Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Utah County, UT

Photo of Liz Applegate, A-CMHC, Counselor
Liz Applegate
Counselor, A-CMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orem, UT 84057  (Online Only)
Through many different therapy modalities, we can find the one that works best for you including strengths-based solutions, person-centered therapy, CBT, and DBT/Mindfulness.
Working with those feeling overwhelmed by perfectionism, grief, life changes, or a traumatic event is such important work. You might struggle with feeling tired and have an overwhelming sense of anxiety and/or depression. Those who have always felt strong and independent cannot understand why they are unable to do this one thing on their own - why they continue to feel so alone. Please know, it is totally okay to NOT be okay and that you don't need to go it alone.
Through many different therapy modalities, we can find the one that works best for you including strengths-based solutions, person-centered therapy, CBT, and DBT/Mindfulness.
Working with those feeling overwhelmed by perfectionism, grief, life changes, or a traumatic event is such important work. You might struggle with feeling tired and have an overwhelming sense of anxiety and/or depression. Those who have always felt strong and independent cannot understand why they are unable to do this one thing on their own - why they continue to feel so alone. Please know, it is totally okay to NOT be okay and that you don't need to go it alone.
(385) 325-8776 View (385) 325-8776
Photo of Olivia Fullmer, MS, CMHC, Counselor
Olivia Fullmer
Counselor, MS, CMHC
Verified Verified
Lehi, UT 84043
I specialize in treatment with eating disorders, trauma, and addictions and is passionate about my work including creative therapy, DBT, and EMDR.
I work with diverse populations with a person-centered approach for individuals to increase their self-awareness and understanding of how they are able to improve their overall well-being, relationships, and functioning lifestyle.
I specialize in treatment with eating disorders, trauma, and addictions and is passionate about my work including creative therapy, DBT, and EMDR.
I work with diverse populations with a person-centered approach for individuals to increase their self-awareness and understanding of how they are able to improve their overall well-being, relationships, and functioning lifestyle.
(801) 797-2941 View (801) 797-2941
Photo of Holly Dixon, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Holly Dixon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lehi, UT 84043
I also draw from DBT, CBT and IFS theories and utilize Accelerated Resolution Therapy, which is an incredible tool (similar to EMDR) in healing from any kind of trauma or stressors that are negatively impacting your life.
Do you feel stuck or burned out? Are you or your child/teen struggling with anxiety or depression? Do you feel like you are drowning with the demands of life and can’t seem to keep your head above water? Or maybe you are experiencing a crisis in your life (infidelity, death, divorce), you feel blindsided & don’t even know where to begin. I can help. Utilizing a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach, I will meet you where you are, and help you to learn tools to cope more effectively with the stressors that you are experiencing.
I also draw from DBT, CBT and IFS theories and utilize Accelerated Resolution Therapy, which is an incredible tool (similar to EMDR) in healing from any kind of trauma or stressors that are negatively impacting your life.
Do you feel stuck or burned out? Are you or your child/teen struggling with anxiety or depression? Do you feel like you are drowning with the demands of life and can’t seem to keep your head above water? Or maybe you are experiencing a crisis in your life (infidelity, death, divorce), you feel blindsided & don’t even know where to begin. I can help. Utilizing a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach, I will meet you where you are, and help you to learn tools to cope more effectively with the stressors that you are experiencing.
(385) 254-3522 View (385) 254-3522
Photo of Carrie Reall - Circle of Life Counseling Center, LCSW, CMHC, LMFT, Counselor
Circle of Life Counseling Center
Counselor, LCSW, CMHC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lehi, UT 84043
Our Clinicians are trained and certified in one or more of the following specialties: EMDR, ART, EFT, Gottman, Sand-tray, DBT.
Circle of Life Counseling Center provides a safe and confidential setting to enable people to heal emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Counseling services are provided to individuals, couples, families, and groups. We are here to assist you with: handling life's transitions and loss; personal growth; managing stress; coping with depression and anxiety; strengthening marriage and family relationships; and discovering resources for understanding and healing. Our Center was established in 2010 and is committed to providing an atmosphere where people who are facing difficulties can find understanding, healing and wholeness.
