Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Oakland, FL

Photo of Lizandra Muniz, PsyD, LMHC, Counselor
Lizandra Muniz
Counselor, PsyD, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, FL 34787  (Online Only)
I support my clients in their journey towards self-discovery and growth integrating techniques from evidence based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
I am a psychologist in training, currently working on completing supervised clinical hours for licensure in the state of Florida. Additionally, I'm a Licensed Mental Health counselor with over 10 years of experience working with individuals facing multiple life challenges. My goal is to help others live a healthier and happier life.
I support my clients in their journey towards self-discovery and growth integrating techniques from evidence based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
I am a psychologist in training, currently working on completing supervised clinical hours for licensure in the state of Florida. Additionally, I'm a Licensed Mental Health counselor with over 10 years of experience working with individuals facing multiple life challenges. My goal is to help others live a healthier and happier life.
(786) 791-5341 View (786) 791-5341
Photo of Stephanie Stolzenbach - Charlie Health
Charlie Health
Verified Verified
Oakland, FL 34787  (Online Only)
We specialize in CBT, DBT skills, and CFT.
Charlie Health is a leading provider of virtual mental health treatment for people in need of more than once-weekly therapy. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, or any ongoing mental health issue, Charlie Health’s Clinical Team is ready to help you start your healing journey today. You don’t have to struggle alone – we’re here for you. To get started today, reach out at t.ly/ch-fl
We specialize in CBT, DBT skills, and CFT.
Charlie Health is a leading provider of virtual mental health treatment for people in need of more than once-weekly therapy. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, or any ongoing mental health issue, Charlie Health’s Clinical Team is ready to help you start your healing journey today. You don’t have to struggle alone – we’re here for you. To get started today, reach out at t.ly/ch-fl
(954) 800-2258 View (954) 800-2258
Photo of Heather Johnson - Raising Resilience , Licensed Professional Counselor
Raising Resilience
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, FL 34787  (Online Only)
I am accepting new Tele-Therapy individuals & couples. It takes a lot of courage to admit you need help. However, it's the first step. I am excited to work with a vast array of clients, including those in the LGBTQ+/BDSM/Kink/Consensual Non-Monogamy community and those with religious shame, veterans, & those with criminal & substance use histories. If you are searching for internal stability, & grounding, I would love to help facilitate personal growth in a compassionate & safe environment. My goal is to assist you in moving towards self-acceptance & away from shame.
I am accepting new Tele-Therapy individuals & couples. It takes a lot of courage to admit you need help. However, it's the first step. I am excited to work with a vast array of clients, including those in the LGBTQ+/BDSM/Kink/Consensual Non-Monogamy community and those with religious shame, veterans, & those with criminal & substance use histories. If you are searching for internal stability, & grounding, I would love to help facilitate personal growth in a compassionate & safe environment. My goal is to assist you in moving towards self-acceptance & away from shame.
(407) 974-7270 View (407) 974-7270
Photo of Jasodra Suba, LMHC
Jasodra Suba
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Oakland, FL 34787
Dr. Jasodra Suba is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. She graduated with a Doctorate in Psychology and Education from National Louis University and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. As a clinician and educator, she has over 18 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse racial, cultural, gender, and socioeconomic backgrounds. As part of her profession of mental health care, Dr. Suba is committed to providing high-quality client-centered, reality-based, psycho-educational, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Dr. Jasodra Suba is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. She graduated with a Doctorate in Psychology and Education from National Louis University and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. As a clinician and educator, she has over 18 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse racial, cultural, gender, and socioeconomic backgrounds. As part of her profession of mental health care, Dr. Suba is committed to providing high-quality client-centered, reality-based, psycho-educational, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
(407) 890-7129 View (407) 890-7129
Photo of Jessica Matthews, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica Matthews
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, FL 34787  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I graduated from the University of New Hampshire, earning my Master of Social Work degree, and have been a psychotherapist for the past 7 years. I am currently working towards a PhD in Developmental Psychology. My choice to specialize in grief came at a young age after a personal experience. I lost a classmate in high school that had a profound impact on me, enough to help me decide that that mental health was the career path I wanted to take. This and my passion to help people eventually brought me to where I am today.
