Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Santa Barbara County, CA
I use evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Interventions (SFI), Person-Centered Technique (PCT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT).
Hello, my name is Dr. Jane Akponye! I hold a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 129857), a certified Anger Management provider, an EQi-2.0 certified practitioner, and the author of “Children of Divorced Parents”. As a passionate person, I decided to help people find their passions and celebrate life through counseling. Due to perceived stigma, it’s often tough to decide whether to see a therapist when we are worried, stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed with life experiences. I ask you not to struggle through it alone but embrace help.
I use evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Interventions (SFI), Person-Centered Technique (PCT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT).
Hello, my name is Dr. Jane Akponye! I hold a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 129857), a certified Anger Management provider, an EQi-2.0 certified practitioner, and the author of “Children of Divorced Parents”. As a passionate person, I decided to help people find their passions and celebrate life through counseling. Due to perceived stigma, it’s often tough to decide whether to see a therapist when we are worried, stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed with life experiences. I ask you not to struggle through it alone but embrace help.
Kelli’s approach uses cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapies. Having personally experienced panic attacks, depression, and using substances to numb her emotions, Kelli brings a deep understanding of mental health struggles to her practice. Her time working with students at the Goleta Boys & Girls Club, where she led trips to national parks and camping spots, inspired her to pursue a career in counseling. She now focuses on finding healing through connection, nature, and mindfulness.
Kelli’s approach uses cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapies. Having personally experienced panic attacks, depression, and using substances to numb her emotions, Kelli brings a deep understanding of mental health struggles to her practice. Her time working with students at the Goleta Boys & Girls Club, where she led trips to national parks and camping spots, inspired her to pursue a career in counseling. She now focuses on finding healing through connection, nature, and mindfulness.
Ronald Lloyd Iverson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Waitlist for new clients
It is an honor to accompany individuals into the psyche where our deepest wounds are sometimes hidden. Healing energies can often be found in those depths, stimulating growth toward a more whole, authentic and satisfying existence. Sometimes the pain is on the surface, and symptom relief is necessary to allow the individual to return to a more effective functioning level. This can be accomplished through a combination of cognitive approaches (i.e., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and body-centered approaches (i.e., focusing, embodied dream work, mindfulness).
It is an honor to accompany individuals into the psyche where our deepest wounds are sometimes hidden. Healing energies can often be found in those depths, stimulating growth toward a more whole, authentic and satisfying existence. Sometimes the pain is on the surface, and symptom relief is necessary to allow the individual to return to a more effective functioning level. This can be accomplished through a combination of cognitive approaches (i.e., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and body-centered approaches (i.e., focusing, embodied dream work, mindfulness).
My approach is warm, compassion-focused, and tailored to each individual, integrating acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical-behavioral therapy skills, and interpersonal interventions, as well as mindfulness and self-compassion.
I aim to help my clients identify the obstacles standing in the way of living a more full and meaningful life that is in line with their deepest values. I team up with my clients to address a range of issues that might be keeping them stuck, including eating and body image concerns, anxiety, perfectionism, and shame. I also accompany people navigating life transitions and identity exploration, and I enjoy supporting and guiding parents and partners of folks with eating disorders in caring for their loved one and themselves. Lastly, I specialize in treating athletes with eating disorders and other mental health concerns.
My approach is warm, compassion-focused, and tailored to each individual, integrating acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical-behavioral therapy skills, and interpersonal interventions, as well as mindfulness and self-compassion.
I aim to help my clients identify the obstacles standing in the way of living a more full and meaningful life that is in line with their deepest values. I team up with my clients to address a range of issues that might be keeping them stuck, including eating and body image concerns, anxiety, perfectionism, and shame. I also accompany people navigating life transitions and identity exploration, and I enjoy supporting and guiding parents and partners of folks with eating disorders in caring for their loved one and themselves. Lastly, I specialize in treating athletes with eating disorders and other mental health concerns.
Lauren Alonzo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Summerland, CA 93067 (Online Only)
I utilize evidence based approaches including: CBT, DBT, ACT, & Mindfulness to guide clients toward their desired mental health goals.
Therapy is a place for those who seek to challenge the status quo of their lives and deepen their relationship with themselves & others to heal relational/behavioral patterns that are no longer serving them. I provide professional psychotherapy that allows individuals to grow their inherent capacity to thrive in an inclusive environment that fosters hope & understanding.
I utilize evidence based approaches including: CBT, DBT, ACT, & Mindfulness to guide clients toward their desired mental health goals.
