Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Fridley, MN

Photo of Fatima A Mohamed, Pre-Licensed Professional
Fatima A Mohamed
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Fridley, MN 55432
Fatima Mohamed is a dedicated and bilingual professional, bringing a unique blend of cultural sensitivity and clinical expertise to the field of mental health and addiction counseling. As a Muslim, Somali female, she is committed to providing inclusive and culturally competent care to individuals and communities. Fatima's clientele spans across various demographics, as she provides services to individuals, couples, children, and adolescents. Her commitment to inclusivity extends to her work within the Muslim community and the Somali population, where she strives to bridge cultural gaps and provide a safe space for healing.
Fatima Mohamed is a dedicated and bilingual professional, bringing a unique blend of cultural sensitivity and clinical expertise to the field of mental health and addiction counseling. As a Muslim, Somali female, she is committed to providing inclusive and culturally competent care to individuals and communities. Fatima's clientele spans across various demographics, as she provides services to individuals, couples, children, and adolescents. Her commitment to inclusivity extends to her work within the Muslim community and the Somali population, where she strives to bridge cultural gaps and provide a safe space for healing.
(763) 314-3288 View (763) 314-3288
Photo of Kristin VanHeel - Lee Carlson Center for Mental Health & Well-Being, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lee Carlson Center for Mental Health & Well-Being
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Fridley, MN 55432
Lee Carlson Center offers clinical mental health services focused on empowering you to thrive. By creating a safe, non-judgmental space, and providing individualized care, you can take the steps to improve your mental health and relationships. We have been providing services for over 40 years in the north metro area. Both in-person and telehealth appointments are available for all ages.
Lee Carlson Center offers clinical mental health services focused on empowering you to thrive. By creating a safe, non-judgmental space, and providing individualized care, you can take the steps to improve your mental health and relationships. We have been providing services for over 40 years in the north metro area. Both in-person and telehealth appointments are available for all ages.
(612) 712-5210 View (612) 712-5210
Photo of Cynthia White Meyer - Cynthia White Meyer LICSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cynthia White Meyer LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Fridley, MN 55432  (Online Only)
I work with individuals, couples and families, (adolescents, adults, medicare seniors and persons with disabilities) who feel disconnected from themselves, their emotions, their relationships, bodies, life purpose, or higher power. This may be because of an addiction, a personality disorder, relationship distress, a developmental or neurological disorder, depression, anxiety or a host of other issues. We work together to imagine and create integration.I am passionate about helping people create personal health and well-being for themselves and in their relationships, however they define this.
I work with individuals, couples and families, (adolescents, adults, medicare seniors and persons with disabilities) who feel disconnected from themselves, their emotions, their relationships, bodies, life purpose, or higher power. This may be because of an addiction, a personality disorder, relationship distress, a developmental or neurological disorder, depression, anxiety or a host of other issues. We work together to imagine and create integration.I am passionate about helping people create personal health and well-being for themselves and in their relationships, however they define this.
(651) 321-1970 View (651) 321-1970
Photo of Camille Jensen, MA, LPCC, LADC, Counselor
Camille Jensen
Counselor, MA, LPCC, LADC
Verified Verified
Fridley, MN 55432
Life can be difficult to navigate at times but you do not have to do it alone. In our work together I wont try to fix you, tell you what to do or assume what’s best for you. However, I will remind you that you aren't broken, give you room to access your own wisdom, support you in figuring out what to do, and collaborate with you on how to make the hard stuff easier to sit with. I believe that you are the expert on your own life and that it's my job to walk along side you and empower you to work with your own self knowledge during this process of growth and healing. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for this impactful work.
Life can be difficult to navigate at times but you do not have to do it alone. In our work together I wont try to fix you, tell you what to do or assume what’s best for you. However, I will remind you that you aren't broken, give you room to access your own wisdom, support you in figuring out what to do, and collaborate with you on how to make the hard stuff easier to sit with. I believe that you are the expert on your own life and that it's my job to walk along side you and empower you to work with your own self knowledge during this process of growth and healing. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for this impactful work.
(763) 220-6344 View (763) 220-6344
Photo of Juihsien Kao, PhD, LP, Psychologist
Juihsien Kao
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Fridley, MN 55432
Thank you for taking the time to review my profile. I want to commend you for taking the courageous step to seek therapy. I hope you will find my office to be a supportive, trusting, safe space for you to explore the struggles and challenges you experience in life. It is very important to me that you feel heard and seen in therapy with me. We will take the time to explore and celebrate the important aspects of your identity. I also understand that you likely need more than empathetic listening to get “un-stuck” in life.
