of working through them. My service to you is practical, relational and educational, focused on supporting you to intuitively remember your sense of peace so you may express your highest potential in the world for the greatest good of all concerned.
(916) 827-4982 View (916) 827-4982
Photo of Kate Messina - WisdomPath Way Institute, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
WisdomPath Way Institute
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
It is often when we feel the most overwhelmed __ when we have "tried everything we know" to feel better, to make changes, to break out of bad habits or unhelpful behavior patterns __ that we find ourselves the most open to growth and change. This is the purpose of psychotherapy. To provide us with the opportunity to open to the process of self-discovery __ to explore our thoughts, our feelings, and our behaviors and to find or regain our essential wholeness and sense of well-being.
It is often when we feel the most overwhelmed __ when we have "tried everything we know" to feel better, to make changes, to break out of bad habits or unhelpful behavior patterns __ that we find ourselves the most open to growth and change. This is the purpose of psychotherapy. To provide us with the opportunity to open to the process of self-discovery __ to explore our thoughts, our feelings, and our behaviors and to find or regain our essential wholeness and sense of well-being.
(916) 341-9335 View (916) 341-9335
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.