Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Castle Pines, CO

Photo of Marinda Peak, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Marinda Peak
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Castle Pines, CO 80108
Marinda uses several therapeutic modalities including CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), REBT (Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy), Family Systems Therapy, Grief Therapy, TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and Brain-Based Therapy (Practical Neuroscience).
Marinda is passionate for promoting well-being for both the individual and the community. For years, she has been working with teens, families, and adult women creating a therapeutic atmosphere of listening, understanding, and quality care. In the therapy room, Marinda views her clients and their environments holistically. She provides a partnership in healing with her clients, equipping them with the tools and skills needed on the path towards growth and restoration. Her hope is for her clients to find meaning and healing in their life stories, resulting in positive changes in themselves, their families, and their communities even when their time in therapy is over. Marinda received her Master of Counseling from Denver Seminary and her Bachelor of Arts in Human Communication and Psychology from Colorado Christian University. Her passion for the mental well-being of her community is evidenced by her partnerships with local schools and churches. Locally, Marinda has been engaged as a speaker for groups of students and parents on myriad topics such as self-harm, anxiety, and depression.
Marinda uses several therapeutic modalities including CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), REBT (Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy), Family Systems Therapy, Grief Therapy, TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and Brain-Based Therapy (Practical Neuroscience).
Marinda is passionate for promoting well-being for both the individual and the community. For years, she has been working with teens, families, and adult women creating a therapeutic atmosphere of listening, understanding, and quality care. In the therapy room, Marinda views her clients and their environments holistically. She provides a partnership in healing with her clients, equipping them with the tools and skills needed on the path towards growth and restoration. Her hope is for her clients to find meaning and healing in their life stories, resulting in positive changes in themselves, their families, and their communities even when their time in therapy is over. Marinda received her Master of Counseling from Denver Seminary and her Bachelor of Arts in Human Communication and Psychology from Colorado Christian University. Her passion for the mental well-being of her community is evidenced by her partnerships with local schools and churches. Locally, Marinda has been engaged as a speaker for groups of students and parents on myriad topics such as self-harm, anxiety, and depression.
(720) 548-2961 x702 View (720) 548-2961 x702
Photo of Sarah Lucas, LPC, PMH-C, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sarah Lucas
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Castle Pines, CO 80108
I use the following therapeutic techniques: mindfulness-based psychotherapy, CBT, DBT, IFS, and ACT.
Welcome - I'm here to support you! In our sessions together, you'll be able to openly express your feelings, discover your strengths, and relate to your struggles in a whole new way. My style is warm, empowering, and practical. I want you to be able to walk out of each session feeling heard, supported, and equipped to handle the challenges life throws at you. I am a perinatal mental health specialist (PMH-C) and am passionate about working with individuals with prenatal and postpartum anxiety and prenatal and postpartum depression. I also enjoy helping clients who are encountering fertility challenges.
I use the following therapeutic techniques: mindfulness-based psychotherapy, CBT, DBT, IFS, and ACT.
Welcome - I'm here to support you! In our sessions together, you'll be able to openly express your feelings, discover your strengths, and relate to your struggles in a whole new way. My style is warm, empowering, and practical. I want you to be able to walk out of each session feeling heard, supported, and equipped to handle the challenges life throws at you. I am a perinatal mental health specialist (PMH-C) and am passionate about working with individuals with prenatal and postpartum anxiety and prenatal and postpartum depression. I also enjoy helping clients who are encountering fertility challenges.
(720) 770-2069 View (720) 770-2069
Photo of Makayla Shaklee, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Makayla Shaklee
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Castle Pines, CO 80108
Waitlist for new clients
I use modalities such as person-centered therapy, DBT, CBT, insight-oriented psychotherapy, and brainspotting, to support and care for you during your pursuit of growth and change.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who believes that pain and disruption are inevitable in our lives. I believe it is up to us to decide how we will respond. I enjoy providing individual counseling services to adults within a compassionate, accepting, and warm environment as you carry and process your often difficult and painful load. I specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, anger issues, life transitions, spiritual trauma, developmental trauma, difficult relationships, boundaries, stress management, unresolved wounds, and transitioning from negative thinking to positive thinking.
I use modalities such as person-centered therapy, DBT, CBT, insight-oriented psychotherapy, and brainspotting, to support and care for you during your pursuit of growth and change.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who believes that pain and disruption are inevitable in our lives. I believe it is up to us to decide how we will respond. I enjoy providing individual counseling services to adults within a compassionate, accepting, and warm environment as you carry and process your often difficult and painful load. I specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, anger issues, life transitions, spiritual trauma, developmental trauma, difficult relationships, boundaries, stress management, unresolved wounds, and transitioning from negative thinking to positive thinking.