Thank you for taking the time to review my profile. I want to commend you for taking the courageous step to seek therapy. I hope you will find my office to be a supportive, trusting, safe space for you to explore the struggles and challenges you experience in life. It is very important to me that you feel heard and seen in therapy with me. We will take the time to explore and celebrate the important aspects of your identity. I also understand that you likely need more than empathetic listening to get “un-stuck” in life.
(507) 200-6556 View (507) 200-6556
Photo of Faten Hope Khoury - Twin Cities Mental Health&Couples Faten Khoury , Post, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Twin Cities Mental Health&Couples Faten Khoury
Marriage & Family Therapist, Post, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fridley, MN 55421
For support in managing difficulties in your personal & professional lives caused by unresolved traumas or conflict, therapy can help. I work with individuals, couples, & families to help collaboratively tackle the challenges they are facing, through creating a new insight & forming an action, solution plan. Additionally, I practice EMDR therapy, AEDP, Brainspotting and Neurofeedback and find it powerful in healing a range of psychological concerns including depression, anxiety, shame and trauma and areas where clients experience "being stuck". My practice is based on years of well-established evidence-based effective treatments.
For support in managing difficulties in your personal & professional lives caused by unresolved traumas or conflict, therapy can help. I work with individuals, couples, & families to help collaboratively tackle the challenges they are facing, through creating a new insight & forming an action, solution plan. Additionally, I practice EMDR therapy, AEDP, Brainspotting and Neurofeedback and find it powerful in healing a range of psychological concerns including depression, anxiety, shame and trauma and areas where clients experience "being stuck". My practice is based on years of well-established evidence-based effective treatments.
(651) 760-5407 View (651) 760-5407
Photo of Jerrion Richardson, MSSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jerrion Richardson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Fridley, MN 55432
Why do you seem to grow irritable and frustrated with other people? Is there something that keeps you from being able to communicate with your partner? Something that keeps you from doing well at work? Why is it so hard to talk to that family member, to trust other people--to trust even your own judgment? You know just what you want to do in life (growth, stability, security, find a supportive romantic relationship), yet, so many of your goals have never been realized.
Why do you seem to grow irritable and frustrated with other people? Is there something that keeps you from being able to communicate with your partner? Something that keeps you from doing well at work? Why is it so hard to talk to that family member, to trust other people--to trust even your own judgment? You know just what you want to do in life (growth, stability, security, find a supportive romantic relationship), yet, so many of your goals have never been realized.
(612) 324-6714 View (612) 324-6714
Photo of Bethany Grace Kepler, ATR, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Bethany Grace Kepler
Pre-Licensed Professional, ATR, MA
Verified Verified
Fridley, MN 55421
Bethany is deeply committed to social equality and actively tries to establish an inclusive, safe environment for all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, race, ethnicity, religious or spiritual origin, or other factors. Bethany particularly enjoys supporting & working with LGBTQ and transgender people of all ages. Bethany provides therapy for humans experiencing relationship conflict, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, schizophrenia, personality disorders, mood disorders, attachment trauma, survivors of complex trauma, & adjustment disorders.
Bethany is deeply committed to social equality and actively tries to establish an inclusive, safe environment for all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, race, ethnicity, religious or spiritual origin, or other factors. Bethany particularly enjoys supporting & working with LGBTQ and transgender people of all ages. Bethany provides therapy for humans experiencing relationship conflict, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, schizophrenia, personality disorders, mood disorders, attachment trauma, survivors of complex trauma, & adjustment disorders.
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Photo of Jessica Magnuson - Wildflower Therapy Services, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Wildflower Therapy Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fridley, MN 55432
I specialize in working with people pleasers, perfectionists and neurodivergent humans. If this is you : you might feel stressed out, burnt out or anxious. You may feel depressed, lonely or isolated. You may be too hard on yourself for not being perfect. You may struggle with low self-esteem or not feeling good enough. You give everything to your family, your job, your partner and have nothing left for you. You are so busy doing all of the things you don't have time to truly take care of yourself. Your tank is empty. You may even wonder how you can keep doing this day after day. This is not how you want your life to be.
I specialize in working with people pleasers, perfectionists and neurodivergent humans. If this is you : you might feel stressed out, burnt out or anxious. You may feel depressed, lonely or isolated. You may be too hard on yourself for not being perfect. You may struggle with low self-esteem or not feeling good enough. You give everything to your family, your job, your partner and have nothing left for you. You are so busy doing all of the things you don't have time to truly take care of yourself. Your tank is empty. You may even wonder how you can keep doing this day after day. This is not how you want your life to be.
