Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in South Saint Paul, MN

Photo of Aura Chasteen - Aura Chasteen, PsyD, PsyD, Pre-Licensed Professional
Aura Chasteen, PsyD
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Saint Paul, MN 55075
I employ cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and skills training based in Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help clients navigate their presenting challenges.
Hello, and welcome! Seeking therapy is a decision of courage and I’m so glad you are exploring this option. I provide individual and couples therapy to residents of Minnesota, in person & via Telehealth. I am passionate about working with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, stressors, grief/loss, trauma, relationship issues, major life changes, or are struggling with substance use issues and are considering positive steps to improve their health and well-being. I find it very inspiring and a privilege to work collaboratively with my clients to reach the goals they have identified.
I employ cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and skills training based in Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help clients navigate their presenting challenges.
Hello, and welcome! Seeking therapy is a decision of courage and I’m so glad you are exploring this option. I provide individual and couples therapy to residents of Minnesota, in person & via Telehealth. I am passionate about working with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, stressors, grief/loss, trauma, relationship issues, major life changes, or are struggling with substance use issues and are considering positive steps to improve their health and well-being. I find it very inspiring and a privilege to work collaboratively with my clients to reach the goals they have identified.
(952) 522-4460 View (952) 522-4460
Photo of Mikke Papes, MSW, LGSW, LADC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Mikke Papes
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LGSW, LADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Saint Paul, MN 55075
Immediate availability! You've carried the weight of your struggles alone for far too long. The mere thought of reaching out for help, expressing your needs, and acknowledging your worth as a person feels like an insurmountable hurdle! Anxiety and depression seem to have a firm grip, distorting your perspective. Navigating through emotions has become a labyrinth, and anger simmers beneath the surface. The pressures of life have left you seeking effective stress management strategies. Self-esteem feels elusive, and issues related to masculinity and femininity weigh heavily on your shoulders. Perfectionism has crushed self-acceptance.
Immediate availability! You've carried the weight of your struggles alone for far too long. The mere thought of reaching out for help, expressing your needs, and acknowledging your worth as a person feels like an insurmountable hurdle! Anxiety and depression seem to have a firm grip, distorting your perspective. Navigating through emotions has become a labyrinth, and anger simmers beneath the surface. The pressures of life have left you seeking effective stress management strategies. Self-esteem feels elusive, and issues related to masculinity and femininity weigh heavily on your shoulders. Perfectionism has crushed self-acceptance.
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Photo of Jacob Thomas Minnig - Jacob Minnig  Behavioral Health Integration EMDR T, MA, LPCC, LADC, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jacob Minnig Behavioral Health Integration EMDR T
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC, LADC, EMDR
Verified Verified
South Saint Paul, MN 55075
When it comes to my work as a mental health and addiction therapist my love and passion for aiding veterans, police officers, and emergency service workers is second to none. I am strongly devoted to aiding these individuals as it comes to various mental health disorders from anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and many others. I also have many years of experiences helping veterans and the general population with various type of substance use disorders. I am proud advocate for the wounded warrior project as well as supporting police officer's and EMS worker's hoping to live healthier lives.
When it comes to my work as a mental health and addiction therapist my love and passion for aiding veterans, police officers, and emergency service workers is second to none. I am strongly devoted to aiding these individuals as it comes to various mental health disorders from anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and many others. I also have many years of experiences helping veterans and the general population with various type of substance use disorders. I am proud advocate for the wounded warrior project as well as supporting police officer's and EMS worker's hoping to live healthier lives.
(651) 427-1180 View (651) 427-1180
Photo of Amber Remackel, LSC, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional
Amber Remackel
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSC, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Saint Paul, MN 55075
If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, questioning life, or hoping for clarity, I am here to help. Taking the first step towards change is not an easy one, but a courageous one. I believe that most people are capable of change given the opportunity and motivation to do so. I pride myself on meeting my clients where they are at on their journey and working as a team to help clients grow, heal and transform. I offer a safe environment where my clients are free from moral judgment and other biases that may hinder personal development.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, questioning life, or hoping for clarity, I am here to help. Taking the first step towards change is not an easy one, but a courageous one. I believe that most people are capable of change given the opportunity and motivation to do so. I pride myself on meeting my clients where they are at on their journey and working as a team to help clients grow, heal and transform. I offer a safe environment where my clients are free from moral judgment and other biases that may hinder personal development.