Our Clinicians are trained and certified in one or more of the following specialties: EMDR, ART, EFT, Gottman, Sand-tray, DBT.
Circle of Life Counseling Center provides a safe and confidential setting to enable people to heal emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Counseling services are provided to individuals, couples, families, and groups. We are here to assist you with: handling life's transitions and loss; personal growth; managing stress; coping with depression and anxiety; strengthening marriage and family relationships; and discovering resources for understanding and healing. Our Center was established in 2010 and is committed to providing an atmosphere where people who are facing difficulties can find understanding, healing and wholeness.
(801) 797-3754 View (801) 797-3754
Photo of Tanya Santiago, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tanya Santiago
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salem, UT 84653
I also use EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and (SFBT) Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
My therapy practice is motivated by a passion for helping others find hope and healing. Through your journey of healing, I will meet you where you are and help you take steps to reach your goals. In over 12 years of practice, I have assisted people from diverse backgrounds learn skills to assist with depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, grief & loss, marriage, divorce and other difficult circumstances. I speak Spanish and have been blessed to speak with people in their native language. I am currently seeing people in person and online.
I also use EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and (SFBT) Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
My therapy practice is motivated by a passion for helping others find hope and healing. Through your journey of healing, I will meet you where you are and help you take steps to reach your goals. In over 12 years of practice, I have assisted people from diverse backgrounds learn skills to assist with depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, grief & loss, marriage, divorce and other difficult circumstances. I speak Spanish and have been blessed to speak with people in their native language. I am currently seeing people in person and online.
(801) 335-9270 View (801) 335-9270
Photo of Kelli Murray, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kelli Murray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Provo, UT 84604
I am trained in EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and even sand tray.
I specialize in working with trauma in clients of all ages. Before practicing privately, I worked with women who were childhood sexual abuse survivors in a retreat and outpatient setting for two years. I also worked with both adults and children through Family Haven, Utah Foster Care, and Wasatch Mental Health. Over my years working in mental health I developed a love for working with all ages to heal from trauma. I like taking a client-centered in therapy to help clients feel more empowered and whole. I also enjoy helping clients through symptoms of trauma, anxiety, depression and issues related to faith transitions.
I am trained in EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and even sand tray.
I specialize in working with trauma in clients of all ages. Before practicing privately, I worked with women who were childhood sexual abuse survivors in a retreat and outpatient setting for two years. I also worked with both adults and children through Family Haven, Utah Foster Care, and Wasatch Mental Health. Over my years working in mental health I developed a love for working with all ages to heal from trauma. I like taking a client-centered in therapy to help clients feel more empowered and whole. I also enjoy helping clients through symptoms of trauma, anxiety, depression and issues related to faith transitions.
(385) 402-6463 View (385) 402-6463
Photo of Stephanie Shillig, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stephanie Shillig
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lehi, UT 84043
I use evidence-based modalities and am certified in EMDR and DBT.
As a therapist, I feel honored to join my clients on their journey of healing as they are reminded of their strengths and learn new skills to overcome their challenges. I understand the importance of building trust with my clients, respecting their stories without judgment, and creating a safe space for them to be open and vulnerable. I find joy in helping my clients better understand themselves and their past and present relationships, let go of negative core beliefs and patterns that are no longer serving them, and ultimately believe that they are enough.
I use evidence-based modalities and am certified in EMDR and DBT.
As a therapist, I feel honored to join my clients on their journey of healing as they are reminded of their strengths and learn new skills to overcome their challenges. I understand the importance of building trust with my clients, respecting their stories without judgment, and creating a safe space for them to be open and vulnerable. I find joy in helping my clients better understand themselves and their past and present relationships, let go of negative core beliefs and patterns that are no longer serving them, and ultimately believe that they are enough.
(385) 279-5431 View (385) 279-5431
Photo of Aymee Condie, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Aymee Condie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Orem, UT 84097  (Online Only)
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Polyvagal Theory based strategies.
An ideal client for me is an individual who is committed to the therapeutic process and open to honest feedback. Individuals who are self-driven and active in their healing, and willing to put in the work necessary to heal.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Polyvagal Theory based strategies.