(303) 848-3175 View (303) 848-3175
Photo of Liza Feilner, LPC, CEDS-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Liza Feilner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CEDS-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castle Pines, CO 80108
Welcome! Maybe you've landed here hoping to find someone who will be a good fit to help you or a loved one with a particular struggle or growth area. Being caught in repeating patterns of behavior, experiencing crippling anxiety or eating and body image issues can negatively impact health and make you feel stuck and discouraged. My passion is for helping the burdened find freedom and joy and helping those who love them to feel equipped to be the most effective supports they can be.
Welcome! Maybe you've landed here hoping to find someone who will be a good fit to help you or a loved one with a particular struggle or growth area. Being caught in repeating patterns of behavior, experiencing crippling anxiety or eating and body image issues can negatively impact health and make you feel stuck and discouraged. My passion is for helping the burdened find freedom and joy and helping those who love them to feel equipped to be the most effective supports they can be.
(720) 712-1095 x708 View (720) 712-1095 x708
Photo of Jill Alexander, MA, MS, LPC, Counselor
Jill Alexander
Counselor, MA, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Castle Pines, CO 80108
Waitlist for new clients
J.Alexander Counseling was founded on the ideals of compassion, safety, empathy, empowerment, trust, and communication. Together, we will work through any stress, difficulty or challenge that brings you in. I am passionate about working with children, families and individuals from all walks of life. I believe child and family counseling is the most effective method to realizing every child's potential and every family's fulfillment.
J.Alexander Counseling was founded on the ideals of compassion, safety, empathy, empowerment, trust, and communication. Together, we will work through any stress, difficulty or challenge that brings you in. I am passionate about working with children, families and individuals from all walks of life. I believe child and family counseling is the most effective method to realizing every child's potential and every family's fulfillment.
(720) 439-3644 View (720) 439-3644
Photo of Nicole Reyes, MA, LPCC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicole Reyes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPCC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Castle Pines, CO 80108  (Online Only)
Welcome! Do you find yourself struggling with a heaviness that you just can’t seem to shake? I understand what it feels like to be burnt out on life and have everything start to feel like it’s just “too much.” You may be asking yourself questions like, “Why doesn’t anyone else understand how hard this has been for me?” and “Why do I feel so stuck?” Maybe you feel like your relationships are struggling or your work performance is lacking. You’ve finally hit the breaking point and have started exploring ways to get the support you need...
Welcome! Do you find yourself struggling with a heaviness that you just can’t seem to shake? I understand what it feels like to be burnt out on life and have everything start to feel like it’s just “too much.” You may be asking yourself questions like, “Why doesn’t anyone else understand how hard this has been for me?” and “Why do I feel so stuck?” Maybe you feel like your relationships are struggling or your work performance is lacking. You’ve finally hit the breaking point and have started exploring ways to get the support you need...
(720) 594-4916 View (720) 594-4916
Photo of Kristen D Langbauer, MAC, MBA, LPCC
Kristen D Langbauer
MAC, MBA, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Castle Pines, CO 80108  (Online Only)
Even the strongest person can be challenged by difficult experiences in their past or present life. Over time, we can become so complacent and comfortable with the discomfort that it becomes our new normal, forming our views and behaviors without knowing it's even happening. Life has a way of forcing us to confront things we believe we already overcame. Remember, therapy is not about “getting over” events and issues; it’s about understanding your triggers and learning how to manage your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to move forward and build a fulfilling life.
Even the strongest person can be challenged by difficult experiences in their past or present life. Over time, we can become so complacent and comfortable with the discomfort that it becomes our new normal, forming our views and behaviors without knowing it's even happening. Life has a way of forcing us to confront things we believe we already overcame. Remember, therapy is not about “getting over” events and issues; it’s about understanding your triggers and learning how to manage your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to move forward and build a fulfilling life.
(720) 799-2377 View (720) 799-2377
Photo of Camille L. Reich, PhD, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Camille L. Reich
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Castle Pines, CO 80108
COUPLES, FAMILY, CHILD and INDIVIDUAL THERAPY. True Happiness and Stability Stems from the Quality of our Significant Relationships! I work from a strength-based, solution-focused, and systemic or relational orientation, all are evidence-based approaches. I focus on people's strengths and possibilities while addressing their real life difficulties. I also provide personality, relationship (couple) and career assessments. I believe in a holistic approach to the therapeutic process that incorporates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions empowering a person or family towards mastering life to its fullest!