(952) 260-2370 View (952) 260-2370
Photo of Amanda Ripley-Kayala, MA, LPCC, LADC, EMDR, Counselor
Amanda Ripley-Kayala
Counselor, MA, LPCC, LADC, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
South Saint Paul, MN 55075
Amanda Ripley-Kayala is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Amanda is trained in EMDR and has completed UW-Stout’s Sex Therapy Certificate Program. Amanda is a highly skilled, trauma-informed, holistic, client centered therapist whose goal is to create a trusting and compassionate therapeutic atmosphere which encourages self-exploration, self-awareness, empowerment and and movement to achieve goals in therapy and life.
Amanda Ripley-Kayala is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Amanda is trained in EMDR and has completed UW-Stout’s Sex Therapy Certificate Program. Amanda is a highly skilled, trauma-informed, holistic, client centered therapist whose goal is to create a trusting and compassionate therapeutic atmosphere which encourages self-exploration, self-awareness, empowerment and and movement to achieve goals in therapy and life.
(952) 649-5978 View (952) 649-5978
Photo of Kelsey Rehome-Peymann, MA, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kelsey Rehome-Peymann
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
South Saint Paul, MN 55075
Each person holds their own unique set of values and beliefs. I am not hear to judge or dictate your behavior, rather, I strive to acknowledged and honor your experiences; accepting who you are, where you are at this current moment, and where you would like to go. Through collaboration, encouragement, and active participation in therapeutic process, you can become the agent of change in your life. As a supportive therapist, I am here to help you cultivate a better personal understanding of your life and make choices that will benefit your personal growth and overall well-being.
Each person holds their own unique set of values and beliefs. I am not hear to judge or dictate your behavior, rather, I strive to acknowledged and honor your experiences; accepting who you are, where you are at this current moment, and where you would like to go. Through collaboration, encouragement, and active participation in therapeutic process, you can become the agent of change in your life. As a supportive therapist, I am here to help you cultivate a better personal understanding of your life and make choices that will benefit your personal growth and overall well-being.
(612) 439-4256 View (612) 439-4256

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Crystal Lee Nelson - Integrative Counseling Services, Marriage & Family Therapist
Integrative Counseling Services
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I focus on the whole person providing Adlerian Counseling, Emotion Focused Couple's & Family Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Yoga, Intuitive Eating Coaching & Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing.
I provide integral treatment to support you. We collaborate on methods to work towards goals, wellness and thriving in a healthy lifestyle. In EMDR therapy you will be guided through an 8 phase treatment with BLS (i.e. eye movement or tappers). After determining which memories to target, you hold different aspects of that event, internal associations arise and you can process the memory & disturbing feelings. The meaning of the painful event is transformed on an emotional level. In marriage therapy (EFCT), our goals are to understand love systemically, emotions & attachment needs, control negative patterns & shape positive bonds.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I focus on the whole person providing Adlerian Counseling, Emotion Focused Couple's & Family Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Yoga, Intuitive Eating Coaching & Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing.
I provide integral treatment to support you. We collaborate on methods to work towards goals, wellness and thriving in a healthy lifestyle. In EMDR therapy you will be guided through an 8 phase treatment with BLS (i.e. eye movement or tappers). After determining which memories to target, you hold different aspects of that event, internal associations arise and you can process the memory & disturbing feelings. The meaning of the painful event is transformed on an emotional level. In marriage therapy (EFCT), our goals are to understand love systemically, emotions & attachment needs, control negative patterns & shape positive bonds.
(612) 712-7756 View (612) 712-7756
Photo of Haven Hafar, MSW, LGSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Haven Hafar
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LGSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
I aim to help clients cultivate self-compassion and identify the strengths they hold, while also using DBT and CBT to help people manage symptoms and learn new concrete coping and communication skills for navigating life in a way that feels most effective for them.
You are constantly putting others first, and you feel alone & never good enough. It's hard for you to figure out what your own feelings and needs are & asking for help from others or setting boundaries feels impossible! Early adulthood is full of life transitions, uncertainty, new experiences, big decisions, and figuring out who we are. It's overwhelming! I have a niche for working with individuals in this stage of life, especially those also dealing with things like anxiety, depression, or complex family systems on top of it all. I work with couples too, understanding relationships impact mental health and vice versa.