An ideal client for me is an individual who is committed to the therapeutic process and open to honest feedback. Individuals who are self-driven and active in their healing, and willing to put in the work necessary to heal.
(385) 666-0293 View (385) 666-0293
Photo of Candice Mortensen, LCMHC, MA, Counselor
Candice Mortensen
Counselor, LCMHC, MA
Verified Verified
Springville, UT 84663
She also incorporates other evidence-based modalities, including but not limited to, (IFS) Internal Family Systems Therapy, play therapy, filial therapy, art therapy, motivational interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and person-centered therapy.
Candice has experience and a passion for working with children and their families to heal from trauma and build secure attachment patterns. She understands that each person's unique experiences play an influence in current functioning. She is compassionate with the complexities involved in mental health, including but not limited to, relationships challenges, ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and Autism. She is knowledgable on struggles related to international and local adoptions, foster care, sensory processing differences, and abuse.
She also incorporates other evidence-based modalities, including but not limited to, (IFS) Internal Family Systems Therapy, play therapy, filial therapy, art therapy, motivational interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and person-centered therapy.
Candice has experience and a passion for working with children and their families to heal from trauma and build secure attachment patterns. She understands that each person's unique experiences play an influence in current functioning. She is compassionate with the complexities involved in mental health, including but not limited to, relationships challenges, ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and Autism. She is knowledgable on struggles related to international and local adoptions, foster care, sensory processing differences, and abuse.
(385) 324-6004 View (385) 324-6004
Photo of Chris Lewis, Pre-Licensed Professional
Chris Lewis
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Orem, UT 84057
Dialectical Behavioral and Emotionally Focused Therapy techniques for emotion and behavior based difficulties.
We as people tend to become comfortable with behaviors that make us uncomfortable. As strange as it might sound, we are drawn to the easy and familiar instead of things that might be good for us. This is where anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction thrive. If you're reading this, you have already taken the first step toward becoming a better, more confident, and more satisfied version of yourself. If you are ready and committed to improving yourself, I am here to help you through your journey.
Dialectical Behavioral and Emotionally Focused Therapy techniques for emotion and behavior based difficulties.
We as people tend to become comfortable with behaviors that make us uncomfortable. As strange as it might sound, we are drawn to the easy and familiar instead of things that might be good for us. This is where anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction thrive. If you're reading this, you have already taken the first step toward becoming a better, more confident, and more satisfied version of yourself. If you are ready and committed to improving yourself, I am here to help you through your journey.
(385) 255-7328 View (385) 255-7328
Photo of Justin Marks, Pre-Licensed Professional
Justin Marks
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
I strive to create a warm, welcoming space where anyone can open up about the challenges in their life. Although I may have expertise in many modalities including CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing, you are the one who is an expert in your own life. Perhaps you are working through a difficult faith transition or are just coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. In my office, you will find a non-judgemental place where you can talk through the difficulties that come with living a good life. I hope to provide skills and strategies to help you succeed at creating the life you want for yourself, whatever that may be.
I strive to create a warm, welcoming space where anyone can open up about the challenges in their life. Although I may have expertise in many modalities including CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing, you are the one who is an expert in your own life. Perhaps you are working through a difficult faith transition or are just coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. In my office, you will find a non-judgemental place where you can talk through the difficulties that come with living a good life. I hope to provide skills and strategies to help you succeed at creating the life you want for yourself, whatever that may be.
(385) 479-8311 View (385) 479-8311
Photo of Carol Erekson, CSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carol Erekson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lehi, UT 84043
I utilize evidenced based strategies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, DBT, Trauma Focused CBT and EMDR as well as other evidenced based approaches and believe that therapy is not a once-size-fits-all approach and should be approached in partnership with the client.
I've felt like a social worker all my life, and have always been drawn to advocate and offer support to those in need. I believe that everyone deserves to live a life where they are safe, supported and valued. My passion is to provide hope and encouragement to others as they create the life they would like to achieve. Whether it is healing from past trauma, or navigating life with its zigs and zags, I seek to help clients grow in their family and social relationships, learn new coping skills, and provide support and a safe space as they move through their personal journey.
