Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Chapel Hill, NC
Osly Galobardi
Counselor, CRC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27517 (Online Only)
I apply an integrated approach, pulling concepts from CBT, DBT, and ACT to best support my clients.
I specialize in working with individuals with autism and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. I understand how people with developmental disabilities may present psychiatric conditions differently, such as depression and anxiety, than individuals without developmental disabilities. I also enjoy working with college-aged/young adults who are in the process of transitioning to the "real world," and helping them with the stressors of "adulting."
I apply an integrated approach, pulling concepts from CBT, DBT, and ACT to best support my clients.
I specialize in working with individuals with autism and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. I understand how people with developmental disabilities may present psychiatric conditions differently, such as depression and anxiety, than individuals without developmental disabilities. I also enjoy working with college-aged/young adults who are in the process of transitioning to the "real world," and helping them with the stressors of "adulting."
Beth Shank
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (Online Only)
Beth is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Certified Counselor providing psychotherapy for clients in North Carolina.
Hello! If you found my page chances are you are looking to make some sort of change in your life. Finding a therapist that fits with you can be challenging. I work with individuals facing a variety of life issues including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, anger, grief, self esteem, body image issues, eating disorders, and life transitions. I strive to help empower you to build a life worth living. I offer secure video sessions for clients in North Carolina.
Beth is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Certified Counselor providing psychotherapy for clients in North Carolina.
Hello! If you found my page chances are you are looking to make some sort of change in your life. Finding a therapist that fits with you can be challenging. I work with individuals facing a variety of life issues including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, anger, grief, self esteem, body image issues, eating disorders, and life transitions. I strive to help empower you to build a life worth living. I offer secure video sessions for clients in North Carolina.
Leslie Cloninger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Leslie utilizes DBT to help gain skills needed to regulate emotional responses within life.
A believer in self-actualization, Leslie is eager to empower you to become your best self. To be known is one of life’s greatest adventures and sometimes we have to feel safe to gain insight into thought and behavioral patterns in order to grow and change in positive ways. Partnering with you to develop the tools you need to be able to meet life’s challenges, Leslie is honored and excited to help folxs on the journey toward full, balanced, authentic lives. Sometimes emotions are tough but together, Leslie works to help you fully experience your emotions and learn how to regulate them through building self-compassion and acceptance.
Leslie utilizes DBT to help gain skills needed to regulate emotional responses within life.
A believer in self-actualization, Leslie is eager to empower you to become your best self. To be known is one of life’s greatest adventures and sometimes we have to feel safe to gain insight into thought and behavioral patterns in order to grow and change in positive ways. Partnering with you to develop the tools you need to be able to meet life’s challenges, Leslie is honored and excited to help folxs on the journey toward full, balanced, authentic lives. Sometimes emotions are tough but together, Leslie works to help you fully experience your emotions and learn how to regulate them through building self-compassion and acceptance.
Life is hard, let’s talk about it—and maybe even laugh a little along the way. Building a strong therapeutic rapport is my top priority, because without that, real progress can’t happen. My approach combines evidence-based practices like ACT, Person-Centered Therapy, DBT and CBT all tailored to your unique needs. Together, we’ll create a space where you can make meaningful changes—without taking ourselves too seriously.
Life is hard, let’s talk about it—and maybe even laugh a little along the way. Building a strong therapeutic rapport is my top priority, because without that, real progress can’t happen. My approach combines evidence-based practices like ACT, Person-Centered Therapy, DBT and CBT all tailored to your unique needs. Together, we’ll create a space where you can make meaningful changes—without taking ourselves too seriously.
Modalities I work with include IFS Parts work, CBT, DBT, and somatic exercises.
I see my job as supporting people in stepping into lives of consciousness, authenticity, meaning, and joy - whatever that looks like for each particular person. My focus is primarily with people who are dealing with grief, addiction / recovery, and/or aging, although many of my clients are outside these particular categories but yet are longing for a deeper life. To get there, healing has to happen first. Trauma needs to be addressed. Beliefs, communication styles, and relationship patterns that are limiting need to be considered and reformulated. Stressors and anxiety needs to be managed. This is the path we travel together.