I aim to help clients cultivate self-compassion and identify the strengths they hold, while also using DBT and CBT to help people manage symptoms and learn new concrete coping and communication skills for navigating life in a way that feels most effective for them.
You are constantly putting others first, and you feel alone & never good enough. It's hard for you to figure out what your own feelings and needs are & asking for help from others or setting boundaries feels impossible! Early adulthood is full of life transitions, uncertainty, new experiences, big decisions, and figuring out who we are. It's overwhelming! I have a niche for working with individuals in this stage of life, especially those also dealing with things like anxiety, depression, or complex family systems on top of it all. I work with couples too, understanding relationships impact mental health and vice versa.
(651) 337-9218 View (651) 337-9218
Photo of Morgan Phillips, LCSW, CSAC, LICSW, LADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Morgan Phillips
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSAC, LICSW, LADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
I am trained in multiple modalities including attachment-based, brainspotting, mindfulness and DBT.
Thanks for visiting my profile. Are you struggling to feel connected to yourself and those around you? Feeling depressed, anxious, or lost? I would love to hold space with you while you explore the inner workings of all things related to you. I believe that as human beings, everything we do is relational, therefore, I believe therapy offers the opportunity to heal with another person being present. I have been working as a clinical social worker for the past 12 years. I currently offer telehealth and in person services in Minnesota to individuals 25 and older.
I am trained in multiple modalities including attachment-based, brainspotting, mindfulness and DBT.
Thanks for visiting my profile. Are you struggling to feel connected to yourself and those around you? Feeling depressed, anxious, or lost? I would love to hold space with you while you explore the inner workings of all things related to you. I believe that as human beings, everything we do is relational, therefore, I believe therapy offers the opportunity to heal with another person being present. I have been working as a clinical social worker for the past 12 years. I currently offer telehealth and in person services in Minnesota to individuals 25 and older.
(651) 615-9099 View (651) 615-9099
Photo of Amber Egdorf, MA, LPCC, LADC
Amber Egdorf
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, LADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
I am trained in methods of motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, EMDR and am seeking further training in IFS.
Only Accepting DBT Referrals At This Time. My passion is working with individuals with dual-diagnosis or co-occurring substance use concerns along with an array of mental health disorders. I have a specific passion working with those who have experienced trauma or have been diagnosed/have concerns related to a personality disorder. I have worked with individuals with both substance and sexual addictions and find great passion in being able to work with individuals to help them implement changes and shape their lives towards a life worth enjoying.
I am trained in methods of motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, EMDR and am seeking further training in IFS.
Only Accepting DBT Referrals At This Time. My passion is working with individuals with dual-diagnosis or co-occurring substance use concerns along with an array of mental health disorders. I have a specific passion working with those who have experienced trauma or have been diagnosed/have concerns related to a personality disorder. I have worked with individuals with both substance and sexual addictions and find great passion in being able to work with individuals to help them implement changes and shape their lives towards a life worth enjoying.
(651) 360-1147 View (651) 360-1147
Photo of Leslie K. Adair, PhD, LP, Psychologist
Leslie K. Adair
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
Waitlist for new clients
I have been trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Family and Couples Therapy.
My passion is helping people to create and live their best life. I believe that values, acceptance, compassion, and forgiveness are the keys to leading a meaningful life while managing life’s curveballs. While I will approach our work together with genuine care and unconditional acceptance, I also believe that being able to explore a different way of seeing things is helpful. My own life experiences help me to relate to people at all life stages including early adulthood, parenting, divorce and starting over and the changes associated with transition to retirement. Together we can utilize your strengths to find your best self.
I have been trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Family and Couples Therapy.
My passion is helping people to create and live their best life. I believe that values, acceptance, compassion, and forgiveness are the keys to leading a meaningful life while managing life’s curveballs. While I will approach our work together with genuine care and unconditional acceptance, I also believe that being able to explore a different way of seeing things is helpful. My own life experiences help me to relate to people at all life stages including early adulthood, parenting, divorce and starting over and the changes associated with transition to retirement. Together we can utilize your strengths to find your best self.
