Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Topanga, CA
![Photo of Molly Binenfeld, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ff98e30-0fb8-4e22-890b-5e7f96f97221/1/320x400.jpeg)
Molly Binenfeld
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Topanga, CA 90290 (Online Only)
At Align Online Therapy, I use a diverse therapeutic approach that incorporates strengths-based work with elements of CBT, DBT, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and attachment.
I create a space for you to bring your authentic self into the room without feeling like you have to show up in the "right" way. My approach is direct, compassionate, practical, and personalized towards your values, goals, and experience. My lived and professional experience allows me to help you create a more fulfilling and congruent life while supporting you in coping with daily stressors, relationship dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression. I am passionate about helping you overcome the challenges you face in today's society, including diet culture, body image, social media pressure, and unrealistic beauty standards.
At Align Online Therapy, I use a diverse therapeutic approach that incorporates strengths-based work with elements of CBT, DBT, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and attachment.
I create a space for you to bring your authentic self into the room without feeling like you have to show up in the "right" way. My approach is direct, compassionate, practical, and personalized towards your values, goals, and experience. My lived and professional experience allows me to help you create a more fulfilling and congruent life while supporting you in coping with daily stressors, relationship dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression. I am passionate about helping you overcome the challenges you face in today's society, including diet culture, body image, social media pressure, and unrealistic beauty standards.
![Photo of Angela M. Aiello, MA, MFT, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a49a75d-bbd1-49e2-9b85-c207da696c34/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a trauma/addiction and Couples psychotherapist with an MFT license and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. I have an engaging, active, personable style immediately putting clients at ease for a strong therapeutic bond necessary for deeper insights and behavioral change. I am trained in psychodynamic, attachment, and somatic modalities. I am a LEVEL II trained PACT (psychobiological approach to couples therapy) couple therapist as well as a facilitator for mindfulness and various relapse prevention models .
I am a trauma/addiction and Couples psychotherapist with an MFT license and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. I have an engaging, active, personable style immediately putting clients at ease for a strong therapeutic bond necessary for deeper insights and behavioral change. I am trained in psychodynamic, attachment, and somatic modalities. I am a LEVEL II trained PACT (psychobiological approach to couples therapy) couple therapist as well as a facilitator for mindfulness and various relapse prevention models .
![Photo of April Mollner (Blanchette), LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7052051b-50a9-4def-b31f-dcb7a04c60af/1/320x400.jpeg)
April Mollner (Blanchette)
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Topanga, CA 90290 (Online Only)
I am a dedicated therapist specializing in trauma informed care using EMDR, sex & gender affirmative therapy and addiction & recovery support. With a passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of their experiences, I bring a unique blend of empathy, expertise, and compassion to my practice. I have honed my skills in trauma therapy, providing a safe and supportive environment for my clients to process their past experiences and find healing. I understand the profound impact of trauma and I’m committed to empowering individuals to reclaim their sense of self, and move forward with resilience.
I am a dedicated therapist specializing in trauma informed care using EMDR, sex & gender affirmative therapy and addiction & recovery support. With a passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of their experiences, I bring a unique blend of empathy, expertise, and compassion to my practice. I have honed my skills in trauma therapy, providing a safe and supportive environment for my clients to process their past experiences and find healing. I understand the profound impact of trauma and I’m committed to empowering individuals to reclaim their sense of self, and move forward with resilience.
![Photo of Melissa Garner-Lee, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f6070c9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Garner-Lee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Topanga, CA 90290
Would you like to reduce your suffering? Would you like freedom from destructive patterns of behavior? ------When we look deeply at ourselves...when we take the time to take care of ourselves with mindfulness and compassion, we begin to understand balance. I am committed to helping you learn how to stop living with self-sabotaging thoughts and behavior, to cultivate a life of emotional balance, deepen your connection with loved ones, resolve trauma and conflict, process grief and loss and become your best self.
Would you like to reduce your suffering? Would you like freedom from destructive patterns of behavior? ------When we look deeply at ourselves...when we take the time to take care of ourselves with mindfulness and compassion, we begin to understand balance. I am committed to helping you learn how to stop living with self-sabotaging thoughts and behavior, to cultivate a life of emotional balance, deepen your connection with loved ones, resolve trauma and conflict, process grief and loss and become your best self.