I utilize evidenced based strategies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, DBT, Trauma Focused CBT and EMDR as well as other evidenced based approaches and believe that therapy is not a once-size-fits-all approach and should be approached in partnership with the client.
I've felt like a social worker all my life, and have always been drawn to advocate and offer support to those in need. I believe that everyone deserves to live a life where they are safe, supported and valued. My passion is to provide hope and encouragement to others as they create the life they would like to achieve. Whether it is healing from past trauma, or navigating life with its zigs and zags, I seek to help clients grow in their family and social relationships, learn new coping skills, and provide support and a safe space as they move through their personal journey.
(385) 526-2916 View (385) 526-2916
Photo of Jay Hafen, CMHC, MS, Counselor
Jay Hafen
Counselor, CMHC, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
I have certified training in CBT, DBT, and EFT.
Personal, safe, and confidential individual and couples counseling, focusing on alleviating the pain caused by depression and anxiety.
I have certified training in CBT, DBT, and EFT.
Personal, safe, and confidential individual and couples counseling, focusing on alleviating the pain caused by depression and anxiety.
(385) 217-8523 View (385) 217-8523
Photo of Elizabeth R Harding, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth R Harding
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland, UT 84003  (Online Only)
I use multiple modalities including expressive arts therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), play therapy, and family therapy.
I believe in the goodness and strengths of others and seek to empower clients as they work towards their goals. I view the healing process as a collaborative endeavor, and I regard you as the expert in your life. I use a strengths-based, solution focused approach to support healthy coping strategies for healing, personal success, and symptom relief.
I use multiple modalities including expressive arts therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), play therapy, and family therapy.
I believe in the goodness and strengths of others and seek to empower clients as they work towards their goals. I view the healing process as a collaborative endeavor, and I regard you as the expert in your life. I use a strengths-based, solution focused approach to support healthy coping strategies for healing, personal success, and symptom relief.
(385) 462-1948 View (385) 462-1948
Photo of Wendy Canova, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Wendy Canova
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orem, UT 84097
Wendy operates from a Feminist Theory framework and pulls interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Wendy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in trauma work. She has worked with survivors of domestic and sexual violence for nearly nine years in various capacities. She is passionate about empowering survivors using a trauma-informed approach. She has been a certified Domestic Violence Survivor Provider for the state of Utah for five years. She has spent these five years working with clients on an individual basis and in group settings, as well as educating community members and other providers on the effects of trauma.
Wendy operates from a Feminist Theory framework and pulls interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Wendy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in trauma work. She has worked with survivors of domestic and sexual violence for nearly nine years in various capacities. She is passionate about empowering survivors using a trauma-informed approach. She has been a certified Domestic Violence Survivor Provider for the state of Utah for five years. She has spent these five years working with clients on an individual basis and in group settings, as well as educating community members and other providers on the effects of trauma.
(801) 405-3078 View (801) 405-3078
Photo of Lauren Carah Christensen, CMHC, Counselor
Lauren Carah Christensen
Counselor, CMHC
Verified Verified
Lindon, UT 84042
Waitlist for new clients
I also use TF-CBT, play therapy, DBT, CBT, MI to help overcome.
Asking for help is tough whether it is for you or someone you love, but it can be worth it. I have been a therapist for over 10 + years, and hope I can help you find some relief. I specialize in all types of traumas both “Little t” and “Big T” traumas (i.e. family or origins, bullying, chronic health, divorce, adjustment issues, life change, to all types of abuse and harm), PTSD, depression, addiction, and anxiety. I work with individuals, families, couples, the LGTBQIA+ community, first responders/military, and ages 4-76+ years old. As your therapist, therapy, we can do worth together to grow and heal.
I also use TF-CBT, play therapy, DBT, CBT, MI to help overcome.
Asking for help is tough whether it is for you or someone you love, but it can be worth it. I have been a therapist for over 10 + years, and hope I can help you find some relief. I specialize in all types of traumas both “Little t” and “Big T” traumas (i.e. family or origins, bullying, chronic health, divorce, adjustment issues, life change, to all types of abuse and harm), PTSD, depression, addiction, and anxiety. I work with individuals, families, couples, the LGTBQIA+ community, first responders/military, and ages 4-76+ years old. As your therapist, therapy, we can do worth together to grow and heal.