COUPLES, FAMILY, CHILD and INDIVIDUAL THERAPY. True Happiness and Stability Stems from the Quality of our Significant Relationships! I work from a strength-based, solution-focused, and systemic or relational orientation, all are evidence-based approaches. I focus on people's strengths and possibilities while addressing their real life difficulties. I also provide personality, relationship (couple) and career assessments. I believe in a holistic approach to the therapeutic process that incorporates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions empowering a person or family towards mastering life to its fullest!
(720) 539-7329 View (720) 539-7329
Photo of Timi Schuessler - Envision Counseling Clinic, Counselor
Envision Counseling Clinic
Counselor
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Castle Pines, CO 80108
Envision Counseling Clinic is bringing hope to our local communities. People across Colorado come to us when they have done all they know to do and are still stuck. We help clients find relief, face their challenges, and forge a new path: a path they couldn't envision alone, a path that leads to life. Our therapists integrate Christian beliefs with sound psychological research, and respect the complicated nature of our clients' concerns. By bringing together psychologists and counselors, our Christian counseling center is able to help our clients open up new possibilities and move forward. Give us a call!
Envision Counseling Clinic is bringing hope to our local communities. People across Colorado come to us when they have done all they know to do and are still stuck. We help clients find relief, face their challenges, and forge a new path: a path they couldn't envision alone, a path that leads to life. Our therapists integrate Christian beliefs with sound psychological research, and respect the complicated nature of our clients' concerns. By bringing together psychologists and counselors, our Christian counseling center is able to help our clients open up new possibilities and move forward. Give us a call!
(720) 613-2266 View (720) 613-2266
Photo of Leslie Dickinson, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Leslie Dickinson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castle Pines, CO 80108
Kids face all sorts of pressures, choices, challenges, and traumas in our culture today that affect the way they connect and engage with their worlds around them. It can look like anxiety, depression, behavioral acting out, emotional walling-off, etc. I work with children and families to investigate and discover what's needed to repair and rebuild the damaged or broken pieces that affect kids day to day. As a parent, you're hoping for ways to help understand what your child is going through and learn more effective ways of supporting them through the hard places so that your family can find its sense of peace, love, and connection.
Kids face all sorts of pressures, choices, challenges, and traumas in our culture today that affect the way they connect and engage with their worlds around them. It can look like anxiety, depression, behavioral acting out, emotional walling-off, etc. I work with children and families to investigate and discover what's needed to repair and rebuild the damaged or broken pieces that affect kids day to day. As a parent, you're hoping for ways to help understand what your child is going through and learn more effective ways of supporting them through the hard places so that your family can find its sense of peace, love, and connection.
(855) 256-1777 View (855) 256-1777
Photo of Corinne Votaw-Freer, Psychologist
Corinne Votaw-Freer
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Castle Pines, CO 80108  (Online Only)
I'm Corinne, a Denver-based LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist and licensed psychologist currently accepting new clients in Colorado. I have extensive experience working with teens (14+), adults, and older adults. Before starting my practice, I worked in several LGBTQIA+ centers, providing affirming care, group treatment, and community outreach programs.
I'm Corinne, a Denver-based LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist and licensed psychologist currently accepting new clients in Colorado. I have extensive experience working with teens (14+), adults, and older adults. Before starting my practice, I worked in several LGBTQIA+ centers, providing affirming care, group treatment, and community outreach programs.
(720) 573-0137 View (720) 573-0137
Photo of Desiree Argentina, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Desiree Argentina
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Castle Pines, CO 80108  (Online Only)
Have you been feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, and burned out? You are an overachiever but no matter how much you've done, you think you should have done more. It's never enough. You take care of everyone else but struggle when it comes to taking care of yourself. You have a hard time setting boundaries, often saying "yes" to avoid conflict or disappointment, even at the expense of your own well-being. You may be exhausted but you can't seem to slow down. You always seem to have too much on your plate. If this sounds like you, I can help.
Have you been feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, and burned out? You are an overachiever but no matter how much you've done, you think you should have done more. It's never enough. You take care of everyone else but struggle when it comes to taking care of yourself. You have a hard time setting boundaries, often saying "yes" to avoid conflict or disappointment, even at the expense of your own well-being. You may be exhausted but you can't seem to slow down. You always seem to have too much on your plate. If this sounds like you, I can help.