![Photo of Tracy Taris, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1c8b8abe-a673-4620-929f-b07a358202a3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello and welcome. I am the founder and owner of Healing The Mind & Spirit, (HMS) a group practice that offers hope and healing through mental health therapy. We help our clients find freedom from depression and anxiety, renew their relationships, improve their self-esteem, revitalize intimacy with their significant other, and create a plan to move their life forward in a positive direction. We offer couples, individual, and family counseling. Our specialty populations include people from the entertainment industry, Christians, and people in need of empowerment. Let us help you find or fine-tune your voice and your sense of self.
Hello and welcome. I am the founder and owner of Healing The Mind & Spirit, (HMS) a group practice that offers hope and healing through mental health therapy. We help our clients find freedom from depression and anxiety, renew their relationships, improve their self-esteem, revitalize intimacy with their significant other, and create a plan to move their life forward in a positive direction. We offer couples, individual, and family counseling. Our specialty populations include people from the entertainment industry, Christians, and people in need of empowerment. Let us help you find or fine-tune your voice and your sense of self.
![Photo of Nicolle Alex, LMFT, CLIN, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0371b894-6c5d-457e-9e49-e8c76f3b666a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck? You're not alone. You've got more strength inside you than you might realize, and I'm here to help you reconnect with it. In my practice, I strive to create a nurturing environment for my clients—a safe space where you can explore your emotions and experiences without fear of judgment. Together, we'll gently navigate through the challenges you're facing, uncover valuable insights and develop strategies to help you cope. Whatever you're going through, I'm here to offer you compassion and support as you journey towards healing and growth. You don't have to face this alone.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck? You're not alone. You've got more strength inside you than you might realize, and I'm here to help you reconnect with it. In my practice, I strive to create a nurturing environment for my clients—a safe space where you can explore your emotions and experiences without fear of judgment. Together, we'll gently navigate through the challenges you're facing, uncover valuable insights and develop strategies to help you cope. Whatever you're going through, I'm here to offer you compassion and support as you journey towards healing and growth. You don't have to face this alone.
![Photo of Julie L Morgavi, LMFT, KAP, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1fba0b9-bd89-4612-859a-05701d5d9ff9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julie L Morgavi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, KAP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Topanga, CA 90290
All roads lead to Rome! It doesn't matter where we jump in, if you’re ready, we’ll get there. My approach is based on Attachment Theory & CPTSD: the idea that much of our conflict & distress stems from old wounds & unmet needs. De-coding this blueprint provides a path toward healing & fulfillment. Relational issues, estrangement, Teen/YA issues & living life “on purpose” are all areas I am passionate about. I incorporate trauma-informed, therapeutic modalities such as IFS with a Buddhist Psychology perspective. I am a rabid ally and advocate for equality and trained in psychedelic-assisted therapy (currently Ketamine only).
All roads lead to Rome! It doesn't matter where we jump in, if you’re ready, we’ll get there. My approach is based on Attachment Theory & CPTSD: the idea that much of our conflict & distress stems from old wounds & unmet needs. De-coding this blueprint provides a path toward healing & fulfillment. Relational issues, estrangement, Teen/YA issues & living life “on purpose” are all areas I am passionate about. I incorporate trauma-informed, therapeutic modalities such as IFS with a Buddhist Psychology perspective. I am a rabid ally and advocate for equality and trained in psychedelic-assisted therapy (currently Ketamine only).
![Photo of Alexandra Sandoval, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cff46917-f6b3-4cf3-803c-700bf99055e2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alexandra Sandoval
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Topanga, CA 90290 (Online Only)
Do you find yourself holding back instead of expressing yourself with close ones? Do you punish yourself when things don't go your way? Do you fixate on your flaws and speak meanly to yourself? You may know what it is you "have to do" in order to take better care of yourself, but what you really need is to learn how to truly allow your emotions to exist and process them with loving awareness. I'd like for us to be able to do that together.
Do you find yourself holding back instead of expressing yourself with close ones? Do you punish yourself when things don't go your way? Do you fixate on your flaws and speak meanly to yourself? You may know what it is you "have to do" in order to take better care of yourself, but what you really need is to learn how to truly allow your emotions to exist and process them with loving awareness. I'd like for us to be able to do that together.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Shiva Ghardashem, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/615d6eed-d84e-43c9-bdfd-a43ceb95fb31/3/320x400.jpeg)
I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to empower you to solve your problems.
