Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Ojai, CA

Photo of Amanda Marie Coleman, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Amanda Marie Coleman
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Ojai, CA 93023
I also provide CBT, DBT, and other various methodologies to provide you the tools that you need.
Are you feeling ready to journey within? My goal in the therapeutic work is to gently provide support as you peer into your innermost intricacies. You may be suffering from shame that enhances your anxiety, depression that isolates you from the connection you desire, or a frame of mind that keeps you stuck from the dreams you want to achieve. You may have faced many adversities in your life experience and need the support of a therapist to help you find better meaning in life and change the course. My goal as your therapist is to provide you support and tools that will empower you to show up in the world in the way you have dreamed.
I also provide CBT, DBT, and other various methodologies to provide you the tools that you need.
Are you feeling ready to journey within? My goal in the therapeutic work is to gently provide support as you peer into your innermost intricacies. You may be suffering from shame that enhances your anxiety, depression that isolates you from the connection you desire, or a frame of mind that keeps you stuck from the dreams you want to achieve. You may have faced many adversities in your life experience and need the support of a therapist to help you find better meaning in life and change the course. My goal as your therapist is to provide you support and tools that will empower you to show up in the world in the way you have dreamed.
(805) 394-3822 View (805) 394-3822
Photo of Crystal Reeves, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Crystal Reeves
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ojai, CA 93023
Some therapeutic interventions that I use include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), Solution Focused Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, Client Centered Therapy and Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT).
I believe everyone needs a listening ear to help get through difficult times. Why not let that listening ear be a trained professional. As your clinician I will provide a safe therapeutic environment to help you get through your current life challenges. I work with adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use, relationship concerns, life adjustments, and poor emotional regulations skills.
Some therapeutic interventions that I use include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), Solution Focused Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, Client Centered Therapy and Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT).
I believe everyone needs a listening ear to help get through difficult times. Why not let that listening ear be a trained professional. As your clinician I will provide a safe therapeutic environment to help you get through your current life challenges. I work with adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use, relationship concerns, life adjustments, and poor emotional regulations skills.
(661) 215-6101 View (661) 215-6101
Photo of Heidi Ann Hanson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Heidi Ann Hanson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ojai, CA 93023
My integrative practice also includes Grief Treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (Couples Therapy), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Gestalt Therapy, Play Therapy, Sand Tray, and Art Therapy.
I am honored to be a part of the California and Iowa communities. My client-centered, humanistic approach is a balance of compassion, empathy and open-mindedness. I am continually inspired by the shared experience of this healing space. I work with children as young as 3 years, families, adolescents, young and middle-aged adults, and the healthy aging population, who are willing to explore their experiences of change, grief, suffering, trauma, depression, anxiety, success, and growth. Hope and empowerment are a process of healing, recovery and integration. It is a collaborative experience where alternative ways of being occur.
My integrative practice also includes Grief Treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (Couples Therapy), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Gestalt Therapy, Play Therapy, Sand Tray, and Art Therapy.
I am honored to be a part of the California and Iowa communities. My client-centered, humanistic approach is a balance of compassion, empathy and open-mindedness. I am continually inspired by the shared experience of this healing space. I work with children as young as 3 years, families, adolescents, young and middle-aged adults, and the healthy aging population, who are willing to explore their experiences of change, grief, suffering, trauma, depression, anxiety, success, and growth. Hope and empowerment are a process of healing, recovery and integration. It is a collaborative experience where alternative ways of being occur.
(805) 283-6985 View (805) 283-6985
Photo of Elizabeth A Hollon, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elizabeth A Hollon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ojai, CA 93023
The DBT groups closely adhere to the Linehan model.
The therapeutic atmosphere provided is safe, encouraging, insight oriented, and flexible. Over the years, I have focused my expertise on working with adults, families, and couples. I make sure that my clients feel validated, heard, and understood in a non-judgmental environment. Their needs, history, and life circumstances are taken into consideration in the therapeutic process. The goal is for my clients to achieve unconditional understanding, peace, and relief from disturbing symptoms. I am passionate about helping my clients achieve health and improvement in their quality of life.
The DBT groups closely adhere to the Linehan model.
