Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Houston Heights, Houston, TX
Alexis Leeper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77007
Waitlist for new clients
I offer a variety of techniques, including cognitive and somatic therapies like DBT and EMDR, designed to help you process your experiences, learn new skills, and live a more authentic life.
Are you struggling with low self-esteem, anxiety, or trauma-related symptoms? Dealing with these challenges can be tough, but it's important to know that you're not alone. If you're experiencing disordered eating or difficulty managing your emotions, there's hope for healing. You may need to learn new coping skills, work through trauma, or discover your true identity. I'm here to offer support and care. With extensive experience treating individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, and more, I understand the importance of finding compassionate care from someone who not only can help, but also understands.
I offer a variety of techniques, including cognitive and somatic therapies like DBT and EMDR, designed to help you process your experiences, learn new skills, and live a more authentic life.
Are you struggling with low self-esteem, anxiety, or trauma-related symptoms? Dealing with these challenges can be tough, but it's important to know that you're not alone. If you're experiencing disordered eating or difficulty managing your emotions, there's hope for healing. You may need to learn new coping skills, work through trauma, or discover your true identity. I'm here to offer support and care. With extensive experience treating individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, and more, I understand the importance of finding compassionate care from someone who not only can help, but also understands.
DBT Center, Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient
PhD
Verified Verified
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77008
Dialectical Behavior Therapy helps those with intense emotions who need more impulse control.
Do you suffer from depression, trauma, loneliness, anxiety, an eating disorder or a combination? Are you hiding the emotional pain you are feeling, stuffing your misery? Or maybe you have believe no one is understanding? Our team offers RO DBT, DBT & other evidenced-based therapies for those those who struggle with managing emotions, trauma, overvaluing shape and size, and suicidal thoughts. We work with all ages to help you establish close, stable connections and find contentment. In a safe, accepting environment, our team is ready to help you reach your goals.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy helps those with intense emotions who need more impulse control.
Do you suffer from depression, trauma, loneliness, anxiety, an eating disorder or a combination? Are you hiding the emotional pain you are feeling, stuffing your misery? Or maybe you have believe no one is understanding? Our team offers RO DBT, DBT & other evidenced-based therapies for those those who struggle with managing emotions, trauma, overvaluing shape and size, and suicidal thoughts. We work with all ages to help you establish close, stable connections and find contentment. In a safe, accepting environment, our team is ready to help you reach your goals.
Viola Chavez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77008
I have extensive training and experience with addiction/recovery, grief/loss and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Taking that first step is huge and finding the right therapist fit is important. I am passionate about helping adult clients navigate life’s stressors. Many of my clients struggle with identifying and validating their emotional experiences, which impacts all areas of their lives. I work collaboratively with my clients as they learn to cope with life changes, relationship struggles, grief and loss, and complex family relationships. As you learn to better understand yourself and your current coping style, we will work together to develop new strategies to support the struggles that brought you to therapy.
I have extensive training and experience with addiction/recovery, grief/loss and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Taking that first step is huge and finding the right therapist fit is important. I am passionate about helping adult clients navigate life’s stressors. Many of my clients struggle with identifying and validating their emotional experiences, which impacts all areas of their lives. I work collaboratively with my clients as they learn to cope with life changes, relationship struggles, grief and loss, and complex family relationships. As you learn to better understand yourself and your current coping style, we will work together to develop new strategies to support the struggles that brought you to therapy.
Emily Trof
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77008
I am intensively trained and specialize in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RODBT).
Are you overthinking instead of enjoying your life? Do you often feel misunderstood or disconnected from friends or loved ones? Does advice from others seem unhelpful or useless? Sometimes we notice we have become too hard on ourselves or others. We may notice an increasing sense of lonliness and begin to lose of sight of what is truly important. Do you ever wish you could just sit down with someone and sort it all out?
I am intensively trained and specialize in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RODBT).
Are you overthinking instead of enjoying your life? Do you often feel misunderstood or disconnected from friends or loved ones? Does advice from others seem unhelpful or useless? Sometimes we notice we have become too hard on ourselves or others. We may notice an increasing sense of lonliness and begin to lose of sight of what is truly important. Do you ever wish you could just sit down with someone and sort it all out?