(763) 363-1845 View (763) 363-1845
Photo of Kevin Smith - Northwinds Counseling Services, P.A., LMFT, LPCC, LGSW
Northwinds Counseling Services, P.A.
LMFT, LPCC, LGSW
Verified Verified
Fridley, MN 55432
At Northwinds, we consider it a privilege to help our clients as they go through life-changing experiences. With integrity, compassion, and a deep devotion to the worth of each individual we see, we are here to help you make positive adjustments to the stressful life challenges you are facing. We offer individual, couples, and family counseling. Our primary model of treatment is Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, though we frequently draw from other treatment models as needed. LMFT: Kevin Smith, Amy Halverson, John Torkelson, and Terri Jorstad; LPCC: Jordan Leuthold, Michelle Rhea, Raven Winter & Rindie Eagle; LGSW: Allison Brockway
At Northwinds, we consider it a privilege to help our clients as they go through life-changing experiences. With integrity, compassion, and a deep devotion to the worth of each individual we see, we are here to help you make positive adjustments to the stressful life challenges you are facing. We offer individual, couples, and family counseling. Our primary model of treatment is Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, though we frequently draw from other treatment models as needed. LMFT: Kevin Smith, Amy Halverson, John Torkelson, and Terri Jorstad; LPCC: Jordan Leuthold, Michelle Rhea, Raven Winter & Rindie Eagle; LGSW: Allison Brockway
(763) 280-5780 View (763) 280-5780

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Juan Zhang, Pre-Licensed Professional
Juan Zhang
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
Psychosomatic Therapy,CBT DBT are my specialty.
Hi there Are you confused and struggled with life sometimes? and wanna a productive, peaceful and happy life? You are not alone, I have been or am there. That is also one of my reasons to pursuit my counseling degree. I had some life crisis too, like my mom past away, change to new life, and start new life, etc. I have been in counseling for quite a while. My therapist is so great, she helped me A LOT to live through it. Me too!
Psychosomatic Therapy,CBT DBT are my specialty.
Hi there Are you confused and struggled with life sometimes? and wanna a productive, peaceful and happy life? You are not alone, I have been or am there. That is also one of my reasons to pursuit my counseling degree. I had some life crisis too, like my mom past away, change to new life, and start new life, etc. I have been in counseling for quite a while. My therapist is so great, she helped me A LOT to live through it. Me too!
(763) 314-4137 View (763) 314-4137
Photo of Amanda Vestal, MPS, LPCC, LADC, Counselor
Amanda Vestal
Counselor, MPS, LPCC, LADC
Verified Verified
Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
Waitlist for new clients
I utilize principles of talk therapy, while incorporating skills from motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy to help navigate through life's challenges.
Feeling overwhelmed? Struggling to identify a positive sense of self? You are not alone. Trying to navigate the pressures of the world can be exhausting. I believe in building an authentic and trusting therapeutic relationship, where you’re the expert on your own journey. Working collaboratively with you, I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental environment for you to explore and work towards positive change through patience, authenticity, and humor. My goal is to create a welcoming space for you to explore and work through challenges you've encountered on your personal journey.
I utilize principles of talk therapy, while incorporating skills from motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy to help navigate through life's challenges.
Feeling overwhelmed? Struggling to identify a positive sense of self? You are not alone. Trying to navigate the pressures of the world can be exhausting. I believe in building an authentic and trusting therapeutic relationship, where you’re the expert on your own journey. Working collaboratively with you, I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental environment for you to explore and work towards positive change through patience, authenticity, and humor. My goal is to create a welcoming space for you to explore and work through challenges you've encountered on your personal journey.
(763) 247-4650 View (763) 247-4650
Photo of Megan Rustad, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Megan Rustad
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
New Brighton, MN 55112
I have a background in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) which means there will be times we discuss practical skills you can use right away to help yourself.
Are you tired of using quick fixes to deal with the problems in your life? Have you been to therapy before but you were left with unresolved or ongoing problems? Do you want to get to the root and heart of your pain and concerns? I can help you take a deeper dive to discover the places you wish to explore, heal, and grow. You will find me to be warm, empathic, challenging, and insightful. We will work together to identify ineffective and unhelpful patterns and cycles of thinking and behavior, and then I will help you find ways to disrupt and change them.
