Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Norcross, GA

Photo of Nahomie Julien, LCSW, CADCII, CDVS, CAMS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nahomie Julien
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADCII, CDVS, CAMS
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30071
Drawing from EMDR, CBT, DBT, Trauma-Informed Care, and Solution-Focused Therapy, I craft a holistic treatment plan uniquely suited to your needs.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community seeking a supportive environment, you deserve a safe space to heal. I’m Nahomie Julien, and I’m dedicated to providing a compassionate, safe space for you to explore your feelings and find healing. With my EMDR training and evidence-based practices, I’ll guide you on your journey toward emotional wellness, helping you unlock your potential and build resilience. You deserve a path to peace and fulfillment. Let’s take that first step together
Drawing from EMDR, CBT, DBT, Trauma-Informed Care, and Solution-Focused Therapy, I craft a holistic treatment plan uniquely suited to your needs.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community seeking a supportive environment, you deserve a safe space to heal. I’m Nahomie Julien, and I’m dedicated to providing a compassionate, safe space for you to explore your feelings and find healing. With my EMDR training and evidence-based practices, I’ll guide you on your journey toward emotional wellness, helping you unlock your potential and build resilience. You deserve a path to peace and fulfillment. Let’s take that first step together
(678) 336-5782 View (678) 336-5782
Photo of Magan M. Slack, MS, LPC, MAC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Magan M. Slack
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, MAC
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30092
I use DBT, CBT and psychodynamic theories to help you reframe your negative thinking.
Sometimes life is difficult and you feel like there's no solution to your problems. Sometimes you feel trapped by your feelings of sadness and hopelessness and you don't see a way out. Well, there is a way out and that way out is therapy. As a therapist, I believe in the healing properties of a therapeutic relationship. By processing your thoughts, feelings and behaviors without judgment and with unconditional positive regard, I will help you discover the strength that you have to accomplish any goal.
I use DBT, CBT and psychodynamic theories to help you reframe your negative thinking.
Sometimes life is difficult and you feel like there's no solution to your problems. Sometimes you feel trapped by your feelings of sadness and hopelessness and you don't see a way out. Well, there is a way out and that way out is therapy. As a therapist, I believe in the healing properties of a therapeutic relationship. By processing your thoughts, feelings and behaviors without judgment and with unconditional positive regard, I will help you discover the strength that you have to accomplish any goal.
(678) 249-3686 View (678) 249-3686
Photo of Shari Grizzle, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shari Grizzle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30071
Waitlist for new clients
Shari has extensive knowledge and experience using the following interventions; trauma focused CBT, CBT, dialectical behavior therapy, play therapy, solution focused and brief therapy.
Shari has worked extensively in the foster care system providing age appropriate therapy for children, their biological families and their foster/adoptive families assisting them with the various life transitions and traumas they have endured and giving them the tools needed to overcome these obstacles. Shari believes that individual therapy is always a good place to start addressing stressors in your life so that the progress can carry over to other areas of your life to include relationships, family and work life. Depression and anxiety should not define you, we all experience it at some point but the key is to OVERCOME!
Shari has extensive knowledge and experience using the following interventions; trauma focused CBT, CBT, dialectical behavior therapy, play therapy, solution focused and brief therapy.
Shari has worked extensively in the foster care system providing age appropriate therapy for children, their biological families and their foster/adoptive families assisting them with the various life transitions and traumas they have endured and giving them the tools needed to overcome these obstacles. Shari believes that individual therapy is always a good place to start addressing stressors in your life so that the progress can carry over to other areas of your life to include relationships, family and work life. Depression and anxiety should not define you, we all experience it at some point but the key is to OVERCOME!
(678) 263-7290 View (678) 263-7290
Photo of David Routly, LPC, CPCS, CMHFE, Licensed Professional Counselor
David Routly
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CPCS, CMHFE
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30092  (Online Only)
I provide individualized teletherapy services, using talk therapy, CBT, DBT, EMDR and other modalities to help meet your needs.
My goal is to help my clients identify and meet their own needs, whether to address a specific emerging issue, to manage existing mental health challenges, or to just gain a greater sense of peace and serenity in their lives.
I provide individualized teletherapy services, using talk therapy, CBT, DBT, EMDR and other modalities to help meet your needs.
My goal is to help my clients identify and meet their own needs, whether to address a specific emerging issue, to manage existing mental health challenges, or to just gain a greater sense of peace and serenity in their lives.