The therapeutic atmosphere provided is safe, encouraging, insight oriented, and flexible. Over the years, I have focused my expertise on working with adults, families, and couples. I make sure that my clients feel validated, heard, and understood in a non-judgmental environment. Their needs, history, and life circumstances are taken into consideration in the therapeutic process. The goal is for my clients to achieve unconditional understanding, peace, and relief from disturbing symptoms. I am passionate about helping my clients achieve health and improvement in their quality of life.
(805) 918-5927 View (805) 918-5927
Photo of Alexis Elizabeth Taylor, ASW
Alexis Elizabeth Taylor
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
Ojai, CA 93023  (Online Only)
and DBT to help you achieve your goals.
Are you a young adult aged 18-35 struggling with anxiety, depression, or a new life change? Are you feeling out of control or like you just can’t catch your breath? Maybe you’re grieving right now, whether that’s a relationship, or the loss of the life you once had. Maybe you’re starting or finishing college and you feel overwhelmed or lost. Maybe your struggling with imposter syndrome and can't find your footing. Or maybe you feel like anxiety is controlling your life. If any of this sounds familiar I am here to help you learn how to take control of your life and create the life you want.
and DBT to help you achieve your goals.
Are you a young adult aged 18-35 struggling with anxiety, depression, or a new life change? Are you feeling out of control or like you just can’t catch your breath? Maybe you’re grieving right now, whether that’s a relationship, or the loss of the life you once had. Maybe you’re starting or finishing college and you feel overwhelmed or lost. Maybe your struggling with imposter syndrome and can't find your footing. Or maybe you feel like anxiety is controlling your life. If any of this sounds familiar I am here to help you learn how to take control of your life and create the life you want.
(805) 567-7682 View (805) 567-7682
Photo of Rebecca Elder, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rebecca Elder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ojai, CA 93023
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 Jan M Buchanan - Jan Buchanan | Therapy Partners CO & CA, MA, LMFT, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jan Buchanan | Therapy Partners CO & CA
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Ojai, CA 93023
Treatment approaches include Attachment-based, Strength-based, EMDR, Trauma-Informed, Dialectical ( DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gottman Principles, Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Trust-Based Relational Interventions.
Whether you’re a person struggling to meet your full potential, a parent hoping to see your child thrive, or a family working to repair broken relationships, good therapy can result in growth and lasting change. It takes courage to be willing to honestly look at ourselves. It takes a safe, open and non-judgmental space, as well as an experienced therapist to make that work possible. As a licensed professional counselor this is the work I do. My approach is open and straightforward. I use scientifically-based methods, years of experience and customized techniques, to match your specific needs.
Treatment approaches include Attachment-based, Strength-based, EMDR, Trauma-Informed, Dialectical ( DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gottman Principles, Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Trust-Based Relational Interventions.
Whether you’re a person struggling to meet your full potential, a parent hoping to see your child thrive, or a family working to repair broken relationships, good therapy can result in growth and lasting change. It takes courage to be willing to honestly look at ourselves. It takes a safe, open and non-judgmental space, as well as an experienced therapist to make that work possible. As a licensed professional counselor this is the work I do. My approach is open and straightforward. I use scientifically-based methods, years of experience and customized techniques, to match your specific needs.
(720) 513-2366 View (720) 513-2366
Photo of Silla Siebert, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Silla Siebert
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ojai, CA 93023
I use evidence-based approaches (ACT, DBT, ERP) to support clients in exploring their current situation, mental health symptoms, relationships, available strengths and past successes.
My clients present with mild-severe anxiety/depression, most often caused by trauma, grief/loss, emotional pain from attachment trauma experienced in childhood, due to various family dysfunctions. Most feel isolated, lonely and confused in their struggles, often ashamed that they cannot cope and too fearful to ask for help. Reaching out is a courageous step, and my clients seek to find relief from overwhelming emotions, to tell their story, be heard, seen, validated and understood from their perspective. In our sessions they improve awareness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and coping through insight and renewed clarity.
I use evidence-based approaches (ACT, DBT, ERP) to support clients in exploring their current situation, mental health symptoms, relationships, available strengths and past successes.
