Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Los Angeles, CA

Photo of Maura Schauerman, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maura Schauerman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90048
I am clinically trained in DBT, CBT, and ACT, and work from an integrative approach.
My name is Maura Schauerman and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, and struggles with identity. Additionally, my expertise in couples therapy has helped many couples to improve their communication, deepen their emotional connection, and navigate conflicts in a more productive way. I work with couples who are experiencing a wide range of challenges, including infidelity, trust issues, and difficulties with intimacy.
I am clinically trained in DBT, CBT, and ACT, and work from an integrative approach.
My name is Maura Schauerman and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, and struggles with identity. Additionally, my expertise in couples therapy has helped many couples to improve their communication, deepen their emotional connection, and navigate conflicts in a more productive way. I work with couples who are experiencing a wide range of challenges, including infidelity, trust issues, and difficulties with intimacy.
(424) 375-6547 View (424) 375-6547
Photo of Kristen Leishman, PsyD, Psychologist
Kristen Leishman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90049  (Online Only)
Some specialty treatments that I offer include: IFS, EMDR, Prolonged Exposure, CPT, adjunct DBT-skill work for emotion regulation; CBASP for chronic depression, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
I provide psychotherapy to adults, couples, and young adults in the West Los Angeles area. Many people come to therapy seeking help with depression, anxiety, and in some cases, trauma recovery. Therapy is a place for you to learn more about what you think, how you feel, and what you do. It can be a way to enhance support, feeling understood, and in some cases the opportunity to begin to make changes in your life. We can collaborate to work towards your goals together. The therapeutic process is tailored to help you figure out what you may need to help you achieve personal and professional well-being.
Some specialty treatments that I offer include: IFS, EMDR, Prolonged Exposure, CPT, adjunct DBT-skill work for emotion regulation; CBASP for chronic depression, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
I provide psychotherapy to adults, couples, and young adults in the West Los Angeles area. Many people come to therapy seeking help with depression, anxiety, and in some cases, trauma recovery. Therapy is a place for you to learn more about what you think, how you feel, and what you do. It can be a way to enhance support, feeling understood, and in some cases the opportunity to begin to make changes in your life. We can collaborate to work towards your goals together. The therapeutic process is tailored to help you figure out what you may need to help you achieve personal and professional well-being.
(424) 375-6766 View (424) 375-6766
Photo of Charlotte Wickham, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Charlotte Wickham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025  (Online Only)
I am trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities such as DBT, CBT, and ACT, as well as several types of trauma treatment and I utilize all of these to create an individual approach for each client.
My interest in the practice of psychotherapy is founded in the idea that all people want to be the best version of themselves and are capable of achieving that-- whatever that may mean to them. I want to help individuals cope with the challenges that can interfere with achieving their goals and what they want for their lives. All humans struggle and fall short of their own ideals at times, including myself, and I believe learning to successfully cope through these moments of difficulty can lead to a more fulfilling life and an ability to thrive more completely during moments of success.
I am trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities such as DBT, CBT, and ACT, as well as several types of trauma treatment and I utilize all of these to create an individual approach for each client.
My interest in the practice of psychotherapy is founded in the idea that all people want to be the best version of themselves and are capable of achieving that-- whatever that may mean to them. I want to help individuals cope with the challenges that can interfere with achieving their goals and what they want for their lives. All humans struggle and fall short of their own ideals at times, including myself, and I believe learning to successfully cope through these moments of difficulty can lead to a more fulfilling life and an ability to thrive more completely during moments of success.
(818) 975-3095 View (818) 975-3095
Photo of Mary Robin Bates, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mary Robin Bates
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90033
I am here to support & empower my client's journey towards mental wellness, using tools and theoretical approaches such as Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered approaches, art therapy, and 12 steps.
My name is Robin Bates and I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, codependency, depression, anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, & coping with life changes. I have worked with clients from ages 4 to 90 in a variety of settings. Currently, I am focusing on adults who are seeking help for depression, anxiety, self-esteem, spiritual issues, addiction, codependency, grief, and life transitions.
I am here to support & empower my client's journey towards mental wellness, using tools and theoretical approaches such as Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered approaches, art therapy, and 12 steps.