(470) 299-7866 View (470) 299-7866
Lorice Harris
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, EdS, NCC
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30092
Although I conceptualize through an Adlerian lens, I utilize a holistic, integrative approach that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Therapy for Recovery, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Transtheoretical Model.
Recovery is possible! We are all capable of changing, healing, and growing. I support adults, couples, and families who are experiencing relational conflict, depression, grief, anxiety, life stress, life transitional periods (e. g. divorce, job loss, midlife transformations), serious mental illness, and other struggles as well. I am especially passionate about supporting adults recovering from substance use disorders (addiction) and their families.
Although I conceptualize through an Adlerian lens, I utilize a holistic, integrative approach that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Therapy for Recovery, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Transtheoretical Model.
Recovery is possible! We are all capable of changing, healing, and growing. I support adults, couples, and families who are experiencing relational conflict, depression, grief, anxiety, life stress, life transitional periods (e. g. divorce, job loss, midlife transformations), serious mental illness, and other struggles as well. I am especially passionate about supporting adults recovering from substance use disorders (addiction) and their families.
(470) 260-7290 View (470) 260-7290
Photo of Briona Kerr, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Briona Kerr
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Norcross, GA 30071  (Online Only)
I use specific evidence-based interventions such as cognitive based therapy, solution-focused, client-centered, dialectical behavior therapy, and family systems depending on your goals.
What if I told you the key to your healing and growth was perspective? I’m Briona Kerr, a licensed master social worker licensed in GA. I believe everything is about perspective and what we make out of it. Whether you are dealing with daily stressors such as work, parenting, or relationship issues or a major life stressor/trauma, the root of not being able to manage these things is our perception of the trauma. If you’re ready to take things in a new direction and improve your overall quality of life, then you’ve reached the right therapist.
I use specific evidence-based interventions such as cognitive based therapy, solution-focused, client-centered, dialectical behavior therapy, and family systems depending on your goals.
What if I told you the key to your healing and growth was perspective? I’m Briona Kerr, a licensed master social worker licensed in GA. I believe everything is about perspective and what we make out of it. Whether you are dealing with daily stressors such as work, parenting, or relationship issues or a major life stressor/trauma, the root of not being able to manage these things is our perception of the trauma. If you’re ready to take things in a new direction and improve your overall quality of life, then you’ve reached the right therapist.
(470) 802-3360 x27 View (470) 802-3360 x27
Photo of Minal Parekh Shah - Minal Shah at Atlanta DBT Center, MRC, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Minal Shah at Atlanta DBT Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MRC, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30071
Trained by DBT creator Marsha Linehan, we have a true group practice, where you'll know everyone & get the expertise of each clinician.
If you are tired of digging around to find “what’s wrong with you” or endless therapy appointments that don't actually solve the problem, DBT will teach you how to meet your needs in relationships and stand up for yourself, how to choose your emotions and control them., and how to get through unimaginable moments intact. You'll learn how to build connections and live for today. In short? DBT will solve the problems you have without creating more. And remember, if you aren’t getting something out of psychotherapy, it’s time to move on. Having successfully helped surgeons to homemakers, get successful outcomes today with us.
Trained by DBT creator Marsha Linehan, we have a true group practice, where you'll know everyone & get the expertise of each clinician.
If you are tired of digging around to find “what’s wrong with you” or endless therapy appointments that don't actually solve the problem, DBT will teach you how to meet your needs in relationships and stand up for yourself, how to choose your emotions and control them., and how to get through unimaginable moments intact. You'll learn how to build connections and live for today. In short? DBT will solve the problems you have without creating more. And remember, if you aren’t getting something out of psychotherapy, it’s time to move on. Having successfully helped surgeons to homemakers, get successful outcomes today with us.
(770) 691-5410 View (770) 691-5410
Photo of Teresa Carter, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Teresa Carter
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30093
Hello, my name is Teresa Carter and I go by Terri. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed by the state of Georgia, where I live and provide therapy across the state via telehealth. I primarily work with adults 18 and older experiencing anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and relationship concerns. The modalities I most rely upon include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-Mindfulness to help my clients progressively regain their life balance.
Hello, my name is Teresa Carter and I go by Terri. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed by the state of Georgia, where I live and provide therapy across the state via telehealth. I primarily work with adults 18 and older experiencing anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and relationship concerns. The modalities I most rely upon include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-Mindfulness to help my clients progressively regain their life balance.