Modalities I work with include IFS Parts work, CBT, DBT, and somatic exercises.
I see my job as supporting people in stepping into lives of consciousness, authenticity, meaning, and joy - whatever that looks like for each particular person. My focus is primarily with people who are dealing with grief, addiction / recovery, and/or aging, although many of my clients are outside these particular categories but yet are longing for a deeper life. To get there, healing has to happen first. Trauma needs to be addressed. Beliefs, communication styles, and relationship patterns that are limiting need to be considered and reformulated. Stressors and anxiety needs to be managed. This is the path we travel together.
I also specialize in DBT, an emotion management therapy.
I provide evidence-based therapy, which means I use principles and strategies that research has shown to be effective. My expertise is in helping individuals cope with depression, anxiety, and difficult emotions, as well as couples who are struggling or want to strengthen their relationship.
I also specialize in DBT, an emotion management therapy.
I provide evidence-based therapy, which means I use principles and strategies that research has shown to be effective. My expertise is in helping individuals cope with depression, anxiety, and difficult emotions, as well as couples who are struggling or want to strengthen their relationship.
During our work, I'll utilize trauma-informed practices such as EMDR, IFS and DBT to assist you in reaching your goals.
Hi, I'm Rachel! I help adults with a wide range of issues including working through traumatic experiences, living with daily anxiety, navigating grief, and processing late-in-life Autism diagnoses. Have you been feeling stuck in old patterns that you can't break out of? Have you been feeling overwhelmed by feelings of grief, anxiety, or uncertainty? You don't need to carry this weight alone anymore. Our sessions will create a safe place to explore these experiences and pave a path towards a more confident, grounded, and connected future.
During our work, I'll utilize trauma-informed practices such as EMDR, IFS and DBT to assist you in reaching your goals.
Hi, I'm Rachel! I help adults with a wide range of issues including working through traumatic experiences, living with daily anxiety, navigating grief, and processing late-in-life Autism diagnoses. Have you been feeling stuck in old patterns that you can't break out of? Have you been feeling overwhelmed by feelings of grief, anxiety, or uncertainty? You don't need to carry this weight alone anymore. Our sessions will create a safe place to explore these experiences and pave a path towards a more confident, grounded, and connected future.
Lorie Lowans-Wells
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), MBSR-Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and meditation, Play Therapy, talk therapy (Psychodynamic) and Sand Tray.
Do you struggle with depression, anxiety or self-worth? Are you still grieving something you thought you were over? Do you need to reduce stress? Therapy is a wonderful place to reduce difficult feelings and improve self-care. Therapy is a safe place-no judgement- but honest, caring support and guidance.
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), MBSR-Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and meditation, Play Therapy, talk therapy (Psychodynamic) and Sand Tray.
Do you struggle with depression, anxiety or self-worth? Are you still grieving something you thought you were over? Do you need to reduce stress? Therapy is a wonderful place to reduce difficult feelings and improve self-care. Therapy is a safe place-no judgement- but honest, caring support and guidance.
Beacon Therapeutic and Wellness Services, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Our clinicians specialize in a wide array of treatment modalities from CBT, DBT, EMDR to a holistic integrative approach, incorporating physical and mental health.
Now accepting children and teens! Are you struggling to reach your full potential? Is life beating you down? Is anxiety, stress, or difficulty focusing interfering with daily functioning? Has your self-esteem taken a hit? Do you need to feel heard and supported or maybe learn different ways to cope, because the coping skills that you've developed over the years are no longer of service to you? Or maybe you're just feeling MEH! and want to improve your overall health....
Our clinicians specialize in a wide array of treatment modalities from CBT, DBT, EMDR to a holistic integrative approach, incorporating physical and mental health.