My name is Robin Bates and I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, codependency, depression, anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, & coping with life changes. I have worked with clients from ages 4 to 90 in a variety of settings. Currently, I am focusing on adults who are seeking help for depression, anxiety, self-esteem, spiritual issues, addiction, codependency, grief, and life transitions.
(323) 765-3367 View (323) 765-3367
Photo of Arielle Rapaport, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Arielle Rapaport
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
I am trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.
Learning how to show up and be present for yourself is the first step to successfully navigating through life’s many challenges. I will help you tap into and develop your internal resources and tools to live a more fulfilled life. I am passionate about empowering each individual to recognize their own strengths, create new ways of thinking, and practice positive behavioral patterns by offering realistic and concrete coping skills. My experience in working with people managing anxiety, feelings of low self- worth, relationship difficulties, and impulsive behaviors enables me to personalize therapy for each unique individual.
I am trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.
Learning how to show up and be present for yourself is the first step to successfully navigating through life’s many challenges. I will help you tap into and develop your internal resources and tools to live a more fulfilled life. I am passionate about empowering each individual to recognize their own strengths, create new ways of thinking, and practice positive behavioral patterns by offering realistic and concrete coping skills. My experience in working with people managing anxiety, feelings of low self- worth, relationship difficulties, and impulsive behaviors enables me to personalize therapy for each unique individual.
(310) 579-6711 View (310) 579-6711
Photo of Rebecca Elder, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rebecca Elder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90032
Hello! I offer my clients extensive experience and specialized training to assist them in their healing journey. I am strengths-based, client-centered, trauma-focused, culturally curious and humble, and knowledgeable about how oppression operates. Having worked for many years with thousands of different people in settings such as individual, community, and hospital levels of care, my practice is grounded in evidence-based paradigms, including neuroscience, sensory-motor therapies, Mindful Self-Compassion, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Harm Reduction.
Hello! I offer my clients extensive experience and specialized training to assist them in their healing journey. I am strengths-based, client-centered, trauma-focused, culturally curious and humble, and knowledgeable about how oppression operates. Having worked for many years with thousands of different people in settings such as individual, community, and hospital levels of care, my practice is grounded in evidence-based paradigms, including neuroscience, sensory-motor therapies, Mindful Self-Compassion, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Harm Reduction.
(626) 790-0921 View (626) 790-0921
Photo of Rami Dion, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rami Dion
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90064  (Online Only)
I have experience working through a psychodynamic, trauma-focused, strength-based approach, and have utilized DBT, CBT and ACT throughout my work with clients.
As a queer Black Arab immigrant, I recognize the importance of how social identities can have a great impact on someone's mental health. Even navigating the mental health system can be exhausting and at times disappointing. In my practice, I aim to provide a safe space for people who often struggle to find one due to systemic and social injustices. I assist people in the healing of their trauma and processing difficult experiences as they navigate living in a society that is in itself in need of healing. I am passionate about my work and love being present with my clients through their journey of healing and self-discovery.
I have experience working through a psychodynamic, trauma-focused, strength-based approach, and have utilized DBT, CBT and ACT throughout my work with clients.
As a queer Black Arab immigrant, I recognize the importance of how social identities can have a great impact on someone's mental health. Even navigating the mental health system can be exhausting and at times disappointing. In my practice, I aim to provide a safe space for people who often struggle to find one due to systemic and social injustices. I assist people in the healing of their trauma and processing difficult experiences as they navigate living in a society that is in itself in need of healing. I am passionate about my work and love being present with my clients through their journey of healing and self-discovery.
(323) 746-8182 View (323) 746-8182
Photo of Maryam Ashraf, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maryam Ashraf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, identity, and difficult life transitions? Do you find yourself feeling stuck and can’t seem to focus or move forward? There are many ways to get unstuck, and this is the work I love to do to help you heal, grow and live a more fulfilling life. I use an integrative approach including attachment-based work, DBT, CBT, IFS, and mindfulness, bringing in each as needed. Above all, I strive to hold space and empathy for your life experience.
Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, identity, and difficult life transitions? Do you find yourself feeling stuck and can’t seem to focus or move forward? There are many ways to get unstuck, and this is the work I love to do to help you heal, grow and live a more fulfilling life. I use an integrative approach including attachment-based work, DBT, CBT, IFS, and mindfulness, bringing in each as needed. Above all, I strive to hold space and empathy for your life experience.