(952) 900-2838 View (952) 900-2838
Photo of Katie Engh, MA, LPCC, DBTC, Counselor
Katie Engh
Counselor, MA, LPCC, DBTC
Verified Verified
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
I integrate a variety of therapy approaches and techniques based on each client’s needs including Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Solution-Focused Therapy.
Starting out with a new therapist or beginning therapy for the first time can feel scary, maybe even downright terrifying. I offer a laid-back place to show up as you are without judgement, talk about the hard stuff that we inevitably experience through life, and maybe have a laugh or two in the process. I approach therapy as a collaboration. We are a team. You set the destination you want to get to, and I’m here to help you navigate.
I integrate a variety of therapy approaches and techniques based on each client’s needs including Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Solution-Focused Therapy.
Starting out with a new therapist or beginning therapy for the first time can feel scary, maybe even downright terrifying. I offer a laid-back place to show up as you are without judgement, talk about the hard stuff that we inevitably experience through life, and maybe have a laugh or two in the process. I approach therapy as a collaboration. We are a team. You set the destination you want to get to, and I’m here to help you navigate.
(651) 390-1908 View (651) 390-1908
Photo of Sheilah Dudley, MSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Sheilah Dudley
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
Do you find yourself feeling lonely, even when you're surrounded by others? Perhaps you're struggling with a deep fear of abandonment that makes it difficult to trust and connect with people. These feelings may have roots in childhood experiences that shaped your beliefs about relationships and left you with wounds that continue to impact your life.
Do you find yourself feeling lonely, even when you're surrounded by others? Perhaps you're struggling with a deep fear of abandonment that makes it difficult to trust and connect with people. These feelings may have roots in childhood experiences that shaped your beliefs about relationships and left you with wounds that continue to impact your life.
(651) 301-7974 View (651) 301-7974
Photo of Haley Morgan-Shepard, LPCC, CAGCS, Counselor
Haley Morgan-Shepard
Counselor, LPCC, CAGCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55118  (Online Only)
Life can be difficult. All of us face challenges, setbacks, and painful emotions. When the weight of it all feels too heavy to bear alone, I'm here to listen and support you. I understand how hard it can be to reach out for help. Showing vulnerability takes courage. Healing often requires us to face parts of ourselves we would rather avoid. But in the end, we are all human - imperfect and complex. There is no shame in seeking therapy or asking for support. In fact, it demonstrates remarkable strength. Sometimes, taking the first step is daunting and I recognize the courage this takes. You don't have to walk alone in your journey.
Life can be difficult. All of us face challenges, setbacks, and painful emotions. When the weight of it all feels too heavy to bear alone, I'm here to listen and support you. I understand how hard it can be to reach out for help. Showing vulnerability takes courage. Healing often requires us to face parts of ourselves we would rather avoid. But in the end, we are all human - imperfect and complex. There is no shame in seeking therapy or asking for support. In fact, it demonstrates remarkable strength. Sometimes, taking the first step is daunting and I recognize the courage this takes. You don't have to walk alone in your journey.
(651) 800-9621 View (651) 800-9621
Photo of Samantha Rohl, Pre-Licensed Professional
Samantha Rohl
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
Change can be difficult, but some of our most difficult times can be our greatest opportunities for growth and healing. Therapy is a place to gather tools that help you identify your feelings, better understand yourself, and manage uncomfortable emotions. I aim to create an empathetic and trusting environment and relationship in which you can feel safe, seen, heard, and respected to discover areas of yourself that need of healing. I am a recent graduate from Southwestern College-Santa Fe with a master’s degree in art therapy and counseling, working towards my independent licensure.
Change can be difficult, but some of our most difficult times can be our greatest opportunities for growth and healing. Therapy is a place to gather tools that help you identify your feelings, better understand yourself, and manage uncomfortable emotions. I aim to create an empathetic and trusting environment and relationship in which you can feel safe, seen, heard, and respected to discover areas of yourself that need of healing. I am a recent graduate from Southwestern College-Santa Fe with a master’s degree in art therapy and counseling, working towards my independent licensure.
(218) 413-2123 View (218) 413-2123
Photo of Lisa Krueger, MA, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional
Lisa Krueger
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076  (Online Only)
I tend to gravitate towards those that are entering or exiting single parenthood, those that are new parents or dealing with blended family changes, those that have been through or are going through domestic violence, those that are late diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, or both (or those that suspect they might be), those that are new to their kid(s) being diagnosed, and those that just need to put themselves first in this space amidst all of the overwhelm of life. I love working with individuals that are in the depths of navigating life transitions, stressors, and new phases.