Jennifer Chapple
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Not Verified Not Verified
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77008
I am certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and can treat those clients needing the evidence-based model.
I just might be the therapist for you if you are someone who feels stuck in life, unable to be free of your unhappiness. If you have lost faith in your abilities, unsure of your purpose in life, or if you find yourself frozen in fear unable to move through your problems and make decisions.
As your therapist, I will help you not to judge yourself for these problems, but to accept and learn skills to manage them. Whatever it is that keeps you from living your best life, I would like to share my knowledge and skills with you.
I am certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and can treat those clients needing the evidence-based model.
I just might be the therapist for you if you are someone who feels stuck in life, unable to be free of your unhappiness. If you have lost faith in your abilities, unsure of your purpose in life, or if you find yourself frozen in fear unable to move through your problems and make decisions.
As your therapist, I will help you not to judge yourself for these problems, but to accept and learn skills to manage them. Whatever it is that keeps you from living your best life, I would like to share my knowledge and skills with you.
Marie-Therese Musanga
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77042 (Online Only)
We practice CBT, DBT, prolonged exposure therapy and skills coaching.
Getting started is a difficult decision to make. Feeling vulnerable can be unbearable. Not many of us want to be vulnerable with ourselves, let alone, with someone else. So, we have 2 choices: 1. keep things as they are or 2. work towards making a change. In my eyes, we are all elegant giraffes. Life comes with ups and downs, and often, this causes us to forget that we are capable of enduring it. Sometimes, what we need is hope. Let’s rise above, and keep our heads held high through all the pain, the suffering, the sadness and all the joy and love that life brings us.
We practice CBT, DBT, prolonged exposure therapy and skills coaching.
Getting started is a difficult decision to make. Feeling vulnerable can be unbearable. Not many of us want to be vulnerable with ourselves, let alone, with someone else. So, we have 2 choices: 1. keep things as they are or 2. work towards making a change. In my eyes, we are all elegant giraffes. Life comes with ups and downs, and often, this causes us to forget that we are capable of enduring it. Sometimes, what we need is hope. Let’s rise above, and keep our heads held high through all the pain, the suffering, the sadness and all the joy and love that life brings us.
Ivy Souter
Licensed Master Social Worker, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77008
I draw from from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Hello! I'm Ivy, I’m so glad you’re here seeking counseling and what a huge step! For me, being an eating disorder therapist and a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) has become my passion and purpose. I’ve walked alongside individuals struggling with eating disorders and body image issues for years and have also walked my own journey through the challenges recovery. I understand that sometimes eating disorder and body image recovery is messy, terrifying but it is also freeing and completely worth every hard day. As your therapist, I am here to empower you through this journey and guide you through the ups and downs of recovery.
I draw from from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Hello! I'm Ivy, I’m so glad you’re here seeking counseling and what a huge step! For me, being an eating disorder therapist and a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) has become my passion and purpose. I’ve walked alongside individuals struggling with eating disorders and body image issues for years and have also walked my own journey through the challenges recovery. I understand that sometimes eating disorder and body image recovery is messy, terrifying but it is also freeing and completely worth every hard day. As your therapist, I am here to empower you through this journey and guide you through the ups and downs of recovery.
Edwards Clinical Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77008 (Online Only)
I am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO DBT).
Are you completely overwhelmed by life? Do you fluctuate between trying to do everything perfectly and just wanting to completely give up? Are your goals and relationships being impacted by this cycle? Many of my clients already have all the components that "should" make up a happy life and they feel guilt or shame that they struggle to be happy. They pretend to be happy and this is a struggle as well. Holding back all of those emotions can push others away and leave you feeling lonely and disconnected. After holding the emotions in, they can eventually crash down like a tidal wave on those we love most.
I am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO DBT).
Are you completely overwhelmed by life? Do you fluctuate between trying to do everything perfectly and just wanting to completely give up? Are your goals and relationships being impacted by this cycle? Many of my clients already have all the components that "should" make up a happy life and they feel guilt or shame that they struggle to be happy. They pretend to be happy and this is a struggle as well. Holding back all of those emotions can push others away and leave you feeling lonely and disconnected. After holding the emotions in, they can eventually crash down like a tidal wave on those we love most.