I graduated from the University of New Hampshire, earning my Master of Social Work degree, and have been a psychotherapist for the past 7 years. I am currently working towards a PhD in Developmental Psychology. My choice to specialize in grief came at a young age after a personal experience. I lost a classmate in high school that had a profound impact on me, enough to help me decide that that mental health was the career path I wanted to take. This and my passion to help people eventually brought me to where I am today.
(646) 604-2498 View (646) 604-2498
Photo of Ryan Roberts, NCC, CCMHC, LPC, Counselor
Ryan Roberts
Counselor, NCC, CCMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, FL 34760  (Online Only)
I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is an essential part of the healing process. To foster the therapeutic relationship I incorporate trust, respect, and authenticity into my work. I provide an open, comfortable, and non-judgmental environment where my clients can feel at ease. My goal for my clients is two-fold. In the short term, I'd like to help clients get some relief and to ease some of the symptoms they may be experiencing. In the longer term, I hope to get to the bottom of the feelings, concerns and dilemmas that cause such symptoms.
I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is an essential part of the healing process. To foster the therapeutic relationship I incorporate trust, respect, and authenticity into my work. I provide an open, comfortable, and non-judgmental environment where my clients can feel at ease. My goal for my clients is two-fold. In the short term, I'd like to help clients get some relief and to ease some of the symptoms they may be experiencing. In the longer term, I hope to get to the bottom of the feelings, concerns and dilemmas that cause such symptoms.
(321) 450-9021 View (321) 450-9021
Photo of Julia Sharp - Charis Counseling Center, LMHC, Counselor
Charis Counseling Center
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Oakland, FL 34760
Charis Counseling Center has been providing expert counseling in the central Florida area since its inception in 2000. Charis offers the services of trained professionals who provide comfort and hope as they guide you toward overcoming obstacles and experiencing the authentic, abundant life. We also provide psychiatric medical management quickly and efficiently.
Charis Counseling Center has been providing expert counseling in the central Florida area since its inception in 2000. Charis offers the services of trained professionals who provide comfort and hope as they guide you toward overcoming obstacles and experiencing the authentic, abundant life. We also provide psychiatric medical management quickly and efficiently.
(407) 258-1147 View (407) 258-1147

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Megan A White, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Megan A White
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Winter Garden, FL 34787
Coming from a Christian worldview, she uses evidenced-based practices such as CBT, DBT, FFT, along with traditional talk therapy, to encourage each client’s personal growth, healing, and individual treatment goals.
There are so many ways trauma can come into our lives: abuse, death, divorce, infertility, miscarriage, and through losses of a loved one, a job, our security, or our stability. As humans, we are all susceptible to traumatic experiences and the ways they impact our bodies. But there is HOPE! I am confident that much healing comes from the experience of the therapeutic relationship, one of trust, encouragement, non-judgment, and professionalism. As I have done for so many clients in my career, let me walk alongside you and assist you on your personal path to healing.
Coming from a Christian worldview, she uses evidenced-based practices such as CBT, DBT, FFT, along with traditional talk therapy, to encourage each client’s personal growth, healing, and individual treatment goals.
There are so many ways trauma can come into our lives: abuse, death, divorce, infertility, miscarriage, and through losses of a loved one, a job, our security, or our stability. As humans, we are all susceptible to traumatic experiences and the ways they impact our bodies. But there is HOPE! I am confident that much healing comes from the experience of the therapeutic relationship, one of trust, encouragement, non-judgment, and professionalism. As I have done for so many clients in my career, let me walk alongside you and assist you on your personal path to healing.
(407) 559-8748 View (407) 559-8748
Photo of Samantha Fernandez
Samantha Fernandez
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winter Garden, FL 34787
I use psychodynamic approaches, DBT techniques, CBT, and play therapy techniques to help clients achieve their goals.
My ideal client is someone who is ready to do the work in therapy to recognize unhelpful patterns of behavior and thinking. They are someone who is interested in making a change, or exploring why they may behave, react, or feel a certain way.
I use psychodynamic approaches, DBT techniques, CBT, and play therapy techniques to help clients achieve their goals.
My ideal client is someone who is ready to do the work in therapy to recognize unhelpful patterns of behavior and thinking. They are someone who is interested in making a change, or exploring why they may behave, react, or feel a certain way.
(352) 675-3976 View (352) 675-3976
Photo of Emmy Causseaux, LMHC, MA, Counselor
Emmy Causseaux
Counselor, LMHC, MA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Winter Garden, FL 34787
I offer therapy primarily through CBT, DBT, ACT, feminist, and Existentialist lenses.