(385) 417-6762 View (385) 417-6762
Photo of Sandra Lima, CSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sandra Lima
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orem, UT 84057
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and anger management.
Regardless of your background, culture, gender, age or mental state I would love to help you navigate through life’s challenges, feel good about yourself and find a balance of happiness and inner peace. Some go through life carrying heavy feelings in their hearts not knowing where to go, who to trust or how to express their deep sorrows and find relief. During this extremely challenging time we are all enduring, in which depression and anxiety are affecting so many of us I am here to assure you that you are not alone.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and anger management.
Regardless of your background, culture, gender, age or mental state I would love to help you navigate through life’s challenges, feel good about yourself and find a balance of happiness and inner peace. Some go through life carrying heavy feelings in their hearts not knowing where to go, who to trust or how to express their deep sorrows and find relief. During this extremely challenging time we are all enduring, in which depression and anxiety are affecting so many of us I am here to assure you that you are not alone.
(385) 483-4182 View (385) 483-4182
Photo of Ang Haroldsen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ang Haroldsen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lehi, UT 84043
I offer a range of therapeutic modalities that draw from evidence-based practices, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma Focused, Play Therapy & mindfulness techniques.
My passion is helping children, teens and young adults successfully navigate life challenges & learn to thrive. For me, there is nothing more rewarding than embarking on a journey of self-discovery & empowerment alongside my clients. My therapy approach centers on creating a safe, empathetic, & non-judgmental space where clients can openly share their thoughts, emotions, and concerns. When you choose to work with me, you can expect a warm & welcoming environment where everyone's unique experiences are valued & understood. From the very first session, my aim is to establish a genuine connection, built upon trust and mutual respect.
I offer a range of therapeutic modalities that draw from evidence-based practices, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma Focused, Play Therapy & mindfulness techniques.
My passion is helping children, teens and young adults successfully navigate life challenges & learn to thrive. For me, there is nothing more rewarding than embarking on a journey of self-discovery & empowerment alongside my clients. My therapy approach centers on creating a safe, empathetic, & non-judgmental space where clients can openly share their thoughts, emotions, and concerns. When you choose to work with me, you can expect a warm & welcoming environment where everyone's unique experiences are valued & understood. From the very first session, my aim is to establish a genuine connection, built upon trust and mutual respect.
(801) 781-5840 View (801) 781-5840
Photo of Kayla Wendelboe, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kayla Wendelboe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saratoga Springs, UT 84045  (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Kayla! I am a trauma informed LCSW therapist here to make therapy accessible so you can create a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling, regardless of your past. I work with teenagers and adults struggling with a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, body image, self-esteem, suicidal ideation, pornography use, OCD, grief and loss, adjustment disorders, and relationship issues, among others. I am trained in EMDR and have experience utilizing therapy modalities including MI, CBT, ACT, DBT, and IFS.
Hi, I'm Kayla! I am a trauma informed LCSW therapist here to make therapy accessible so you can create a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling, regardless of your past. I work with teenagers and adults struggling with a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, body image, self-esteem, suicidal ideation, pornography use, OCD, grief and loss, adjustment disorders, and relationship issues, among others. I am trained in EMDR and have experience utilizing therapy modalities including MI, CBT, ACT, DBT, and IFS.
(385) 375-3009 View (385) 375-3009
Photo of Peter Bown, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Peter Bown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Provo, UT 84601  (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Peter! I am a licensed therapist and here to help empower you to create a life you enjoy, and to find peace. I work with adults, teens, and couples facing challenges including addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, and relationship problems, among others. I have experience using proven therapeutic techniques such as ACT, CBT, DBT, IFS, and Narrative Therapy.
Hi, I'm Peter! I am a licensed therapist and here to help empower you to create a life you enjoy, and to find peace. I work with adults, teens, and couples facing challenges including addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, and relationship problems, among others. I have experience using proven therapeutic techniques such as ACT, CBT, DBT, IFS, and Narrative Therapy.
(385) 243-7802 View (385) 243-7802

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.