Therapy is a place for those who seek to challenge the status quo of their lives and deepen their relationship with themselves & others to heal relational/behavioral patterns that are no longer serving them. I provide professional psychotherapy that allows individuals to grow their inherent capacity to thrive in an inclusive environment that fosters hope & understanding.
Kara Petersen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carpinteria, CA 93014
Pulling from Psychodynamic, Art and Play Therapy, CBT, DBT, Dreamwork, Family Systems, and Somatic practices, we will create a unique approach tailored to your needs.
Are you struggling with anxiety or trauma? Are experiencing a difficult life transition? Do you want to create new patterns and habits? I help people of all ages expand their understanding and develop tools and resources in a supportive environment for processing and integrating difficult emotions and experiences together. I believe the therapeutic relationship and process is a vehicle for deeper understanding of one's self and making meaning of one's life to affect change. A mythopoetic approach guides my work with individuals, children, adolescents, and families navigating the human experience.
Pulling from Psychodynamic, Art and Play Therapy, CBT, DBT, Dreamwork, Family Systems, and Somatic practices, we will create a unique approach tailored to your needs.
Are you struggling with anxiety or trauma? Are experiencing a difficult life transition? Do you want to create new patterns and habits? I help people of all ages expand their understanding and develop tools and resources in a supportive environment for processing and integrating difficult emotions and experiences together. I believe the therapeutic relationship and process is a vehicle for deeper understanding of one's self and making meaning of one's life to affect change. A mythopoetic approach guides my work with individuals, children, adolescents, and families navigating the human experience.
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.
I offer trauma-informed care, and DBT informed therapy for clients with chronic regulation problems.
Life does not proceed as we each envision it. It can be unexpected, messy, complicated, disappointing, tragic, and challenging. In countless ways we strive and struggle. We can feel ourselves to be adrift. Yet we are connected, radically interdependent. Even so, we all have our own perspectives on life and our struggles. We are tethered to our environment, our social roles, cultural identities, interpersonal, historical, professional experiences, and so on. Through exploring this web, and the various vantage points that the web offers, a unique therapeutic process emerges for each person.
I offer trauma-informed care, and DBT informed therapy for clients with chronic regulation problems.
Life does not proceed as we each envision it. It can be unexpected, messy, complicated, disappointing, tragic, and challenging. In countless ways we strive and struggle. We can feel ourselves to be adrift. Yet we are connected, radically interdependent. Even so, we all have our own perspectives on life and our struggles. We are tethered to our environment, our social roles, cultural identities, interpersonal, historical, professional experiences, and so on. Through exploring this web, and the various vantage points that the web offers, a unique therapeutic process emerges for each person.
Tamara Cummings
Licensed Educational Psychologist, MA, EdS, LEP
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
As a school psychologist in the public sector and a licensed educational psychologist in private practice, I am dedicated to enhancing the emotional and academic well-being of my clients. I provide two main services: therapeutic support and psycho-educational evaluations. In therapy, I create a warm, supportive environment that encourages clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. I use various approaches, including Solution Focused Therapy, CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, and REBT, to help clients address challenges and build resilience.
As a school psychologist in the public sector and a licensed educational psychologist in private practice, I am dedicated to enhancing the emotional and academic well-being of my clients. I provide two main services: therapeutic support and psycho-educational evaluations. In therapy, I create a warm, supportive environment that encourages clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. I use various approaches, including Solution Focused Therapy, CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, and REBT, to help clients address challenges and build resilience.
I am well-versed in empirically proven therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy ( DBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness and meditation, as well as relaxation and visualization techniques.
Hi there, I am Dr. Jacquelyn Norris. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who offers personalized therapy from the comfort of your own home, in addition to evening and weekend appointments. I have been passionate about helping people since beginning my career in psychology in 2005. It brings me joy to help others achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Although life challenges can be troubling, they provide us with an opportunity to look inward and grow. Witnessing transformation and empowerment of my clients is an honor for me, and that is what makes me so passionate about the work I do.
I am well-versed in empirically proven therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy ( DBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness and meditation, as well as relaxation and visualization techniques.
Hi there, I am Dr. Jacquelyn Norris. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who offers personalized therapy from the comfort of your own home, in addition to evening and weekend appointments. I have been passionate about helping people since beginning my career in psychology in 2005. It brings me joy to help others achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Although life challenges can be troubling, they provide us with an opportunity to look inward and grow. Witnessing transformation and empowerment of my clients is an honor for me, and that is what makes me so passionate about the work I do.
I work with a variety of presenting issues and integrate evidence-based treatment modalities into my practice including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
I specialize in therapy with teens and young adults. If we work together, we’ll come up with a treatment plan that taps into the why and how that’s keeping you stuck, and then learn new skills to support you moving forward in your life and relationships. My style is personal, collaborative, and caring, and I believe our relationship is fundamental to supporting your positive transformation.