You can book a consultation with me by clicking on my website! It's true that our Comfort Zones are wonderful places that keep us safe, but growth cannot occur there. My ideal client is willing to find the strength within themselves to step outside of their Comfort Zones to create small changes in their lives that add up to big changes in their emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being . My focus with my clients will always be progress over perfection and to build self-love and self-compassion above all. I enjoy taking a direct yet compassionate approach, utilizing humor, education, and the power that already exists within us.
I offer therapy primarily through CBT, DBT, ACT, feminist, and Existentialist lenses.
You can book a consultation with me by clicking on my website! It's true that our Comfort Zones are wonderful places that keep us safe, but growth cannot occur there. My ideal client is willing to find the strength within themselves to step outside of their Comfort Zones to create small changes in their lives that add up to big changes in their emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being . My focus with my clients will always be progress over perfection and to build self-love and self-compassion above all. I enjoy taking a direct yet compassionate approach, utilizing humor, education, and the power that already exists within us.
(407) 378-1832 View (407) 378-1832
Photo of Rebecca Dornan- Erman, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Rebecca Dornan- Erman
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winter Garden, FL 34787
I am currently trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems, CBT, DBT, as well as person centered therapy.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, that specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma, and co-occuring mental health illnesses. I am currently working towards my certification as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS), as well as my full certification for EMDR. My goal as a therapist is to provide my clients with a space and counselor that is strengths based, safe, and judgement free to facilitate growth and change. I work with a wide variety of disorders including anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and trauma to name a few.
I am currently trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems, CBT, DBT, as well as person centered therapy.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, that specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma, and co-occuring mental health illnesses. I am currently working towards my certification as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS), as well as my full certification for EMDR. My goal as a therapist is to provide my clients with a space and counselor that is strengths based, safe, and judgement free to facilitate growth and change. I work with a wide variety of disorders including anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and trauma to name a few.
(407) 268-0355 View (407) 268-0355
Photo of Elizabeth Lugo - Trauma and Wellness Counseling Center, MA, LMHC, TF-CBT, C-DBT, QCS, Counselor
Trauma and Wellness Counseling Center
Counselor, MA, LMHC, TF-CBT, C-DBT, QCS
Verified Verified
Winter Garden, FL 34787  (Online Only)
Elizabeth is Certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
Elizabeth Lugo graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling. She has been working in the field for over 15 years and has specialized in trauma counseling in children and adults with diagnosis like PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Borderline personality, and OCD. She now works in her private practice at Trauma and Wellness Counseling Center where she provides Teletherapy services. She is also pursuing her PhD in Counseling at UCF.
Elizabeth is Certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
Elizabeth Lugo graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling. She has been working in the field for over 15 years and has specialized in trauma counseling in children and adults with diagnosis like PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Borderline personality, and OCD. She now works in her private practice at Trauma and Wellness Counseling Center where she provides Teletherapy services. She is also pursuing her PhD in Counseling at UCF.
(407) 305-5964 View (407) 305-5964
Photo of Brenna Iyampillai, MS, LMHC, EMDR
Brenna Iyampillai
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MS, LMHC, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winter Garden, FL 34787  (Online Only)
I integrate a variety of evidence-based treatment methods, including CBT, DBT, and EMDR, to offer you the best support possible.
Are you navigating the challenges of anxiety, depression, or traumatic stress? Do you struggle with fears of abandonment, feelings of low self-worth, or relationship difficulties? Recognizing the need for support is a remarkable display of courage and strength, and I commend you for taking this first step. I understand how daunting it can feel to open up to someone new. That's why I am committed to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for you. Together, we can embark on a journey of discovery and growth, breaking free from recurring patterns and gaining deeper insights into your behaviors.
I integrate a variety of evidence-based treatment methods, including CBT, DBT, and EMDR, to offer you the best support possible.
Are you navigating the challenges of anxiety, depression, or traumatic stress? Do you struggle with fears of abandonment, feelings of low self-worth, or relationship difficulties? Recognizing the need for support is a remarkable display of courage and strength, and I commend you for taking this first step. I understand how daunting it can feel to open up to someone new. That's why I am committed to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for you. Together, we can embark on a journey of discovery and growth, breaking free from recurring patterns and gaining deeper insights into your behaviors.