(678) 325-3393 View (678) 325-3393
Photo of Kara Sanford, LPC, MA, NCC, Counselor
Kara Sanford
Counselor, LPC, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30092
I am integrative in my theoretical approach and employ a variety of theories and techniques, often drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamics, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness.
As a counselor, my primary goal is enabling my clients to discover the path towards healing, hope, and growth. The environment that I provide is one of warmth and safety and one in which my clients can explore the ways in which events of the past affect them in the present, enhancing quality of life and examining the barriers to healing and growth. I work with a broad range of clients, including individuals, couples, teens, and families on a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relational problems, addiction, and life stress. I love working with couples and am Prepare-Enrich certified and Gottman-trained.
I am integrative in my theoretical approach and employ a variety of theories and techniques, often drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamics, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness.
As a counselor, my primary goal is enabling my clients to discover the path towards healing, hope, and growth. The environment that I provide is one of warmth and safety and one in which my clients can explore the ways in which events of the past affect them in the present, enhancing quality of life and examining the barriers to healing and growth. I work with a broad range of clients, including individuals, couples, teens, and families on a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relational problems, addiction, and life stress. I love working with couples and am Prepare-Enrich certified and Gottman-trained.
(678) 944-7463 View (678) 944-7463
Photo of Counseling Services Of Atlanta - Counseling Services of Atlanta, Licensed Professional Counselor
Counseling Services of Atlanta
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Norcross, GA 30092
Are you looking for phone or video sessions? We can help! We also offer DBT and EMDR.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, and family therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by video if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, East Cobb, West Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
Are you looking for phone or video sessions? We can help! We also offer DBT and EMDR.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, and family therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by video if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, East Cobb, West Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
(678) 394-3719 View (678) 394-3719
Photo of Gail Reed, MS, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Gail Reed
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Norcross, GA 30003  (Online Only)
I utilizing multiple evidence-based practices including, but not limited to: client-centered interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical-behavior therapy ( DBT), wellness, recovery action plan (WRAP).
Perhaps work has you stressed out; you're experiencing challenges with relationships; filled with anxiety at every turn; addiction has a tight grip on you, and one or more of these issues has you depressed...I believe in meeting individuals where they are without judgement while exploring what change looks like to them. Together we can create a plan that will help you see that change is possible and believe that you deserve a better quality of life.
I utilizing multiple evidence-based practices including, but not limited to: client-centered interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical-behavior therapy ( DBT), wellness, recovery action plan (WRAP).
Perhaps work has you stressed out; you're experiencing challenges with relationships; filled with anxiety at every turn; addiction has a tight grip on you, and one or more of these issues has you depressed...I believe in meeting individuals where they are without judgement while exploring what change looks like to them. Together we can create a plan that will help you see that change is possible and believe that you deserve a better quality of life.
(678) 928-8191 View (678) 928-8191
Photo of Yeira de Léon, LPC, NCC, MATS , RYT500, Licensed Professional Counselor
Yeira de Léon
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MATS , RYT500
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30091  (Online Only)
I also have training in psychotalk therapy interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), etc.
There is wisdom in acknowledging the present and accepting yourself as you are today without judgement but that is easier said than done. In a world filled with uncertainty and constant change learning to adjust might be harder than before. Therapy is about creating the space to process emotions, release burdens, learn to identify behavioral patterns, set goals, reframe your thoughts, regulate emotions, but ultimately learned to adapt to the inevitable change.
I also have training in psychotalk therapy interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), etc.
There is wisdom in acknowledging the present and accepting yourself as you are today without judgement but that is easier said than done. In a world filled with uncertainty and constant change learning to adjust might be harder than before. Therapy is about creating the space to process emotions, release burdens, learn to identify behavioral patterns, set goals, reframe your thoughts, regulate emotions, but ultimately learned to adapt to the inevitable change.
(404) 383-6678 View (404) 383-6678
Photo of Lauren Kelly Gordon, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lauren Kelly Gordon
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30093  (Online Only)
Lauren is a licensed professional counselor who loves being able to help others. Lauren has a genuine passion and love for seeing others happy and thriving in life and wants to help clients get to and become the best version of themselves that they can be. Lauren identifies mostly with a person-centered therapeutic approach but understands the need for other approaches such as CBT, solution focused, DBT, etc.
Lauren is a licensed professional counselor who loves being able to help others. Lauren has a genuine passion and love for seeing others happy and thriving in life and wants to help clients get to and become the best version of themselves that they can be. Lauren identifies mostly with a person-centered therapeutic approach but understands the need for other approaches such as CBT, solution focused, DBT, etc.