(424) 484-3335 View (424) 484-3335
Photo of Zamira Pla, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Zamira Pla
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90048
I also utilize more traditional methods such as DBT and CBT in creative ways.
Many of us come to therapy because we are experiencing symptoms, feelings or circumstances that we want to change. Only to discover that there might be deeper things that we desire, that the symptoms are only the surface. We discover that we want to find our purpose or calling, that we want freedom from expectations, freedom from fears. We are seeking meaningful and honest relationships. We wish to communicate efficiently. We crave inspiration, imagination, creativity, and clarity. We long to move forward, wherever that place is. We want to expand and feel the infinity that we are and explore all possibilities in our lives.
I also utilize more traditional methods such as DBT and CBT in creative ways.
Many of us come to therapy because we are experiencing symptoms, feelings or circumstances that we want to change. Only to discover that there might be deeper things that we desire, that the symptoms are only the surface. We discover that we want to find our purpose or calling, that we want freedom from expectations, freedom from fears. We are seeking meaningful and honest relationships. We wish to communicate efficiently. We crave inspiration, imagination, creativity, and clarity. We long to move forward, wherever that place is. We want to expand and feel the infinity that we are and explore all possibilities in our lives.
(626) 238-1032 View (626) 238-1032
Photo of Emily Ford, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Emily Ford
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90035
Therapy has the ability to transform. My approach is personalized; using a holistic, integrative approach to therapy, I tailor treatment plans based on your unique needs and draw from various techniques such as psychodynamic & attachment therapy, CBT, DBT, family systems work, stress management, and somatic techniques. I work with individuals, families, and couples, specializing in areas like stress, anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, childhood trauma, PTSD, low self-esteem, unhealthy coping habits, different life transitions, grief & loss, strains in family & romantic relationships as well as expanding to great heights.
Therapy has the ability to transform. My approach is personalized; using a holistic, integrative approach to therapy, I tailor treatment plans based on your unique needs and draw from various techniques such as psychodynamic & attachment therapy, CBT, DBT, family systems work, stress management, and somatic techniques. I work with individuals, families, and couples, specializing in areas like stress, anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, childhood trauma, PTSD, low self-esteem, unhealthy coping habits, different life transitions, grief & loss, strains in family & romantic relationships as well as expanding to great heights.
(310) 347-4991 View (310) 347-4991
Photo of Rebecca Hirsch, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rebecca Hirsch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90029
I utilize a diverse skillset and background to help my clients develop a strategy that will meet their needs using a blend of psychodynamic, trauma informed care, mindfulness, DBT, CBT, art therapy, and play therapy.
I know taking the first step can be challenging, and as your therapist I will always seek to support you. I specialize in helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate life’s difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma and intergenerational trauma, life transitions and stressors, grief and loss, identity and self esteem issues, parenting, and beyond. I approach therapy through a social justice lens, which has always been central to who I am.
I utilize a diverse skillset and background to help my clients develop a strategy that will meet their needs using a blend of psychodynamic, trauma informed care, mindfulness, DBT, CBT, art therapy, and play therapy.
I know taking the first step can be challenging, and as your therapist I will always seek to support you. I specialize in helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate life’s difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma and intergenerational trauma, life transitions and stressors, grief and loss, identity and self esteem issues, parenting, and beyond. I approach therapy through a social justice lens, which has always been central to who I am.
(310) 361-1243 View (310) 361-1243
Photo of James Kane, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
James Kane
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90039
I utilize a non-judgmental, casual, creative style to therapy, informed by various modalities such as ACT, DBT, RO DBT, CBT, and Polyvagal Therapy.
Find ease in your relationships; with your body, with food and with yourself. Providing personalized care for adults and adolescents who are struggling with eating disorders or disordered eating; as well as working with individuals with anxiety, mood disorders, life transitions, and relational challenges. Trauma-informed; Weight-Inclusive & Health At Every Size approach; Intuitive Eating aligned
I utilize a non-judgmental, casual, creative style to therapy, informed by various modalities such as ACT, DBT, RO DBT, CBT, and Polyvagal Therapy.