I have a background in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) which means there will be times we discuss practical skills you can use right away to help yourself.
Are you tired of using quick fixes to deal with the problems in your life? Have you been to therapy before but you were left with unresolved or ongoing problems? Do you want to get to the root and heart of your pain and concerns? I can help you take a deeper dive to discover the places you wish to explore, heal, and grow. You will find me to be warm, empathic, challenging, and insightful. We will work together to identify ineffective and unhelpful patterns and cycles of thinking and behavior, and then I will help you find ways to disrupt and change them.
(763) 297-3896 View (763) 297-3896
Photo of Lucy Stewart, LICSW, MSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lucy Stewart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New Brighton, MN 55112  (Online Only)
Specializing in trauma recovery using ART & DBT for depression/anxiety.
You've likely encountered significant hurdles in life, whether it's trauma, depression, or anxiety. These challenges may leave you feeling overwhelmed, searching for a path through the darkness. If you're an adolescent or adult, you might be wrestling with the complexities of growing up or the pressures of adulthood while carrying these emotional burdens. For those facing pregnancy, postpartum, or fertility issues, additional emotional layers can complicate this deeply personal journey. In your search for solace, understanding, and guidance, you seek support in navigating your way through these challenges.
Specializing in trauma recovery using ART & DBT for depression/anxiety.
You've likely encountered significant hurdles in life, whether it's trauma, depression, or anxiety. These challenges may leave you feeling overwhelmed, searching for a path through the darkness. If you're an adolescent or adult, you might be wrestling with the complexities of growing up or the pressures of adulthood while carrying these emotional burdens. For those facing pregnancy, postpartum, or fertility issues, additional emotional layers can complicate this deeply personal journey. In your search for solace, understanding, and guidance, you seek support in navigating your way through these challenges.
(651) 409-5709 View (651) 409-5709
Photo of Jessica Schiller, MA, LAMFT, LADC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jessica Schiller
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LAMFT, LADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Brighton, MN 55112
Waitlist for new clients
I have specialized training in DBT, EFT, and Brainspotting.
I believe through trusting, compassionate relationships and connecting with the wisdom of the body and the inner Self, it is possible to find wholeness, growth, and fulfillment. I have been a Licensed Alcohol and Drug counselor since 2008, working with substance use and trauma, before completing my master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I work with couples and individuals ages 17 and older. Anxiety, trauma, attachment injuries, healing from the impacts of addiction, and couples work focusing on reducing protective responses & increasing feelings of safety and security are specialty areas of mine.
I have specialized training in DBT, EFT, and Brainspotting.
I believe through trusting, compassionate relationships and connecting with the wisdom of the body and the inner Self, it is possible to find wholeness, growth, and fulfillment. I have been a Licensed Alcohol and Drug counselor since 2008, working with substance use and trauma, before completing my master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I work with couples and individuals ages 17 and older. Anxiety, trauma, attachment injuries, healing from the impacts of addiction, and couples work focusing on reducing protective responses & increasing feelings of safety and security are specialty areas of mine.
(612) 706-9630 View (612) 706-9630
Photo of Catherine Russell, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Catherine Russell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
New Brighton, MN 55112
I use many therapy techniques including CBT, DBT skills, psycho-dynamic approaches, EMDR, Hypnosis and mindful practice to provide trauma informed therapy.
I work with families who have experienced a variety of traumas in my work at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Much of the that job involves counseling parents who have lost an infant or child, or who have a child with chronic health problems, or whose child has a life threatening condition. In addition, couples who try to have another child after a loss have specific needs. When interventions are available to address the trauma of child illness or death right away, we can sometimes reduce the severity of the struggles with their trauma.
I use many therapy techniques including CBT, DBT skills, psycho-dynamic approaches, EMDR, Hypnosis and mindful practice to provide trauma informed therapy.
I work with families who have experienced a variety of traumas in my work at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Much of the that job involves counseling parents who have lost an infant or child, or who have a child with chronic health problems, or whose child has a life threatening condition. In addition, couples who try to have another child after a loss have specific needs. When interventions are available to address the trauma of child illness or death right away, we can sometimes reduce the severity of the struggles with their trauma.
(612) 260-4569 View (612) 260-4569
Photo of Mel Pascoe, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mel Pascoe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mounds View, MN 55112
I use an attachment lens and various modalities like somatic experiencing, DBT, EMDR and parts work to help adults or couples with issues of trauma, anxiety, or relationship conflicts.