Are you feeling depressed or anxious dealing with a challenging situation in your life? Are you feeling stuck and overwhelmed in making the right decisions? Do you have marital issues and need someone to coach you to learn how to communicate and resolve your problems? I am here to help you to explore new ways of thinking and moving toward new possibilities. Let's work together in a safe and warm therapeutic environment to make step-by-step changes for a better tomorrow!
I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to empower you to solve your problems.
Are you feeling depressed or anxious dealing with a challenging situation in your life? Are you feeling stuck and overwhelmed in making the right decisions? Do you have marital issues and need someone to coach you to learn how to communicate and resolve your problems? I am here to help you to explore new ways of thinking and moving toward new possibilities. Let's work together in a safe and warm therapeutic environment to make step-by-step changes for a better tomorrow!
![Photo of Eva Sahar Moheban, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d7499e8f-895c-4923-bb28-3fe3cecfe219/2/320x400.jpeg)
Eva Sahar Moheban
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tarzana, CA 91356 (Online Only)
I use a range of therapeutic and holistic modalities: Jungian depth psychology (shadow work/parts work), Somatic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Do you desire more empowerment and mastery over your life? Do you intuitively sense you are destined for more, but are plagued by fears and doubts? Are you committed to your growth, but feel stuck in low-moods or trauma spirals? In our work together, we will take an honest inventory of everything that is no longer serving you, such as, old, destructive patterns, false limiting beliefs, and intrusive negative self-talk that unconsciously runs on a loop. My intention is to empower you to make lasting changes and to ultimately help you see yourself through a more honest and loving lens.
I use a range of therapeutic and holistic modalities: Jungian depth psychology (shadow work/parts work), Somatic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Do you desire more empowerment and mastery over your life? Do you intuitively sense you are destined for more, but are plagued by fears and doubts? Are you committed to your growth, but feel stuck in low-moods or trauma spirals? In our work together, we will take an honest inventory of everything that is no longer serving you, such as, old, destructive patterns, false limiting beliefs, and intrusive negative self-talk that unconsciously runs on a loop. My intention is to empower you to make lasting changes and to ultimately help you see yourself through a more honest and loving lens.
![Photo of Michele Ryan, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4aed1849-a321-412d-bc46-5e396cf77d24/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, my name is Michele Ryan. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who loves working with individuals, families and couples who have been affected by mental illness or just the everyday stressors and strains of life. Sometimes it can be very difficult to get relief from emotional problems on our own. Too often, when we feel discouraged, angry, stressed out and overwhelmed and we can turn to unhealthy coping skills. I have worked with clients struggling with chemical and behavioral addictions, depression, multiple anxiety disorders, PTSD and ongoing difficulties due to past traumatic experiences and life stressors.
Hello, my name is Michele Ryan. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who loves working with individuals, families and couples who have been affected by mental illness or just the everyday stressors and strains of life. Sometimes it can be very difficult to get relief from emotional problems on our own. Too often, when we feel discouraged, angry, stressed out and overwhelmed and we can turn to unhealthy coping skills. I have worked with clients struggling with chemical and behavioral addictions, depression, multiple anxiety disorders, PTSD and ongoing difficulties due to past traumatic experiences and life stressors.
![Photo of Dr. Moreen Rubin, MA, LMFT, PsyD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db84279d-3900-44db-bc7b-c8fce4cfead9/1/320x400.jpeg)
What if you could stop all self- destructive habits and feel energized and excited by your life? Many of my clients are just like you; talented, ambitious and unique, but are unsatisfied with an area of life. If you are ready, I can help you get unstuck and make changes based on proven therapeutic techniques. If you're struggling to take care of yourself physically and emotionally, I will work with you to help you find balance, prioritize your health and manage your anxiety and depression. My approach is based on helping you get clarity, increasing awareness of your thoughts, and giving you healthy ways of managing your stress.
What if you could stop all self- destructive habits and feel energized and excited by your life? Many of my clients are just like you; talented, ambitious and unique, but are unsatisfied with an area of life. If you are ready, I can help you get unstuck and make changes based on proven therapeutic techniques. If you're struggling to take care of yourself physically and emotionally, I will work with you to help you find balance, prioritize your health and manage your anxiety and depression. My approach is based on helping you get clarity, increasing awareness of your thoughts, and giving you healthy ways of managing your stress.