My clients present with mild-severe anxiety/depression, most often caused by trauma, grief/loss, emotional pain from attachment trauma experienced in childhood, due to various family dysfunctions. Most feel isolated, lonely and confused in their struggles, often ashamed that they cannot cope and too fearful to ask for help. Reaching out is a courageous step, and my clients seek to find relief from overwhelming emotions, to tell their story, be heard, seen, validated and understood from their perspective. In our sessions they improve awareness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and coping through insight and renewed clarity.
(805) 303-8219 View (805) 303-8219
Photo of Kimberly A Fouche', MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kimberly A Fouche'
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ojai, CA 93023  (Online Only)
The changes in the world today can be unbalancing and having a guide to help one find ways to re-balance is important to one's well-being. I Have had life experience in dealing with trauma which guided me to become engaged in the study of psychology. I saw the need for more understanding of the mind and the human experience. Anxiety and depression affect the whole person: psycho-spiritually, physically, mentally, and physiologically. The signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression will manifest at every level. Imagine working together to find your own therapeutic tune to your life song…
The changes in the world today can be unbalancing and having a guide to help one find ways to re-balance is important to one's well-being. I Have had life experience in dealing with trauma which guided me to become engaged in the study of psychology. I saw the need for more understanding of the mind and the human experience. Anxiety and depression affect the whole person: psycho-spiritually, physically, mentally, and physiologically. The signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression will manifest at every level. Imagine working together to find your own therapeutic tune to your life song…
(805) 742-4577 View (805) 742-4577
Photo of Kimberly Sampson, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kimberly Sampson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ojai, CA 93023
You are feeling alone, confused, stressed-out. You feel like you have tried everything, but things are still the same. Maybe you are really good at acting like everything is fine on the outside, but you are falling apart on the inside. Your relationships are suffering and your quality of life is being impacted. I’ve been there too. You deserve so much more! Investing in ourselves is one of the most important things we can do to feel healthy and balanced in our lives.
You are feeling alone, confused, stressed-out. You feel like you have tried everything, but things are still the same. Maybe you are really good at acting like everything is fine on the outside, but you are falling apart on the inside. Your relationships are suffering and your quality of life is being impacted. I’ve been there too. You deserve so much more! Investing in ourselves is one of the most important things we can do to feel healthy and balanced in our lives.
(805) 749-2427 View (805) 749-2427
Photo of Meredith Edwards, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Meredith Edwards
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ojai, CA 93023  (Online Only)
Life's shadows and waves come in many different forms. You might try to run, fight, avoid, or make it make sense to find relief and stability. You may have found ways to cope and survive that worked for you in the past but don't anymore. Waves might come in the form of emotional overwhelm, fear of abandonment or rejection, toxic shame or guilt, chronic pain or grief, or debilitating anxiety that keeps you from joy and rest. You may understand the "why," but your nervous system still responds in a way that prevents you from living the life you deserve. You want to feel worthy and secure in your mind and body from the inside out.
Life's shadows and waves come in many different forms. You might try to run, fight, avoid, or make it make sense to find relief and stability. You may have found ways to cope and survive that worked for you in the past but don't anymore. Waves might come in the form of emotional overwhelm, fear of abandonment or rejection, toxic shame or guilt, chronic pain or grief, or debilitating anxiety that keeps you from joy and rest. You may understand the "why," but your nervous system still responds in a way that prevents you from living the life you deserve. You want to feel worthy and secure in your mind and body from the inside out.
(310) 929-6807 View (310) 929-6807
Photo of Christine Williams, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christine Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ojai, CA 93023
Waitlist for new clients
My practice is virtual over the phone or via zoom all you need to do is find a quiet space. My practice style is experiential, goal directed, and CBT oriented. I am available 4 days a week Monday-Thursday from 10am-7pm (hours may be adjusted). With me as your therapist, you can expect to be heard and seen from empathetic and nonjudgmental space. I can help you to develop insight into mental/physical aliments, and give you tools that you can use to move through some of life most difficult moments.
My practice is virtual over the phone or via zoom all you need to do is find a quiet space. My practice style is experiential, goal directed, and CBT oriented. I am available 4 days a week Monday-Thursday from 10am-7pm (hours may be adjusted). With me as your therapist, you can expect to be heard and seen from empathetic and nonjudgmental space. I can help you to develop insight into mental/physical aliments, and give you tools that you can use to move through some of life most difficult moments.