(720) 706-6994 View (720) 706-6994
Photo of Dawn Gabriel - Authentic Connections Counseling Center, Counselor
Authentic Connections Counseling Center
Counselor
Verified Verified
Castle Pines, CO 80108
Are you someone who seems to have it all together on the outside, yet feels a constant struggle within? Do you battle perfectionism, feel disconnected in relationships, or are haunted by past experiences? At our counseling center, we understand how exhausting it is to keep up appearances while feeling like you’re falling apart inside. We know the pain of sleepless nights, relentless self-doubt, and the emotional toll of trying to meet everyone’s expectations. Our dedicated team of therapists offers a safe, non-judgmental space to explore these challenges and find hope, healing, and true freedom.
Are you someone who seems to have it all together on the outside, yet feels a constant struggle within? Do you battle perfectionism, feel disconnected in relationships, or are haunted by past experiences? At our counseling center, we understand how exhausting it is to keep up appearances while feeling like you’re falling apart inside. We know the pain of sleepless nights, relentless self-doubt, and the emotional toll of trying to meet everyone’s expectations. Our dedicated team of therapists offers a safe, non-judgmental space to explore these challenges and find hope, healing, and true freedom.
(720) 386-8776 View (720) 386-8776
Photo of Kelly Coté, LPC, LAC, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kelly Coté
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LAC, EMDR
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Castle Pines, CO 80108
Sometimes the unimaginable happens and our life comes crashing down around us. We suffer the loss of a much-loved baby. Relationships end. People close to us die. Our past starts to haunt us. We lose our sense of purpose. Grasping at ways to cope, we end up drinking too much or numbing in other ways. We end up feeling isolated and disconnected from the world around us. Life can really suck at times. These experiences will change us, but you don't need to suffer.
Sometimes the unimaginable happens and our life comes crashing down around us. We suffer the loss of a much-loved baby. Relationships end. People close to us die. Our past starts to haunt us. We lose our sense of purpose. Grasping at ways to cope, we end up drinking too much or numbing in other ways. We end up feeling isolated and disconnected from the world around us. Life can really suck at times. These experiences will change us, but you don't need to suffer.
(720) 961-2531 View (720) 961-2531
Photo of Kelsey Currier, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kelsey Currier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castle Pines, CO 80108  (Online Only)
Are you feeling unfulfilled, stuck, or lost on your life journey? Despite your achievements, do you still feel like something is missing? Are past traumas or unhealthy relationships holding you back? Know that you are not alone, and there is hope. As a woman and a therapist, I understand. I am passionate about helping you heal from past wounds, build strong connections, and find true fulfillment. Let's work together to unlock your full potential and create a life that aligns with your authentic self. You deserve to experience joy, peace, and fulfillment in your life. Let's take the first step together.
Are you feeling unfulfilled, stuck, or lost on your life journey? Despite your achievements, do you still feel like something is missing? Are past traumas or unhealthy relationships holding you back? Know that you are not alone, and there is hope. As a woman and a therapist, I understand. I am passionate about helping you heal from past wounds, build strong connections, and find true fulfillment. Let's work together to unlock your full potential and create a life that aligns with your authentic self. You deserve to experience joy, peace, and fulfillment in your life. Let's take the first step together.
(720) 821-7115 View (720) 821-7115
Photo of Elizabeth J Matson, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth J Matson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Castle Pines, CO 80108  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Do you feel that you have lost control over specific aspects of your life, and everything feels beyond your control these days? You can heal by building your resilience to overcome life stressors and escape from overwhelming feelings. These issues can significantly affect your overall well-being, especially when you do not have the proper tools to work through them. I can help guide your mental health journey, and we can learn how to manage life's challenges together.
Do you feel that you have lost control over specific aspects of your life, and everything feels beyond your control these days? You can heal by building your resilience to overcome life stressors and escape from overwhelming feelings. These issues can significantly affect your overall well-being, especially when you do not have the proper tools to work through them. I can help guide your mental health journey, and we can learn how to manage life's challenges together.
(720) 740-0996 View (720) 740-0996

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Lynne Guenther, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lynne Guenther
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castle Rock, CO 80104
With a focus in Internal Family Systems, Anger Management, Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Moving through life is like writing a book. We are all composing our own stories. Sometimes we get stuck, due to choices, events or behaviors. It’s like a bookmark getting put in the pages of our story and when we try to move forward, the pages fall open to that bookmarked, painful memory. With the help of therapy, we can heal from that pain and take the bookmark out of the book of our life. The pages remain, but they serve to make us stronger & wiser as we fill in the empty page before us today. By learning new skills and gaining the ability to adapt, we can move forward with a sense of purpose and peace.