![Photo of Dr. Moreen Rubin - California Virtual Eating Disorder Experts VIOP, LMFT, PsyD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e22718a-98cf-48bc-b9fd-e39402bbd1bb/1/320x400.jpeg)
California Virtual Eating Disorder Experts VIOP
LMFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302 (Online Only)
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your relationship with food, trapped in a cycle of anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating? Do anxiety, depression, or trauma amplify your struggle? It would help if you had accessible, personalized treatment that addresses both your mental and nutritional needs. If you want to heal your relationship with food and body image, build emotional strength, and recover on your terms, we can help. Our program offers the guidance of highly experienced ED and trauma therapists, the benefits of EMDR therapy, in-home ED coaching, flexible virtual care, and a compassionate, supportive community of recovered staff.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your relationship with food, trapped in a cycle of anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating? Do anxiety, depression, or trauma amplify your struggle? It would help if you had accessible, personalized treatment that addresses both your mental and nutritional needs. If you want to heal your relationship with food and body image, build emotional strength, and recover on your terms, we can help. Our program offers the guidance of highly experienced ED and trauma therapists, the benefits of EMDR therapy, in-home ED coaching, flexible virtual care, and a compassionate, supportive community of recovered staff.
![Photo of Julie Lyons, LICSW, LCSW, TCT, LMC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08be7848-e640-40c1-9262-e5aade4aeff3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Julie Lyons
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, TCT, LMC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91364 (Online Only)
When you feel you have tried everything else. Learn to develop internal harmony by utilizing parts of yourself that you don't know you have to stop doing the same thing over and over. Find out how to connect with your genius, your creativity, and your passion. Empower yourself to be who you are, achieve emotional freedom, professional success and build your confidence. Discover and live your truth! Transgender specialist and Dissociatiation Expert. Psychotherapist and Certified Master Life Coach
When you feel you have tried everything else. Learn to develop internal harmony by utilizing parts of yourself that you don't know you have to stop doing the same thing over and over. Find out how to connect with your genius, your creativity, and your passion. Empower yourself to be who you are, achieve emotional freedom, professional success and build your confidence. Discover and live your truth! Transgender specialist and Dissociatiation Expert. Psychotherapist and Certified Master Life Coach
![Photo of Deborah Brautman, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6097a9d2-897a-469d-aca4-a32ea7109d61/2/320x400.jpeg)
For me, the connection between client and therapist, as well as creating emotionally safety, are two critical ingredients in a successful therapy experience. We will collaborate to identify the specific areas about which you want assistance; such as, relationship challenges, every -day stressors, trauma and grief therapy, and mood regulation skills — to reduce anxiety and depression. Oftentimes we struggle with an inaccurate narrative, filled with shame and self-critical thoughts. Despite feeling stuck in negative patterns, we can rewrite that script and develop greater resilience.
For me, the connection between client and therapist, as well as creating emotionally safety, are two critical ingredients in a successful therapy experience. We will collaborate to identify the specific areas about which you want assistance; such as, relationship challenges, every -day stressors, trauma and grief therapy, and mood regulation skills — to reduce anxiety and depression. Oftentimes we struggle with an inaccurate narrative, filled with shame and self-critical thoughts. Despite feeling stuck in negative patterns, we can rewrite that script and develop greater resilience.
![Photo of Erica Ives - Mindfulpath, Inc.- Erica Ives, MFT, CEDS, MA, MFT, CEDS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a045ddd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mindfulpath, Inc.- Erica Ives, MFT, CEDS
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, CEDS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calabasas, CA 91302
As a therapist, I demonstrate a passionate devotion to fostering growth in a safe, nurturing environment. My treatment approach is tailored to your strengths and uniqueness. I teach and guide you how to actively pay attention to the messages of your body, thoughts, feelings, and your actions. Learn new coping skills that compliment your uniqueness. Visit my websites at www.mindfulpath.com and www.ericaives.com I believe recovery is much more than eliminating self-destructive behaviors; it's about cultivating and living life everyday on a mindful path filled with self-awareness, fulfilling relationships, meaning, and vitality.
As a therapist, I demonstrate a passionate devotion to fostering growth in a safe, nurturing environment. My treatment approach is tailored to your strengths and uniqueness. I teach and guide you how to actively pay attention to the messages of your body, thoughts, feelings, and your actions. Learn new coping skills that compliment your uniqueness. Visit my websites at www.mindfulpath.com and www.ericaives.com I believe recovery is much more than eliminating self-destructive behaviors; it's about cultivating and living life everyday on a mindful path filled with self-awareness, fulfilling relationships, meaning, and vitality.