I work with a variety of presenting issues and integrate evidence-based treatment modalities into my practice including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
I specialize in therapy with teens and young adults. If we work together, we’ll come up with a treatment plan that taps into the why and how that’s keeping you stuck, and then learn new skills to support you moving forward in your life and relationships. My style is personal, collaborative, and caring, and I believe our relationship is fundamental to supporting your positive transformation.
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Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Additionally, I practice DBT to skills to assist in emotional regulation, distress management, mindfulness, and relationship and communication effectiveness.
I work to assist adolescents and adults improve their self-esteem, address disordered eating, manage urges and engagement in self-harm, maintain safety, and continue to build and maintain healthy relationships. I also support the development of skills to improve concentration, anxiety management, emotional regulation, and socialization.
Additionally, I practice DBT to skills to assist in emotional regulation, distress management, mindfulness, and relationship and communication effectiveness.
I work to assist adolescents and adults improve their self-esteem, address disordered eating, manage urges and engagement in self-harm, maintain safety, and continue to build and maintain healthy relationships. I also support the development of skills to improve concentration, anxiety management, emotional regulation, and socialization.
I enjoy bringing the active use of meditation, yoga, and sound into psychotherapy, with the implementation of modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT).
It is a courageous act to take the first step in pursuing therapy, and I feel honored to assist those beginning this process. My goal in working with people is to help cultivate the balance between finding grace in being present with life experiences, and the motivation to create meaningful changes in one’s life. If you are looking to begin the work of introspection and crafting the story of your life that you want to live, whether it may be in the areas of developing emotional coping skills or improving your relationships, I am here to help.
I enjoy bringing the active use of meditation, yoga, and sound into psychotherapy, with the implementation of modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT).
It is a courageous act to take the first step in pursuing therapy, and I feel honored to assist those beginning this process. My goal in working with people is to help cultivate the balance between finding grace in being present with life experiences, and the motivation to create meaningful changes in one’s life. If you are looking to begin the work of introspection and crafting the story of your life that you want to live, whether it may be in the areas of developing emotional coping skills or improving your relationships, I am here to help.
Welcome to my profile! My name is Shanti Sanchez, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Walnut Creek, California. I offer mental health services to clients throughout the state of California via telehealth. I work with individuals 18 and older and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, and eating disorders, using Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and Family Based Treatment for Eating Disorders (FBT). My vocation is to help others and I am excited to offer my supportive services to you.
Welcome to my profile! My name is Shanti Sanchez, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Walnut Creek, California. I offer mental health services to clients throughout the state of California via telehealth. I work with individuals 18 and older and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, and eating disorders, using Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and Family Based Treatment for Eating Disorders (FBT). My vocation is to help others and I am excited to offer my supportive services to you.
Finding the right therapist can be challenging. I listen deeply to my clients and work collaboratively to facilitate change. I bring a warm and intuitive approach to complement 20+ years of clinical experience, so you can expect to feel seen and heard while you open up to the therapeutic process. I utilize EMDR, CBT & DBT modalities to transform old beliefs that no longer serve you, and treat single incident trauma as well as complex trauma from childhood. I address the impact that neurodiversity has on individuals, couples & families. Autistic & ADHD clients' benefit and thrive from having this awareness in the therapy room.
Finding the right therapist can be challenging. I listen deeply to my clients and work collaboratively to facilitate change. I bring a warm and intuitive approach to complement 20+ years of clinical experience, so you can expect to feel seen and heard while you open up to the therapeutic process. I utilize EMDR, CBT & DBT modalities to transform old beliefs that no longer serve you, and treat single incident trauma as well as complex trauma from childhood. I address the impact that neurodiversity has on individuals, couples & families. Autistic & ADHD clients' benefit and thrive from having this awareness in the therapy room.
Victoria Brier
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Online Only)
I utilize evidence-based treatment modalities in my work including: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
As humans, our emotions can often be painful, confusing, and intense. Whether you are struggling with managing intense emotions, patterns of unhelpful coping, or are generally feeling lost or stuck in your life, I'm here to support and guide you in creating your unique life worth living. I strive to help my clients gain a new understanding of themselves and the world around them in a compassionate, safe, and accepting environment. Over the course of our work together, I will help you learn new ways to navigate the many challenges life throws our way and empower you to use the strengths that already lie within you.