I specialize in providing individual and group therapy for adults with borderline personality disorder, difficulties managing their emotions, PTSD, and self-harm/suicidal behavior. I am a DBT-Linehan Board Certified Clinician. I utilize evidence-based treatment approaches including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I currently conduct comprehensive DBT for adults and co-lead DBT skills groups. I am licensed in both Indiana and Texas. I am only practicing virtually in Indianapolis and see clients in person or virtually in Houston.
I specialize in providing individual and group therapy for adults with borderline personality disorder, difficulties managing their emotions, PTSD, and self-harm/suicidal behavior. I am a DBT-Linehan Board Certified Clinician. I utilize evidence-based treatment approaches including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I currently conduct comprehensive DBT for adults and co-lead DBT skills groups. I am licensed in both Indiana and Texas. I am only practicing virtually in Indianapolis and see clients in person or virtually in Houston.
Yanet Vanegas
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77008 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Dr. Yanet Vanegas, and I understand that seeking support for mental well-being can be a challenging journey. I'm a child and adolescent psychologist and a perinatal mental health certified provider. My approach goes beyond merely treating symptoms. It’s about sparking lasting change and fostering personal growth. I create personalized treatment plans using the latest therapeutic techniques, including CBT, Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy for OCD, and DBT.
Hello, I'm Dr. Yanet Vanegas, and I understand that seeking support for mental well-being can be a challenging journey. I'm a child and adolescent psychologist and a perinatal mental health certified provider. My approach goes beyond merely treating symptoms. It’s about sparking lasting change and fostering personal growth. I create personalized treatment plans using the latest therapeutic techniques, including CBT, Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy for OCD, and DBT.
Kelly Birkhold
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77008
I offer individual, couples, and family therapy formats for adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, or attachment trauma. **I am also trained in DBT and Self Compassion and offer 1:1 work.** Struggles we face in life can negatively influence our understanding of ourselves, others, and the world around us in ways that keep us stuck, afraid, and unhealthy. Processing these difficult experiences can allow us to break free from this influence and show up in the world in ways that align with our inherent goodness, enabling feelings of success and happiness. You deserve to feel these things and more!
I offer individual, couples, and family therapy formats for adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, or attachment trauma. **I am also trained in DBT and Self Compassion and offer 1:1 work.** Struggles we face in life can negatively influence our understanding of ourselves, others, and the world around us in ways that keep us stuck, afraid, and unhealthy. Processing these difficult experiences can allow us to break free from this influence and show up in the world in ways that align with our inherent goodness, enabling feelings of success and happiness. You deserve to feel these things and more!
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Cami Rose Beekman Jones
LPC Associate, MA, LPC-A, C-DBT
Verified Verified
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77008
I am certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and I am an Eating Disorder Informed Professional.
Your pursuit of healing and wholeness can start here, today! I will honor your voice and partner with you in your journey. If speaking up a struggle for you, I can help you find your voice and learn how to use it. I know the deep impact the work towards wholeness can have on a person’s life and want you to experience the peace and clarity that you deserve. I am truly passionate about helping you know yourself and build the life you want. My desire is to facilitate an environment that is safe for you to heal and grow. My therapeutic focus is general and includes all ages, genders, races, religions, and abilities.
I am certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and I am an Eating Disorder Informed Professional.
Your pursuit of healing and wholeness can start here, today! I will honor your voice and partner with you in your journey. If speaking up a struggle for you, I can help you find your voice and learn how to use it. I know the deep impact the work towards wholeness can have on a person’s life and want you to experience the peace and clarity that you deserve. I am truly passionate about helping you know yourself and build the life you want. My desire is to facilitate an environment that is safe for you to heal and grow. My therapeutic focus is general and includes all ages, genders, races, religions, and abilities.
Lauren Teague
Counselor, MA, LPCC, CEDS
Verified Verified
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77008 (Online Only)
Based on what each client needs, I like to use a combination of CBT and DBT in helping individuals learn multiple ways to manage difficult situations .
I believe therapy fits into so many different seasons of life, and can be incredibly beneficial in navigating some of life’s toughest transitions. Many clients I work with are learning to manage everyday life stressors, relationships with family, friends, and coworkers, as well as their own relationship with themselves, food, and body image.