Now accepting children and teens! Are you struggling to reach your full potential? Is life beating you down? Is anxiety, stress, or difficulty focusing interfering with daily functioning? Has your self-esteem taken a hit? Do you need to feel heard and supported or maybe learn different ways to cope, because the coping skills that you've developed over the years are no longer of service to you? Or maybe you're just feeling MEH! and want to improve your overall health....
Susanne Kaiser
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Waitlist for new clients
I have facilitated both group and individual Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT) for 12+ years.
*My Practice is currently full.* I began a search over 20 years ago that allowed me to experience healing in ways that honor the entire human being -not just the mind. My approach is one that honors each client's strengths and path towards wholeness. I empower clients towards their own self-healing. My work is integrative - utilizing mindfulness and inviting the soul/spirit, mind & body to drive the process of therapy. I specialize in non-pathologizing therapies. I strive to create an atmosphere of safety first and foremost. I feel that spirituality is an integral part of the healing process.
I have facilitated both group and individual Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT) for 12+ years.
*My Practice is currently full.* I began a search over 20 years ago that allowed me to experience healing in ways that honor the entire human being -not just the mind. My approach is one that honors each client's strengths and path towards wholeness. I empower clients towards their own self-healing. My work is integrative - utilizing mindfulness and inviting the soul/spirit, mind & body to drive the process of therapy. I specialize in non-pathologizing therapies. I strive to create an atmosphere of safety first and foremost. I feel that spirituality is an integral part of the healing process.
Marilyn L Grubbs
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
My primary techniques are cognitive behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), Somatic Experiencing, and expressive arts techniques such as Touch Drawing, collage, sand tray, and journaling, according to what each client desires.
I believe that each of us has a deep supply of wisdom that we can use to heal our pain and solve our problems. I will work with you to tap into that wisdom, using the approach that is most comfortable and effective for you, always respecting and being open to learning about your cultural traditions. I specialize in healing of grief, trauma, or loss; relationship and communication skills for individuals and couples; personal growth and empowerment; and the integration of mind, body, and spirit, including alternatives to pharmaceutical treatment for psychological symptoms.
My primary techniques are cognitive behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), Somatic Experiencing, and expressive arts techniques such as Touch Drawing, collage, sand tray, and journaling, according to what each client desires.
I believe that each of us has a deep supply of wisdom that we can use to heal our pain and solve our problems. I will work with you to tap into that wisdom, using the approach that is most comfortable and effective for you, always respecting and being open to learning about your cultural traditions. I specialize in healing of grief, trauma, or loss; relationship and communication skills for individuals and couples; personal growth and empowerment; and the integration of mind, body, and spirit, including alternatives to pharmaceutical treatment for psychological symptoms.
15 Second Videos
Ann E O'Neil
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Chapel Hill
Amy Carmen
Jonora Jones
John Baggerman
Rebecca Blankenship
Amber Wood
Anna Butler
Jeffrey Gianelli
Christian Cagle
Natalie Ma
Katelyn Kivett
Kat Morriss
Brittany Bate
Coleman Child Psychology, PLLC
Lia Hillie
Aurora Nunez Dixon
Anxiety With Life And Relationships Katie Hargreaves
Gage Howe
Mindful Collaboration
Denis Hart
Julian Crespo
Raelyn Mosher
Leslie Wondra
Mary Candace Bryant
Amy D Wright
Amanda Brescia
Jackie Ma
Kelly French
Guided-Alchemy, PLLC
Jennifer M Bynum
Alysia W. McGlone
Courtney Hart
Tim Martin
Mindful Paths PLLC
Jonah Woodsong Leslie
Jake Bradley Lamers
Niki Feehan
Casey Miller
Michelle Koeneke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
I have an eclectic approach to treatment which incorporates multiple evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), to help clients understand the link between negative perceptions (cognitions) and long-standing behavior patterns which negatively impact our relationships and personal life aspirations.
Does your inner critic whisper or scream "I am not enough?" Does anxiety, shame, and/or fear negatively impact the way you live, love, work, and lead? Over the past 10 years I have gained clinical expertise in understanding the bio-psycho-social-spiritual aspects of suffering and the importance of an integrated healing process rooted in evidence-based treatments. In my practice, I strive to create a non-judgmental and safe place to explore your unique needs and assist you in your personal growth. Treatment specialization includes therapy for shame resilience, anxiety, stress, trauma, grief/loss, transitions, medical crisis and addiction relapse prevention support.