(424) 396-5396 View (424) 396-5396
Photo of Lacee Dilmore, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lacee Dilmore
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ojai, CA 93023
Hi! I am Lacee and I am interested in helping you cultivate a more loving and understanding relationship with yourself and the world around you. I primarily do this through exploring your story and helping shift perspective through “psychospiritual” understanding. I believe our own misunderstanding of our hurt supports us in hurting our selves and others, and that all individual and collective difficulties stem from this truth. Exploring things from a psychospiritual perspective is what I have seen work most effectively in my many years of doing this work. I believe therapy is centered in care and in service, not aimed at a cure.
Hi! I am Lacee and I am interested in helping you cultivate a more loving and understanding relationship with yourself and the world around you. I primarily do this through exploring your story and helping shift perspective through “psychospiritual” understanding. I believe our own misunderstanding of our hurt supports us in hurting our selves and others, and that all individual and collective difficulties stem from this truth. Exploring things from a psychospiritual perspective is what I have seen work most effectively in my many years of doing this work. I believe therapy is centered in care and in service, not aimed at a cure.
(805) 669-9061 View (805) 669-9061
Photo of Shana Burns, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shana Burns
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Ojai, CA 93023  (Online Only)
Welcome! Are you experiencing an unexpected transition, difficulties in relationships, feelings of uncertainty, or are you at the threshold of having to make significant life decisions? If any of these questions resonate and you are in search of guidance to actualize change in your life, therapy can offer a compassionate private space to deepen your process of self-inquiry, gain renewed perspective, heal from past pain and losses and reimagine your future through clarifying your truest feelings, needs and choices. Therapy is most optimal as an interactive collaboration between client and therapist with the relationship at the heart.
Welcome! Are you experiencing an unexpected transition, difficulties in relationships, feelings of uncertainty, or are you at the threshold of having to make significant life decisions? If any of these questions resonate and you are in search of guidance to actualize change in your life, therapy can offer a compassionate private space to deepen your process of self-inquiry, gain renewed perspective, heal from past pain and losses and reimagine your future through clarifying your truest feelings, needs and choices. Therapy is most optimal as an interactive collaboration between client and therapist with the relationship at the heart.
(415) 635-0415 View (415) 635-0415
Photo of Caroline Berlin Psychotherapist Hypnotherapist, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Caroline Berlin Psychotherapist Hypnotherapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ojai, CA 93023
How do you speak to yourself? This makes us feel the way we do. (We treat others the way we treat ourself.) Learn how to use and align your words, thoughts even, with your own positive intentions. Get rid of whatever is in the way. The brain can't tell the difference between an imagined experience and a real one. You don't have to reinvent the wheel to feel difficult feelings to completion. Mistakes are opportunities for getting what you want. With gentle patience and respect, I can show you how to allow feelings to be fully felt. Change beliefs and align with what you really want. It's a lot simpler than it sounds.
How do you speak to yourself? This makes us feel the way we do. (We treat others the way we treat ourself.) Learn how to use and align your words, thoughts even, with your own positive intentions. Get rid of whatever is in the way. The brain can't tell the difference between an imagined experience and a real one. You don't have to reinvent the wheel to feel difficult feelings to completion. Mistakes are opportunities for getting what you want. With gentle patience and respect, I can show you how to allow feelings to be fully felt. Change beliefs and align with what you really want. It's a lot simpler than it sounds.
(805) 272-7960 View (805) 272-7960
Photo of Laina Pauker. Individual Walk + Talk Sessions. Bands + Artists., LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laina Pauker. Individual Walk + Talk Sessions. Bands + Artists.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ojai, CA 93023
Do you feel more comfortable outdoors than in a therapy office or zoom call? Same. I provide walk and talk therapy sessions at local Ventura County parks and trails, using trauma-informed care and social justice frameworks. This means assessing your individual needs, providing choices for different potential paths towards mental health goals, and working together to set the pace and structure of therapy. My clients have diverse experiences and seek to make changes where they’ve felt stuck, while acknowledging systemic barriers. I often support folks in strengthening their self awareness, confidence, and communication skills.