Based on what each client needs, I like to use a combination of CBT and DBT in helping individuals learn multiple ways to manage difficult situations .
I believe therapy fits into so many different seasons of life, and can be incredibly beneficial in navigating some of life’s toughest transitions. Many clients I work with are learning to manage everyday life stressors, relationships with family, friends, and coworkers, as well as their own relationship with themselves, food, and body image.
Mackenzie Balderaz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77008
On top of really working to connect with clients, I use evidenced based modalities (EMDR/DBT/TBRI) as well.
We all struggle at some point. We all feel as though we aren't achieving our goals. We all goes through the motions of day to day life at some point thinking "something has to change". One of the best (and hardest) things someone can do is recognize when they need a little extra support, and it seems as though you've reached that point. And that is okay!! What a wonderful step you are taking to regain control of your life, relationship, or overall well-being. You have the answers to your problems, we just have to dig and work a little to get you that point of realization.
On top of really working to connect with clients, I use evidenced based modalities (EMDR/DBT/TBRI) as well.
We all struggle at some point. We all feel as though we aren't achieving our goals. We all goes through the motions of day to day life at some point thinking "something has to change". One of the best (and hardest) things someone can do is recognize when they need a little extra support, and it seems as though you've reached that point. And that is okay!! What a wonderful step you are taking to regain control of your life, relationship, or overall well-being. You have the answers to your problems, we just have to dig and work a little to get you that point of realization.
Beth L Emmons
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77008 (Online Only)
I work with clients throughout Texas via telehealth! I have experience helping clients heal the whole person using evidence based treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapies, trauma focused therapies, and Radically Open DBT (RODBT).
Perfectionistic? Socially anxious? Need a sense of control? These traits can lead to burnout, as well as relationship conflicts, social isolation, obsessive thinking, and problems with anger. They can also cause you to stop before you get started! I can help you to achieve your goals, and also develop a sense of openness, balance, and emotional well being. For more than 15 years, I have specialized in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and trauma reactions, and I have helped people move forward in their lives.
I work with clients throughout Texas via telehealth! I have experience helping clients heal the whole person using evidence based treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapies, trauma focused therapies, and Radically Open DBT (RODBT).
Perfectionistic? Socially anxious? Need a sense of control? These traits can lead to burnout, as well as relationship conflicts, social isolation, obsessive thinking, and problems with anger. They can also cause you to stop before you get started! I can help you to achieve your goals, and also develop a sense of openness, balance, and emotional well being. For more than 15 years, I have specialized in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and trauma reactions, and I have helped people move forward in their lives.
Bitini Pannell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77008 (Online Only)
She skillfully integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into her practice.
Bitini Pannell, a licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, exhibits a profound dedication to supporting individuals facing mental health challenges, including trauma, depression, anxiety, and stress. Her professional journey, extending over 10 years, has been marked by a deep commitment to providing compassionate and effective care to her clients. Following her academic pursuits, Bitini initiated her career in counseling at a community mental health center and hospitals. This role involved delivering therapy to individuals presenting a wide array of mental health concerns, thereby enriching her expertise in the field.
She skillfully integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into her practice.
Bitini Pannell, a licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, exhibits a profound dedication to supporting individuals facing mental health challenges, including trauma, depression, anxiety, and stress. Her professional journey, extending over 10 years, has been marked by a deep commitment to providing compassionate and effective care to her clients. Following her academic pursuits, Bitini initiated her career in counseling at a community mental health center and hospitals. This role involved delivering therapy to individuals presenting a wide array of mental health concerns, thereby enriching her expertise in the field.
Brooke Elliott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77008 (Online Only)
To fight the shame that locks us down, I center acceptance of the whole self in my practice through modalities like ACT and DBT.
When you struggle with executive functioning, that long list of chores can feel like a punishment. Or maybe feeling burnt out has sucked the passion out of your career, leaving you aimless. Every day can feel like a losing battle, but you don’t have to do it alone. It doesn't always have to end in a fight against time and anxiety, and you don't have to feel shame for struggling to complete what seems to come easily to others. Understanding what really makes you tick and finding motivation within yourself can put you on the path to living on your own terms instead of playing catch-up.