I have an eclectic approach to treatment which incorporates multiple evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), to help clients understand the link between negative perceptions (cognitions) and long-standing behavior patterns which negatively impact our relationships and personal life aspirations.
Does your inner critic whisper or scream "I am not enough?" Does anxiety, shame, and/or fear negatively impact the way you live, love, work, and lead? Over the past 10 years I have gained clinical expertise in understanding the bio-psycho-social-spiritual aspects of suffering and the importance of an integrated healing process rooted in evidence-based treatments. In my practice, I strive to create a non-judgmental and safe place to explore your unique needs and assist you in your personal growth. Treatment specialization includes therapy for shame resilience, anxiety, stress, trauma, grief/loss, transitions, medical crisis and addiction relapse prevention support.
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Chapel Hill
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
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.
Alexandria Bounds
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (Online Only)
I use evidence-based practices, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy ( DBT), motivational interviewing, and more.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Addiction Specialist with over 5 years of experience in the mental health field. I have a passion for supporting people who struggle with ADHD, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma/PTSD, and life transitions. As an Addiction Specialist, I also have experience helping individuals create and maintain effective recovery plans, as well as treating those with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder who want to increase their independence through coping skills and building resiliency. I received my Bachelor's and Master's in Social Work from Western Carolina University.
I use evidence-based practices, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy ( DBT), motivational interviewing, and more.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Addiction Specialist with over 5 years of experience in the mental health field. I have a passion for supporting people who struggle with ADHD, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma/PTSD, and life transitions. As an Addiction Specialist, I also have experience helping individuals create and maintain effective recovery plans, as well as treating those with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder who want to increase their independence through coping skills and building resiliency. I received my Bachelor's and Master's in Social Work from Western Carolina University.
Amy Carmen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (Online Only)
I specialize in CBT, DBT, interpersonal work, and interpersonal EMDR.
All clients are ideal to me. The journey of life places us all exactly where we need to be to heal and grow. As humans, we are exquisitely designed for this sometimes painful, sometimes joyful path. I am privileged to be able to join my clients in this work and lead them to where they want to go. I look forward to talking with you about what you would like to change in your life. For over 30 years, I have been helping a diverse clientele with a vast array of mental health, substance use, and trauma concerns in a variety of settings.
I specialize in CBT, DBT, interpersonal work, and interpersonal EMDR.
All clients are ideal to me. The journey of life places us all exactly where we need to be to heal and grow. As humans, we are exquisitely designed for this sometimes painful, sometimes joyful path. I am privileged to be able to join my clients in this work and lead them to where they want to go. I look forward to talking with you about what you would like to change in your life. For over 30 years, I have been helping a diverse clientele with a vast array of mental health, substance use, and trauma concerns in a variety of settings.
Megan Neary
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, LMSW, CAADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
With a strong therapeutic relationship as the foundation of our work together, I embed various evidence-based modalities, such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness, together to create an effective, individualized therapy for each unique client.
I prioritize human connection while fostering an authentic therapeutic relationship in which to empower my clients. My therapeutic style can best be described as “direct, with a generous dose of humor, empathy, and compassion.” This allows me to create a trusting, non-judgmental environment in which hope, healing, and meaningful change can happen. I support my clients in their efforts to make choices that align with their personal goals, that allow them to embrace their authentic selves, and that empower them to live purposeful lives. It is my singular pleasure to be witness to the journeys of my clients.
With a strong therapeutic relationship as the foundation of our work together, I embed various evidence-based modalities, such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness, together to create an effective, individualized therapy for each unique client.