(561) 556-4937 View (561) 556-4937
Photo of Eliza Joachim, LMHC, MS, Counselor
Eliza Joachim
Counselor, LMHC, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winter Garden, FL 34787  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I'm experienced in (DBT), Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Attachment-based Therapy.
When life throws so many responsibilities your way that everything becomes overwhelming, seeking counseling can be intimidating. I'm so happy you've made the first step! I want to invite you to meet and talk about those challenging and overwhelming situations in your life. My goal is to combine research based interventions with an authentic, warm and caring style to help you navigate through your difficult situations. I have experience in trauma,anxiety, attachments, depression, relationships, addictions and self-esteem work. I hope that you will take this opportunity to reach out so we can get started on your healing journey today!
I'm experienced in (DBT), Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Attachment-based Therapy.
When life throws so many responsibilities your way that everything becomes overwhelming, seeking counseling can be intimidating. I'm so happy you've made the first step! I want to invite you to meet and talk about those challenging and overwhelming situations in your life. My goal is to combine research based interventions with an authentic, warm and caring style to help you navigate through your difficult situations. I have experience in trauma,anxiety, attachments, depression, relationships, addictions and self-esteem work. I hope that you will take this opportunity to reach out so we can get started on your healing journey today!
(954) 231-1431 View (954) 231-1431
Photo of Heather Lampton, PsyD, Psychologist
Heather Lampton
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Winter Garden, FL 34787  (Online Only)
I support adults dealing with depression, emotional disruptions, life changes, and challenges using methods like Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical Behavior (DBT), EMDR, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Person-Centered, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), and more.
Do you often feel exhausted by anxiety and depression? Have you considered seeking help but find it challenging to take the first step? These feelings can be overwhelming, making it difficult to know where to turn. However, there is a path to healing, and I'm here to assist you every step of the way. With compassionate support and effective treatment, we can work together to overcome these challenges and help you find relief.
I support adults dealing with depression, emotional disruptions, life changes, and challenges using methods like Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical Behavior (DBT), EMDR, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Person-Centered, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), and more.
Do you often feel exhausted by anxiety and depression? Have you considered seeking help but find it challenging to take the first step? These feelings can be overwhelming, making it difficult to know where to turn. However, there is a path to healing, and I'm here to assist you every step of the way. With compassionate support and effective treatment, we can work together to overcome these challenges and help you find relief.
(725) 900-4584 View (725) 900-4584
Photo of Katherine Lance, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Katherine Lance
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Winter Garden, FL 34787  (Online Only)
Katherine offers insight into your experiences, helps you identify patterns, and provides evidenced based treatment approaches, such as CBT, DBT, IFS, Trauma Focused and Somatic interventions.
Is anxiety causing problems in your relationships and/or career? Is there something you're struggling to move past? Katherine is passionate about helping people heal from their trauma, break their anxiety cycle, learn how to soothe their nervous system and reclaim their personal power. Having 16 years counseling experience, Katherine enjoys helping people live in the present, tend to their wounds from the past, regulate emotions, challenge irrational beliefs, build healthier boundaries and find secure attachment within themself and with their partner.
Katherine offers insight into your experiences, helps you identify patterns, and provides evidenced based treatment approaches, such as CBT, DBT, IFS, Trauma Focused and Somatic interventions.
Is anxiety causing problems in your relationships and/or career? Is there something you're struggling to move past? Katherine is passionate about helping people heal from their trauma, break their anxiety cycle, learn how to soothe their nervous system and reclaim their personal power. Having 16 years counseling experience, Katherine enjoys helping people live in the present, tend to their wounds from the past, regulate emotions, challenge irrational beliefs, build healthier boundaries and find secure attachment within themself and with their partner.
(321) 449-2161 View (321) 449-2161
Photo of Ostin Celestin Jr, LMHC, QS, EMDR, DBT, Counselor
Ostin Celestin Jr
Counselor, LMHC, QS, EMDR, DBT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winter Garden, FL 34787
Trained in DBT, EMDR, and the Gottman Method for Couples, I offer a comprehensive toolkit to address various challenges and concerns.