I tend to gravitate towards those that are entering or exiting single parenthood, those that are new parents or dealing with blended family changes, those that have been through or are going through domestic violence, those that are late diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, or both (or those that suspect they might be), those that are new to their kid(s) being diagnosed, and those that just need to put themselves first in this space amidst all of the overwhelm of life. I love working with individuals that are in the depths of navigating life transitions, stressors, and new phases.
(651) 240-3859 View (651) 240-3859
Photo of Cathy L Chavez, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cathy L Chavez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
I believe your situation is unique and deserves an individualized plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. You can be assured I will always remember your unique "story" every time we meet. My approach to counseling is straight forward, yet caring and compassionate.
I believe your situation is unique and deserves an individualized plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. You can be assured I will always remember your unique "story" every time we meet. My approach to counseling is straight forward, yet caring and compassionate.
(651) 314-7570 View (651) 314-7570
Photo of Bethani Goodrum, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Bethani Goodrum
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
If you are facing challenges with your sense of self, relationship, or feeling overwhelmed with the difficulties of anxiety and depression, know that you are not alone. Our past can impact how we view the world and ourselves and I aim to create a cozy, safe space that feels comfortable for you to gain clarity and insight into how your life has created your experiences. For me, it's important to build a trusting relationship which inspires self-exploration and desire to better understand the complexities of what makes you, you. I enjoy working with teens, young adults, adults, LGBTQIA+ folks, and queer couples.
If you are facing challenges with your sense of self, relationship, or feeling overwhelmed with the difficulties of anxiety and depression, know that you are not alone. Our past can impact how we view the world and ourselves and I aim to create a cozy, safe space that feels comfortable for you to gain clarity and insight into how your life has created your experiences. For me, it's important to build a trusting relationship which inspires self-exploration and desire to better understand the complexities of what makes you, you. I enjoy working with teens, young adults, adults, LGBTQIA+ folks, and queer couples.
(651) 615-9317 View (651) 615-9317
Photo of Tara Marshall - NuVyb Consulting, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
NuVyb Consulting
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
Hurting? Feeling Alone? Stressed out? Uncertain about the future? Is the weight of day to day life feeling unbearable right now? Daily ongoing stress can have a negative impact on your health and well-being. It may be difficult to believe that life can be good again when we are facing so many unknowns. Let me hold it with you. . . traumatic events, losing people and connections, parenting challenges or simply questioning parts of life that don’t make sense. It is helpful to have a trusted person to openly talk to, sort out conflicting emotions, gain insight, and develop a plan to live your desired life again.
Hurting? Feeling Alone? Stressed out? Uncertain about the future? Is the weight of day to day life feeling unbearable right now? Daily ongoing stress can have a negative impact on your health and well-being. It may be difficult to believe that life can be good again when we are facing so many unknowns. Let me hold it with you. . . traumatic events, losing people and connections, parenting challenges or simply questioning parts of life that don’t make sense. It is helpful to have a trusted person to openly talk to, sort out conflicting emotions, gain insight, and develop a plan to live your desired life again.
(612) 888-8056 View (612) 888-8056
Photo of Tina McDonough, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tina McDonough
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
I provide a warm, safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment for people to explore interpersonal concerns and relationships with others. Clients find me to be very personable, humorous, and direct - yet gentle. Whether you are struggling with a significant other, parent, child, friend, boss, or colleague - I can help you identify thoughts, feelings, and needs which will allow you to understand yourself better and enhance communication with your world. This new self awareness will greatly improve your relationships, increase your self esteem, and allow you to enjoy your life to its fullest.
I provide a warm, safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment for people to explore interpersonal concerns and relationships with others. Clients find me to be very personable, humorous, and direct - yet gentle. Whether you are struggling with a significant other, parent, child, friend, boss, or colleague - I can help you identify thoughts, feelings, and needs which will allow you to understand yourself better and enhance communication with your world. This new self awareness will greatly improve your relationships, increase your self esteem, and allow you to enjoy your life to its fullest.
(612) 284-0462 View (612) 284-0462

See more therapy options for South Saint Paul

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.