I prioritize human connection while fostering an authentic therapeutic relationship in which to empower my clients. My therapeutic style can best be described as “direct, with a generous dose of humor, empathy, and compassion.” This allows me to create a trusting, non-judgmental environment in which hope, healing, and meaningful change can happen. I support my clients in their efforts to make choices that align with their personal goals, that allow them to embrace their authentic selves, and that empower them to live purposeful lives. It is my singular pleasure to be witness to the journeys of my clients.
Anne Olivar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Waitlist for new clients
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe in practical and person-centered therapy, meaning you are in charge of the process while I guide and support you. I specialize in using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT) to help manage big emotions and change unhelpful patterns. Dialectical work challenges us to understand seemingly opposing thoughts and feelings. In DBT, we focus on building skills in 4 areas: Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotional Regulation, and Distress Tolerance to help achieve our goals.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe in practical and person-centered therapy, meaning you are in charge of the process while I guide and support you. I specialize in using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT) to help manage big emotions and change unhelpful patterns. Dialectical work challenges us to understand seemingly opposing thoughts and feelings. In DBT, we focus on building skills in 4 areas: Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotional Regulation, and Distress Tolerance to help achieve our goals.
I use mindfulness and grounding techniques, dialectical behavior therapy, and person centered therapy to help my clients heal.
I believe that everyone has the ability to find power within themselves to create a life that works best for them. I specialize in working with teenagers and adults with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body image concerns, bipolar disorder, dissociative episodes and life transitions.
I use mindfulness and grounding techniques, dialectical behavior therapy, and person centered therapy to help my clients heal.
I believe that everyone has the ability to find power within themselves to create a life that works best for them. I specialize in working with teenagers and adults with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body image concerns, bipolar disorder, dissociative episodes and life transitions.
Lee Consulting Group of NC, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
My theoretical approach is informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT).
Life happens to all of us, unfortunately, what to do when it does is a question that stumps many of us. Sometimes it's an unexpected phone call or experience that alters the trajectory of life, leaving us gripped by defeat, anxiety, and despair. Other times, it's the pain of past wounds (or sometimes present)/trauma caused by someone who was supposed to love and protect us that weighs on us like a ton of bricks, stifling our ability to move forward. At LCG of NC, we hear you, feel you, and we believe that with the right support, you can achieve, overcome, improve, defy, and ultimately win in life.
My theoretical approach is informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT).
Life happens to all of us, unfortunately, what to do when it does is a question that stumps many of us. Sometimes it's an unexpected phone call or experience that alters the trajectory of life, leaving us gripped by defeat, anxiety, and despair. Other times, it's the pain of past wounds (or sometimes present)/trauma caused by someone who was supposed to love and protect us that weighs on us like a ton of bricks, stifling our ability to move forward. At LCG of NC, we hear you, feel you, and we believe that with the right support, you can achieve, overcome, improve, defy, and ultimately win in life.
Jonora Jones
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Waitlist for new clients
Is your past getting in the way of creating a better future? I’m a potential sherpa on your therapy journey. You are the expert on your life! My work is to teach, ask the best questions, and probe so that your wisdom becomes more accessible to you. My trauma- and mindfulness-informed, culturally responsive approach to counseling is primarily based upon CBT, EMDR, Somatic Therapy, DBT. I am an EMDR Certified (EMDRIA) therapist. I work with adults with diagnoses such as post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, among others. I work with clients from various backgrounds, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+.
Is your past getting in the way of creating a better future? I’m a potential sherpa on your therapy journey. You are the expert on your life! My work is to teach, ask the best questions, and probe so that your wisdom becomes more accessible to you. My trauma- and mindfulness-informed, culturally responsive approach to counseling is primarily based upon CBT, EMDR, Somatic Therapy, DBT. I am an EMDR Certified (EMDRIA) therapist. I work with adults with diagnoses such as post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, among others. I work with clients from various backgrounds, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+.
See more therapy options for Chapel Hill
Nearby Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists Searches for Chapel Hill
- Apex
- Burlington
- Carrboro
- Cary
- Durham
- Graham
- Hillsborough
- Holly Springs
- Mebane
- Morrisville
- Pittsboro
- Research Triangle
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.