Trauma affects us all, in one way or another, either individually, in your relationship or family. Emotions like Shame, Guilt, Security, Trust and Intimacy are just some of the complex struggles you’ll need help navigating with either yourself, partner or family. Here’s my 4 keys to solving those issues together. First, explore and assess your trauma, second ensure a sense of emotional safety and stability, third, process your trauma and lastly, reconnect and reintegrate your sense of self and integrity. By following these steps together, we can overcome the challenges posed by trauma and move forward towards healing and growth.
Trained in DBT, EMDR, and the Gottman Method for Couples, I offer a comprehensive toolkit to address various challenges and concerns.
Trauma affects us all, in one way or another, either individually, in your relationship or family. Emotions like Shame, Guilt, Security, Trust and Intimacy are just some of the complex struggles you’ll need help navigating with either yourself, partner or family. Here’s my 4 keys to solving those issues together. First, explore and assess your trauma, second ensure a sense of emotional safety and stability, third, process your trauma and lastly, reconnect and reintegrate your sense of self and integrity. By following these steps together, we can overcome the challenges posed by trauma and move forward towards healing and growth.
(561) 658-4963 View (561) 658-4963
Photo of Jennifer Allmon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Allmon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winter Garden, FL 34787
I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which helps provide you new skills to manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships.
Do you feel overwhelmed by emotions? Are you feeling anxious, stressed, or frustrated? Have you found that you struggle with healthy communication and conflict in your relationships? It is possible to feel joy and balance in your life. Reaching out for help is an intelligent and courageous first step towards creating the life you want and deserve! I provide counseling for children, teens, adults, couples, and families. Together we will work to develop tools and ways to help solve your problems.
I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which helps provide you new skills to manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships.
Do you feel overwhelmed by emotions? Are you feeling anxious, stressed, or frustrated? Have you found that you struggle with healthy communication and conflict in your relationships? It is possible to feel joy and balance in your life. Reaching out for help is an intelligent and courageous first step towards creating the life you want and deserve! I provide counseling for children, teens, adults, couples, and families. Together we will work to develop tools and ways to help solve your problems.
(407) 974-6005 View (407) 974-6005
Photo of Jenelle P Coolidge, MS, LMHC, CCTP-II, Counselor
Jenelle P Coolidge
Counselor, MS, LMHC, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Winter Garden, FL 34787
Additionally, I use approaches such as EMDR, DBT, ACT, CBT, parts work, and art therapy.
Are you struggling with body image and feel like you have an internal battle that no one can see? Do you sometimes feel like you are "stuck" emotionally and need help to keep moving forward. It is difficult to feel seen and understood when struggling with an eating disorder and when struggling with the pain of past traumas. My work with eating disorders and body image is conducted through a Health at Every Size (HAES) lens that provides a safe growing environment to heal.
Additionally, I use approaches such as EMDR, DBT, ACT, CBT, parts work, and art therapy.
Are you struggling with body image and feel like you have an internal battle that no one can see? Do you sometimes feel like you are "stuck" emotionally and need help to keep moving forward. It is difficult to feel seen and understood when struggling with an eating disorder and when struggling with the pain of past traumas. My work with eating disorders and body image is conducted through a Health at Every Size (HAES) lens that provides a safe growing environment to heal.
(321) 456-9588 View (321) 456-9588
Photo of Rachel Russell Cristello, MS, LMHC, CSAT, Counselor
Rachel Russell Cristello
Counselor, MS, LMHC, CSAT
Verified Verified
Winter Garden, FL 34787
I take a strength-based, problem-solving approach with each client by extending a hand of grace through compassion, building trust, and offering hope. I highlight positive aspects of self that propel my clients toward healing and growth.Diverse life experiences have provided insight and passion for helping others. Using CBT techniques from a Christian Worldview, I collaborate with clients and support them as they walk though the changes necessary to fulfill their goals and experience the abundance of what God has planned for them. Let's work together to restore your life, rebuild your relationships, and renew your hope.
I take a strength-based, problem-solving approach with each client by extending a hand of grace through compassion, building trust, and offering hope. I highlight positive aspects of self that propel my clients toward healing and growth.Diverse life experiences have provided insight and passion for helping others. Using CBT techniques from a Christian Worldview, I collaborate with clients and support them as they walk though the changes necessary to fulfill their goals and experience the abundance of what God has planned for them. Let's work together to restore your life, rebuild your relationships, and renew your hope.
(407) 993-1317 View (407) 993-1317

See more therapy options for Oakland

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.