With a focus in Internal Family Systems, Anger Management, Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Moving through life is like writing a book. We are all composing our own stories. Sometimes we get stuck, due to choices, events or behaviors. It’s like a bookmark getting put in the pages of our story and when we try to move forward, the pages fall open to that bookmarked, painful memory. With the help of therapy, we can heal from that pain and take the bookmark out of the book of our life. The pages remain, but they serve to make us stronger & wiser as we fill in the empty page before us today. By learning new skills and gaining the ability to adapt, we can move forward with a sense of purpose and peace.
(720) 819-6305 View (720) 819-6305
Photo of Kayla R Ennett - Positive Perceptions Therapeutic Services, LLC, PsyD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Positive Perceptions Therapeutic Services, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC
Verified Verified
Castle Rock, CO 80108
I am trained in DBT, CBT, Gottman, Imago, and ACT.
Hello! I moved to Colorado 9 years ago from the upper Midwest. I am proud to say I have an eclectic experience when it comes to counseling. I started off as a residential treatment specialist then moved on to other settings including universities, military bases, prisons, parole, schools, and group practices. From there I have put a focus on working with clients and couples who suffer from depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and concerns related to intimacy and sex.
I am trained in DBT, CBT, Gottman, Imago, and ACT.
Hello! I moved to Colorado 9 years ago from the upper Midwest. I am proud to say I have an eclectic experience when it comes to counseling. I started off as a residential treatment specialist then moved on to other settings including universities, military bases, prisons, parole, schools, and group practices. From there I have put a focus on working with clients and couples who suffer from depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and concerns related to intimacy and sex.
(619) 376-2366 View (619) 376-2366
Photo of Sheila Robinson, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sheila Robinson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Castle Rock, CO 80104
Together, using a trauma-focused, dialectical behavior therapy approach, we reshape these patterns so you can experience more happiness, effective responses, and satisfaction in your life.
Do you struggle to understand why you sometimes respond to situations and events in ways that seem counterproductive? As human beings, for better or worse, we all experience people, environments, and events that shape our sense of self and how we interact with those around us. These experiences can lead to extreme sadness, anxiety, loss of hope, and serious struggles in relationships that interfere with feeling satisfied and living a fulfilled life. I love what I do as a therapist and feel privileged to work with people as they learn and grow toward who they hope to be.
Together, using a trauma-focused, dialectical behavior therapy approach, we reshape these patterns so you can experience more happiness, effective responses, and satisfaction in your life.
Do you struggle to understand why you sometimes respond to situations and events in ways that seem counterproductive? As human beings, for better or worse, we all experience people, environments, and events that shape our sense of self and how we interact with those around us. These experiences can lead to extreme sadness, anxiety, loss of hope, and serious struggles in relationships that interfere with feeling satisfied and living a fulfilled life. I love what I do as a therapist and feel privileged to work with people as they learn and grow toward who they hope to be.
(719) 212-2043 View (719) 212-2043
Photo of Kendra Liedtke, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kendra Liedtke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castle Rock, CO 80104
Feeling stuck? Overwhelmed with difficult emotions, rumination or impulsive behaviors? Finding yourself engaging in the same ineffective patterns? Having difficulty healing from the past or managing a current traumatic event, loss or life adjustment? I am a strengths-based, certified EMDR therapist with over 20 years counseling experience with adults, intensive training in DBT, and influenced by IFS therapy. My style is warm, engaging, non-judgmental and down to earth. I believe that you are the expert on your life, and starting where you are, we will work together to help facilitate acceptance, healing and growth.
Feeling stuck? Overwhelmed with difficult emotions, rumination or impulsive behaviors? Finding yourself engaging in the same ineffective patterns? Having difficulty healing from the past or managing a current traumatic event, loss or life adjustment? I am a strengths-based, certified EMDR therapist with over 20 years counseling experience with adults, intensive training in DBT, and influenced by IFS therapy. My style is warm, engaging, non-judgmental and down to earth. I believe that you are the expert on your life, and starting where you are, we will work together to help facilitate acceptance, healing and growth.
(720) 961-2995 View (720) 961-2995

See more therapy options for Castle Pines

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.