I utilize evidence-based treatment modalities in my work including: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
As humans, our emotions can often be painful, confusing, and intense. Whether you are struggling with managing intense emotions, patterns of unhelpful coping, or are generally feeling lost or stuck in your life, I'm here to support and guide you in creating your unique life worth living. I strive to help my clients gain a new understanding of themselves and the world around them in a compassionate, safe, and accepting environment. Over the course of our work together, I will help you learn new ways to navigate the many challenges life throws our way and empower you to use the strengths that already lie within you.
I integrate a variety of treatment techniques including Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT), Emotion Focussed (EFT), Dialectical Behavioral ( DBT), and Somatic based approaches.
Whether you are stuck in self-defeating patterns, struggling with stress, anxiety or depression, or having difficulty getting your needs met in your relationships, I am ready to listen and give you the tools you need to make meaningful changes and live a more peaceful, joyful, and satisfying life.
I integrate a variety of treatment techniques including Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT), Emotion Focussed (EFT), Dialectical Behavioral ( DBT), and Somatic based approaches.
Whether you are stuck in self-defeating patterns, struggling with stress, anxiety or depression, or having difficulty getting your needs met in your relationships, I am ready to listen and give you the tools you need to make meaningful changes and live a more peaceful, joyful, and satisfying life.
Claudia D Crawford
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
As a Marriage and Family therapist, I work with couples & individuals:
*With couples,I focus our work within a developmental framework to achieve empathic communication and differentiation leading to deepened emotional intimacy;
*With those experiencing life transitions, we explore the impact on us as individuals & on our relationships;
*In navigating depression, life style choices, anxiety, and other struggles I provide the opportunity to challenge & ability to realize your potential
*Teaching communication skills, the focus is to make the accompanying shift from looking outside ourselves for explanation to taking responsibility for Self.
*I offer DBT for individuals/groups to develop the ability to regulate emotions.
As a Marriage and Family therapist, I work with couples & individuals:
*With couples,I focus our work within a developmental framework to achieve empathic communication and differentiation leading to deepened emotional intimacy;
*With those experiencing life transitions, we explore the impact on us as individuals & on our relationships;
*In navigating depression, life style choices, anxiety, and other struggles I provide the opportunity to challenge & ability to realize your potential
*Teaching communication skills, the focus is to make the accompanying shift from looking outside ourselves for explanation to taking responsibility for Self.
*I offer DBT for individuals/groups to develop the ability to regulate emotions.
Julieta Serrato
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93108 (Online Only)
I offer a tailored approach to therapy, combining techniques like cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, person-centered, positive psychology, and emotion-focused therapies.
I am dedicated to supporting clients who seek deeper understanding and meaningful change in their lives. Many of my clients are navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or life transitions and are motivated to find balance, resilience, and self-growth. They're looking for a compassionate, guiding hand to help them process their experiences, discover their strengths, and build a fulfilling future. Whether they're seeking short-term solutions or long-term transformation. My approach centers on meeting clients where they are and helping them find a personalized path forward.
I offer a tailored approach to therapy, combining techniques like cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, person-centered, positive psychology, and emotion-focused therapies.
I am dedicated to supporting clients who seek deeper understanding and meaningful change in their lives. Many of my clients are navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or life transitions and are motivated to find balance, resilience, and self-growth. They're looking for a compassionate, guiding hand to help them process their experiences, discover their strengths, and build a fulfilling future. Whether they're seeking short-term solutions or long-term transformation. My approach centers on meeting clients where they are and helping them find a personalized path forward.
Rachel Finch Sulka
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I tailor my work individually to my clients but incorporate my training in CBT, DBT, Alanon, 12-step programs and attachment therapy.
If you are browsing this site, you are likely looking for a safe, competent person to help you sort through a difficult issue. I am a warm, highly experienced therapist with specialties in the areas of eating disorders, codependency, addiction, attachment trauma, and spiritual abuse. I understand the complexity and depth of disordered eating and body-related issues. Also, if you suspect you may have a parent or significant figure in your life with a personality disorder, I can help you heal the attachment trauma and empower your true self. I also work with those navigating relationship with church and spirituality.
I tailor my work individually to my clients but incorporate my training in CBT, DBT, Alanon, 12-step programs and attachment therapy.
If you are browsing this site, you are likely looking for a safe, competent person to help you sort through a difficult issue. I am a warm, highly experienced therapist with specialties in the areas of eating disorders, codependency, addiction, attachment trauma, and spiritual abuse. I understand the complexity and depth of disordered eating and body-related issues. Also, if you suspect you may have a parent or significant figure in your life with a personality disorder, I can help you heal the attachment trauma and empower your true self. I also work with those navigating relationship with church and spirituality.
See more therapy options for Santa Barbara County
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.