Find ease in your relationships; with your body, with food and with yourself. Providing personalized care for adults and adolescents who are struggling with eating disorders or disordered eating; as well as working with individuals with anxiety, mood disorders, life transitions, and relational challenges. Trauma-informed; Weight-Inclusive & Health At Every Size approach; Intuitive Eating aligned
(323) 546-7652 View (323) 546-7652
Photo of Lauren Kerwin, PhD, Psychologist
Lauren Kerwin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90049  (Online Only)
Only DBT services are covered at the in-network rate when deemed medically necessary and through a single case agreement or in-network gap.
I am a licensed psychologist primarily serving adults and adolescents who struggle with depression and anxiety; borderline personality disorder; substance and alcohol use; relationship distress; emptiness; intolerable emotions; impulsive behaviors including suicidal and self-injurious behavior; eating concerns; and histories of trauma. My therapeutic approach centers on utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT was initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder but is now used to effectively treat a broad spectrum of psychological problems by focusing on enhancing the skills necessary to not only cope but thrive in a world full of obstacles.
Only DBT services are covered at the in-network rate when deemed medically necessary and through a single case agreement or in-network gap.
I am a licensed psychologist primarily serving adults and adolescents who struggle with depression and anxiety; borderline personality disorder; substance and alcohol use; relationship distress; emptiness; intolerable emotions; impulsive behaviors including suicidal and self-injurious behavior; eating concerns; and histories of trauma. My therapeutic approach centers on utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT was initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder but is now used to effectively treat a broad spectrum of psychological problems by focusing on enhancing the skills necessary to not only cope but thrive in a world full of obstacles.
(424) 488-0922 View (424) 488-0922
Photo of Judy Manfredi, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Judy Manfredi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 91335
My name is Judy Manfredi. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of California. I have provided therapeutic services for 12 years in both non-profit and county organizations throughout my career. I worked with adolescents on a grant from the State of California in Child Abuse Treatment for the first nine years of my career. I help support adolescents, teens, adults and dependent adults, and LBGTQ+ who struggle with trauma anxiety, depression, grief, ADD/ADHD, anger, gender/sexual orientation, and relationship issues. I come from a background of utilizing CBT, DBT, Solution Focused, and EMDR modalities.
My name is Judy Manfredi. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of California. I have provided therapeutic services for 12 years in both non-profit and county organizations throughout my career. I worked with adolescents on a grant from the State of California in Child Abuse Treatment for the first nine years of my career. I help support adolescents, teens, adults and dependent adults, and LBGTQ+ who struggle with trauma anxiety, depression, grief, ADD/ADHD, anger, gender/sexual orientation, and relationship issues. I come from a background of utilizing CBT, DBT, Solution Focused, and EMDR modalities.
(818) 873-2966 View (818) 873-2966
Photo of DeShannon Williamson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
DeShannon Williamson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90068  (Online Only)
I have advanced specialized training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma and Grief, American Society of Addiction Medicine Assessment (ASAM), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
I offer expertise in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. I use a collaborative and strengths-based approach that integrates cultural factors as appropriate. I was raised in an inner-city, urban area, and I carry a high level of understanding for individuals that come from marginalized environments like myself. I also specialize in professional and work stress. I have been a business owner, philanthropist, and investor for almost 30 years. I have experience with high output career stress and how it can affect us.
I have advanced specialized training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma and Grief, American Society of Addiction Medicine Assessment (ASAM), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
I offer expertise in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. I use a collaborative and strengths-based approach that integrates cultural factors as appropriate. I was raised in an inner-city, urban area, and I carry a high level of understanding for individuals that come from marginalized environments like myself. I also specialize in professional and work stress. I have been a business owner, philanthropist, and investor for almost 30 years. I have experience with high output career stress and how it can affect us.
(925) 587-8330 View (925) 587-8330
Photo of Jaleesa Castrellon, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jaleesa Castrellon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071  (Online Only)
I am trained in EMDR, DBT, and CBT, along with various therapeutic modalities.
Hello! My name is Jaleesa. I believe that building relationships is the core of healing. I am a BIPOC and Latinx therapist, rooted in Christian values.
I am trained in EMDR, DBT, and CBT, along with various therapeutic modalities.