I am passionate about working people to help them feel better about themselves, their relationships, and their life! We all struggle sometimes, and choosing therapy is a brave choice. I am always honored to be part of someone’s journey. Together we will work to address the root of any pain or anxiety you are feeling. We will explore where your issues come from, honor your past, while learning new ways to make peace with your present. I will help you learn new ways to cope with your emotions while working to address the deep stuff that is making life feel so hard sometimes.
I use an attachment lens and various modalities like somatic experiencing, DBT, EMDR and parts work to help adults or couples with issues of trauma, anxiety, or relationship conflicts.
I am passionate about working people to help them feel better about themselves, their relationships, and their life! We all struggle sometimes, and choosing therapy is a brave choice. I am always honored to be part of someone’s journey. Together we will work to address the root of any pain or anxiety you are feeling. We will explore where your issues come from, honor your past, while learning new ways to make peace with your present. I will help you learn new ways to cope with your emotions while working to address the deep stuff that is making life feel so hard sometimes.
(651) 318-4825 View (651) 318-4825
Photo of Devon Whitehead, PhD, LP, Psychologist
Devon Whitehead
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
I'll use a variety of tools to help you reach your goals, including Eye Movement Desensitization-Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Life is hard, and we don't have to go it alone. I have many tools to help you reach your goals. I tend to work with clients who have struggled throughout their lives and need to learn new skills to be effective. After establishing those skills, clients often go on to process difficult things that have happened in their lives with me. I love working with clients who are open and willing to give things a try, even if they are scary.
I'll use a variety of tools to help you reach your goals, including Eye Movement Desensitization-Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Life is hard, and we don't have to go it alone. I have many tools to help you reach your goals. I tend to work with clients who have struggled throughout their lives and need to learn new skills to be effective. After establishing those skills, clients often go on to process difficult things that have happened in their lives with me. I love working with clients who are open and willing to give things a try, even if they are scary.
(833) 459-0742 View (833) 459-0742
Photo of Sharon Stein McNamara - Sharon Stein McNamara Ed.D. Psychology Inc., EdD, LP, Psychologist
Sharon Stein McNamara Ed.D. Psychology Inc.
Psychologist, EdD, LP
Verified Verified
Arden Hills, MN 55112
I enjoy leading Dialectical Behavior Therapy Groups.
You can make the change you want. And I can help. I can assist you in transforming negative and destructive thoughts and behavior into more helpful and compassionate responses. I start with assessing your particular patterns that are self-defeating to what you would like to change in your life. Then I design a program to help you change these behaviors and cope with your existing situation. This mindfulness-based therapy emphasizes working together to help you with depression, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, and chronic or emotional pain; resolve relationship issues; or recover from trauma and grief.
I enjoy leading Dialectical Behavior Therapy Groups.
You can make the change you want. And I can help. I can assist you in transforming negative and destructive thoughts and behavior into more helpful and compassionate responses. I start with assessing your particular patterns that are self-defeating to what you would like to change in your life. Then I design a program to help you change these behaviors and cope with your existing situation. This mindfulness-based therapy emphasizes working together to help you with depression, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, and chronic or emotional pain; resolve relationship issues; or recover from trauma and grief.
(651) 760-5181 View (651) 760-5181
Photo of Warren A. Taylor, PhD, (c), Pre-Licensed Professional
Warren A. Taylor
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD, (c)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Accepting new clients experiencing mental health challenges like depression, anger, anxiety, and mood disorders, it's crucial to explore your issues, needs, goals, and desires. Therapies such as CBT, DBT, and ACT can be helpful. If you're battling negative thoughts, poor coping skills, low self-esteem, and difficulty managing relationships and emotions. I'll provide support, validation, and guidance in teaching healthier thinking, managing emotions, and finding purpose. I will collaborate with you to discover distress relief, new coping strategies, improved self-esteem, fulfilling relationships, and a higher quality of life.
Accepting new clients experiencing mental health challenges like depression, anger, anxiety, and mood disorders, it's crucial to explore your issues, needs, goals, and desires. Therapies such as CBT, DBT, and ACT can be helpful. If you're battling negative thoughts, poor coping skills, low self-esteem, and difficulty managing relationships and emotions. I'll provide support, validation, and guidance in teaching healthier thinking, managing emotions, and finding purpose. I will collaborate with you to discover distress relief, new coping strategies, improved self-esteem, fulfilling relationships, and a higher quality of life.
(612) 445-2128 View (612) 445-2128
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.