![Photo of Erica Ives - Mindfulpath Inc, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a97097b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mindfulpath Inc is a healing space encompassed by a variety of treatment professionals, providing a wide array of services, and working as one connected team to provide quality mental health care. Our community of practitioners make available a wide array of services from individual and group therapy to nutrition and yoga all in one location. Mindfulpath understands there is no one healing modality that works for all. We take the time to get to know YOU based on YOUR uniqueness and together we create a customized plan to best suit your needs as you walk on YOUR mindfulpath.
Mindfulpath Inc is a healing space encompassed by a variety of treatment professionals, providing a wide array of services, and working as one connected team to provide quality mental health care. Our community of practitioners make available a wide array of services from individual and group therapy to nutrition and yoga all in one location. Mindfulpath understands there is no one healing modality that works for all. We take the time to get to know YOU based on YOUR uniqueness and together we create a customized plan to best suit your needs as you walk on YOUR mindfulpath.
![Photo of Susie Cobb, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1a3b6c1-e0e7-4efa-8386-f88ad7aabead/2/320x400.jpeg)
Trauma tears through our lives like a storm causing worry and sadness. You may feel fragmented and alone as you try to understand what has happened and how you'll ever be the same. Whether years ago or yesterday, trauma erodes happiness and leaves you feeling as though you can never trust or feel safe again. But there is hope. Trauma informed therapy utilizes various techniques to support the reconfiguration of thoughts and belief systems. As you walk this path, I will be with you every step of the way. Through the healing nature of the therapeutic relationship, you will begin to regain a sense of belonging and feel whole again.
Trauma tears through our lives like a storm causing worry and sadness. You may feel fragmented and alone as you try to understand what has happened and how you'll ever be the same. Whether years ago or yesterday, trauma erodes happiness and leaves you feeling as though you can never trust or feel safe again. But there is hope. Trauma informed therapy utilizes various techniques to support the reconfiguration of thoughts and belief systems. As you walk this path, I will be with you every step of the way. Through the healing nature of the therapeutic relationship, you will begin to regain a sense of belonging and feel whole again.
![Photo of Tamar Lev Ran, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/70f48326-8f50-4338-9574-25647485e280/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tamar Lev Ran
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Calabasas, CA 91302
There are times in life when we need support. I work with individuals and families in navigating life's challenges. Relationship with ourselves or with our loved ones are where we struggle the most. As Licensed MFT I specializing in treating Anxiety, OCD, and relationships setbacks. I believe that taking a look inward requires vulnerability and bravery. With more than 10 years of experience in Israel and in California, I am passionate about helping my clients and their family to overcome struggles and move towards well-being, flexibility, balance, and fulfillment in life. It takes courage to seek help and I am glad you are here.
There are times in life when we need support. I work with individuals and families in navigating life's challenges. Relationship with ourselves or with our loved ones are where we struggle the most. As Licensed MFT I specializing in treating Anxiety, OCD, and relationships setbacks. I believe that taking a look inward requires vulnerability and bravery. With more than 10 years of experience in Israel and in California, I am passionate about helping my clients and their family to overcome struggles and move towards well-being, flexibility, balance, and fulfillment in life. It takes courage to seek help and I am glad you are here.
![Photo of Debbie Cohen, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3de8ba8c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Life has sure been tough the past few years. Are you working through a past or current trauma? How are you managing your stress? Sadness? Grief? Anxiety? Depression? DO you or a family member suffer from addiction? Perhaps you just need a jump start to get yourself moving again? You have already made the first step finding me right here on this site. Take the next brave one and reach out to me. Let’s have a conversation and discover ways that together we can create a happier and more joyful life for you.
Life has sure been tough the past few years. Are you working through a past or current trauma? How are you managing your stress? Sadness? Grief? Anxiety? Depression? DO you or a family member suffer from addiction? Perhaps you just need a jump start to get yourself moving again? You have already made the first step finding me right here on this site. Take the next brave one and reach out to me. Let’s have a conversation and discover ways that together we can create a happier and more joyful life for you.
See more therapy options for Topanga
Nearby Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists Searches for Topanga
- Agoura
- Agoura Hills
- Calabasas
- Canoga Park
- Encino
- Lake Balboa
- Malibu
- Pacific Palisades
- Santa Monica
- Tarzana
- West Hills
- Woodland Hills
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.