Hello! My name is Jaleesa. I believe that building relationships is the core of healing. I am a BIPOC and Latinx therapist, rooted in Christian values.
(562) 568-7336 View (562) 568-7336
Photo of Margarita Escalante, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Margarita Escalante
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90024  (Online Only)
I have also been formally trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) which is also an evidenced based practice approach that teaches you ways to be mindful, manage intense emotions, decrease destructive behaviors, and improve relationships in your life.
My approach to psychotherapy is to assist you in developing skills to cope with life stressors, present obstacles, and different traumas. I believe therapy is a journey towards, self-realization, self-compassion, and a life worth living. I utilize various modalities in practice. I am trained and certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), which is an evidence-based practice to address different types of trauma.
I have also been formally trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) which is also an evidenced based practice approach that teaches you ways to be mindful, manage intense emotions, decrease destructive behaviors, and improve relationships in your life.
My approach to psychotherapy is to assist you in developing skills to cope with life stressors, present obstacles, and different traumas. I believe therapy is a journey towards, self-realization, self-compassion, and a life worth living. I utilize various modalities in practice. I am trained and certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), which is an evidence-based practice to address different types of trauma.
(310) 905-5398 View (310) 905-5398
Photo of Larry S Hymes - Los Angeles DBT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Los Angeles DBT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Our goal at Los Angeles DBT is to make DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) accessible to everyone. We are psychotherapists who are "Intensively Trained" in DBT and provide DBT skills groups, individual sessions, and coaching. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a skills-based treatment which helps you better regulate your emotions, especially the difficult ones. With DBT you will learn how to have more successful relationships with family, friends, & loved ones. DBT will also provide tools to increase your ability to manage distress, and be more mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and overall environment.
Our goal at Los Angeles DBT is to make DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) accessible to everyone. We are psychotherapists who are "Intensively Trained" in DBT and provide DBT skills groups, individual sessions, and coaching. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a skills-based treatment which helps you better regulate your emotions, especially the difficult ones. With DBT you will learn how to have more successful relationships with family, friends, & loved ones. DBT will also provide tools to increase your ability to manage distress, and be more mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and overall environment.
(310) 953-3491 View (310) 953-3491
Photo of Jeremy Bailey, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jeremy Bailey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90003
My name is Jeremy D. Bailey and I am a licensed clinical social worker in the State of California. I have 14 years of extensive clinical experience working with people from a diversity of backgrounds and ages in both public and private settings. My focus is assisting people with trauma, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), depression/mood disorders, suicidal thoughts, LGBTQI+ issues, and adjustment disorders, grief/loss, job stress, and more. I utilize aspects of cognitive/dialectical behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, solution focused, psycho-dynamic, mindfulness, attachment theory, and motivational interviewing.
My name is Jeremy D. Bailey and I am a licensed clinical social worker in the State of California. I have 14 years of extensive clinical experience working with people from a diversity of backgrounds and ages in both public and private settings. My focus is assisting people with trauma, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), depression/mood disorders, suicidal thoughts, LGBTQI+ issues, and adjustment disorders, grief/loss, job stress, and more. I utilize aspects of cognitive/dialectical behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, solution focused, psycho-dynamic, mindfulness, attachment theory, and motivational interviewing.
(323) 379-0638 View (323) 379-0638
Photo of Melissa Johnson, ASW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melissa Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90010
My therapeutic toolkit is a vibrant mosaic, blending techniques from Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, existential and psychodynamic approaches.
Hi I'm Melissa! As a associate clinical social worker, I dive deep into understanding how family dynamics and societal influences intersect with an individual's mental well-being. My journey involves aiding adults and teens battle with substance addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-harm, and family discord across diverse treatment settings from outpatient to residential care. I thrive on navigating clients through crises and pivotal life transitions.
My therapeutic toolkit is a vibrant mosaic, blending techniques from Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, existential and psychodynamic approaches.
Hi I'm Melissa! As a associate clinical social worker, I dive deep into understanding how family dynamics and societal influences intersect with an individual's mental well-being. My journey involves aiding adults and teens battle with substance addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-harm, and family discord across diverse treatment settings from outpatient to residential care. I thrive on navigating clients through crises and pivotal life transitions.
(213) 645-2837 View (213) 645-2837

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.