To fight the shame that locks us down, I center acceptance of the whole self in my practice through modalities like ACT and DBT.
When you struggle with executive functioning, that long list of chores can feel like a punishment. Or maybe feeling burnt out has sucked the passion out of your career, leaving you aimless. Every day can feel like a losing battle, but you don’t have to do it alone. It doesn't always have to end in a fight against time and anxiety, and you don't have to feel shame for struggling to complete what seems to come easily to others. Understanding what really makes you tick and finding motivation within yourself can put you on the path to living on your own terms instead of playing catch-up.
Christina M. Calderon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77008
We may decide to use artistic processes, such as drawing, painting, writing, body movement, dreamwork or more traditional therapies, like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in our work together.
I believe the therapeutic relationship is central to creating a safe space for sharing, healing, and transformation to occur. I approach this relationship from a client-centered and trauma-informed perspective, and my therapeutic orientation is holistic, intuitive, and integrative. Art therapy and other symbolic communication can be an important component of psychological healing, and I specialize in expressive therapies that encourage self-exploration.
We may decide to use artistic processes, such as drawing, painting, writing, body movement, dreamwork or more traditional therapies, like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in our work together.
I believe the therapeutic relationship is central to creating a safe space for sharing, healing, and transformation to occur. I approach this relationship from a client-centered and trauma-informed perspective, and my therapeutic orientation is holistic, intuitive, and integrative. Art therapy and other symbolic communication can be an important component of psychological healing, and I specialize in expressive therapies that encourage self-exploration.
Mimi Walke
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, C-DBT
Verified Verified
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77008
I focus on using Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Person Centered Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy.
Do you ever feel misunderstood, alone, or overwhelmed by your daily responsibilities? Therapy can be a great way to learn to build coping skills for your anxiety, depression, or any other mental health challenges you may be facing. Therapy can also help you set goals, work on boundary setting, communication skills, and processing past events that have left lasting marks in current relationships. It's important that I provide a safe space for my clients to express their feelings, needs, and wants to an unbiased person (me, the counselor) and that I can offer feedback that challenges them to grow and heal!
I focus on using Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Person Centered Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy.
Do you ever feel misunderstood, alone, or overwhelmed by your daily responsibilities? Therapy can be a great way to learn to build coping skills for your anxiety, depression, or any other mental health challenges you may be facing. Therapy can also help you set goals, work on boundary setting, communication skills, and processing past events that have left lasting marks in current relationships. It's important that I provide a safe space for my clients to express their feelings, needs, and wants to an unbiased person (me, the counselor) and that I can offer feedback that challenges them to grow and heal!
Blair Vinson Kleiber
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston Heights, Houston, TX 77008 (Online Only)
My primary approach is dialectical behavior therapy (I am certified by the DBT-Linehan Board) & I provide a comprehensive program including individual therapy, skills training & 24 hour phone coaching.
My primary focus is helping clients build a fulfilling life based on their personal values & goals. I primarily work with older adolescents, adults, parents, and families with a variety of difficulties including: self-harm & suicidal behaviors, intense emotions/emotions that feel out of control, mood (depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety, and substance use disorders. I have extensive training treating disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well. My style is collaborative and compassionate, as well as evidence based, meaning I use treatments that have been supported by research to show they are effective.
My primary approach is dialectical behavior therapy (I am certified by the DBT-Linehan Board) & I provide a comprehensive program including individual therapy, skills training & 24 hour phone coaching.
My primary focus is helping clients build a fulfilling life based on their personal values & goals. I primarily work with older adolescents, adults, parents, and families with a variety of difficulties including: self-harm & suicidal behaviors, intense emotions/emotions that feel out of control, mood (depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety, and substance use disorders. I have extensive training treating disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well. My style is collaborative and compassionate, as well as evidence based, meaning I use treatments that have been supported by research to show they are effective.
See more therapy options for Houston Heights, Houston
Nearby Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists Searches for Houston Heights, Houston
- Downtown
- Garden Oaks
- Greater Heights
- Greenway - Upper Kirby
- Midtown
- Montrose
- North
- Northside Village
- Oak Forest
- Rice Military
- River Oaks
- Timbergrove
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.