Do you feel more comfortable outdoors than in a therapy office or zoom call? Same. I provide walk and talk therapy sessions at local Ventura County parks and trails, using trauma-informed care and social justice frameworks. This means assessing your individual needs, providing choices for different potential paths towards mental health goals, and working together to set the pace and structure of therapy. My clients have diverse experiences and seek to make changes where they’ve felt stuck, while acknowledging systemic barriers. I often support folks in strengthening their self awareness, confidence, and communication skills.
(805) 600-2538 View (805) 600-2538
Photo of Jennifer Ollestad, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Ollestad
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ojai, CA 93023
I am a licensed MFT with offices in Santa Monica and Ojai. For the past twenty + years I have been working as a therapist with adolescents, adults and families. I am also a clinical supervisor to interns in my private practice, and I provide psychotherapy for therapists in training. My work as a therapist focuses on relationships of all kinds. For my clients, I hope to be an agent of positive change by working with them towards an understanding of the dynamics that keep them from moving forward and then by mentoring them to co-create bigger lives for themselves.
I am a licensed MFT with offices in Santa Monica and Ojai. For the past twenty + years I have been working as a therapist with adolescents, adults and families. I am also a clinical supervisor to interns in my private practice, and I provide psychotherapy for therapists in training. My work as a therapist focuses on relationships of all kinds. For my clients, I hope to be an agent of positive change by working with them towards an understanding of the dynamics that keep them from moving forward and then by mentoring them to co-create bigger lives for themselves.
(424) 570-3246 View (424) 570-3246
Photo of Alexandra Dolce, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alexandra Dolce
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ojai, CA 93023  (Online Only)
“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” ― C.G. Jung. By taking a depth psychological approach, we explore the unconscious material of your psyche to understand what may be holding you back from realizing deeper layers of healing and wholeness.
“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” ― C.G. Jung. By taking a depth psychological approach, we explore the unconscious material of your psyche to understand what may be holding you back from realizing deeper layers of healing and wholeness.
(805) 590-9350 View (805) 590-9350
Photo of Sipora B. Weissman, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sipora B. Weissman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ojai, CA 93023
Waitlist for new clients
I get what it's like to live with- Chronic Pain & Illness, terrible Anxiety, and being Highly Sensitive that you feel everything! I help people with these issues along with complex trauma. Connecting the dots to understand how your childhood (upbringing, trauma, stressful events, family) may be contributing to your distress today can be extremely eye opening and transformative. In session I use many deeper brain therapies to support change. Healing and becoming a secure capable human is the goal and completely attainable. I view therapy as a collaboration, and as a Mind-Body Therapist I am an active participant and guide.
I get what it's like to live with- Chronic Pain & Illness, terrible Anxiety, and being Highly Sensitive that you feel everything! I help people with these issues along with complex trauma. Connecting the dots to understand how your childhood (upbringing, trauma, stressful events, family) may be contributing to your distress today can be extremely eye opening and transformative. In session I use many deeper brain therapies to support change. Healing and becoming a secure capable human is the goal and completely attainable. I view therapy as a collaboration, and as a Mind-Body Therapist I am an active participant and guide.
(805) 219-7241 View (805) 219-7241
Photo of Rosetta Hope, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rosetta Hope
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ojai, CA 93023
Are you tired of your past being in your present or future? Together we can put your past where it belongs - in your past! I am trained in helping my clients to integrate their beliefs and values with their actions, hopes and dreams. I use a blend of various psychotherapies, positive psychology and life coaching. The therapeutic approaches that I draw from are specific to my client's needs. My approach is warm and non-judgmental yet solution focused. Please feel free to contact me to set up an appointment.
Are you tired of your past being in your present or future? Together we can put your past where it belongs - in your past! I am trained in helping my clients to integrate their beliefs and values with their actions, hopes and dreams. I use a blend of various psychotherapies, positive psychology and life coaching. The therapeutic approaches that I draw from are specific to my client's needs. My approach is warm and non-judgmental yet solution focused. Please feel free to contact me to set up an appointment.
(805) 797-3691 View (805) 797-3691
1
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.