(470) 516-7085 View (470) 516-7085
Photo of L Elizabeth Shelton, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
L Elizabeth Shelton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30092  (Online Only)
I am a CCTP-I and utilize my training from my certification as well as from TF-CBT and DBT to help individuals work towards overcoming and thriving after surviving traumatic and frightening experiences.
I am L. Elizabeth Shelton, GA LPC 008242, and have been fully licensed since 2012, originally in Virginia and since 2015 in Georgia. My theoretical orientation to therapy is CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) as I believe it is critical to understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and drive most of the problems people struggle to overcome.
I am a CCTP-I and utilize my training from my certification as well as from TF-CBT and DBT to help individuals work towards overcoming and thriving after surviving traumatic and frightening experiences.
I am L. Elizabeth Shelton, GA LPC 008242, and have been fully licensed since 2012, originally in Virginia and since 2015 in Georgia. My theoretical orientation to therapy is CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) as I believe it is critical to understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and drive most of the problems people struggle to overcome.
(470) 828-3024 View (470) 828-3024
Photo of Janet Adams, MSW,  LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Janet Adams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30092
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Georgia and am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy - Prolonged Exposure ( DBT-PE) and DBT. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults, combining individual with family work. I earned my Masters of Social Work from Georgia State University in 2009 and earned my Bachelor of Arts in Society and Justice from the University of Washington. I am a member of the Georgia Society of Clinical Social Work and have worked in outpatient private practice and community mental health as well as inpatient psychiatric.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Georgia and am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy - Prolonged Exposure ( DBT-PE) and DBT. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults, combining individual with family work. I earned my Masters of Social Work from Georgia State University in 2009 and earned my Bachelor of Arts in Society and Justice from the University of Washington. I am a member of the Georgia Society of Clinical Social Work and have worked in outpatient private practice and community mental health as well as inpatient psychiatric.
(470) 619-6013 View (470) 619-6013
Photo of Rakia Malachi, MEd,  LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rakia Malachi
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30092
Rakia Malachi is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia who has been practicing since 2021. She has a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from the University of West Georgia and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Valdosta State University. Rakia offers an integrated approach to meet her clients’ needs by using person-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, DBT, CBT, narrative therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy. Outside of work, Rakia enjoys baking, reading, traveling, painting, spending time with friends and family, anime, and hiking.
Rakia Malachi is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia who has been practicing since 2021. She has a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from the University of West Georgia and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Valdosta State University. Rakia offers an integrated approach to meet her clients’ needs by using person-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, DBT, CBT, narrative therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy. Outside of work, Rakia enjoys baking, reading, traveling, painting, spending time with friends and family, anime, and hiking.
(470) 742-4009 View (470) 742-4009
Photo of Andrew Haynes - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Duluth, Counselor
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Duluth
Counselor
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30092
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
(470) 828-0016 View (470) 828-0016
Photo of Danielle Dinberg, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Danielle Dinberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30003
As a therapist trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety disorders and depression.
As a therapist trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety disorders and depression.
(770) 404-8432 View (770) 404-8432
Photo of Marcus Jones, Licensed Professional Counselor
Marcus Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30092  (Online Only)
When individuals come to treatment they have taken a courageous step in improving their lives. As you take that step on to the path of healing and improvement, know that there is help along your path. He employs multiple evidenced based treatment approaches, which include, Existential therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral therapy and Solution focused. He understands each person is unique in how they in situations of stress and crisis. With his your treatment will be individualized and tailored to meet your needs. His approach to treatment is genuine and empathic.
When individuals come to treatment they have taken a courageous step in improving their lives. As you take that step on to the path of healing and improvement, know that there is help along your path. He employs multiple evidenced based treatment approaches, which include, Existential therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral therapy and Solution focused. He understands each person is unique in how they in situations of stress and crisis. With his your treatment will be individualized and tailored to meet your needs. His approach to treatment is genuine and empathic.
(770) 501-5714 View (770) 501-5714
Photo of Elizabeth (Lizz) Toledo, LCSW, CADC, II, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth (Lizz) Toledo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC, II
Verified Verified
Norcross, GA 30071  (Online Only)
Providing multicultural mental health and addiction treatment. Especializing in trauma, anxiety and depression. Bilingual (Spanish/English).
Providing multicultural mental health and addiction treatment. Especializing in trauma, anxiety and depression. Bilingual (Spanish/English).
(404) 724-5855 View (404) 724-5855
1
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.