Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in New Jersey

Photo of Kathryn Engle Wu, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kathryn Engle Wu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chester, NJ 07930
I will draw from a variety of methods including CBT, DBT, Structural Family Therapy, & Solution Focused Therapy to create an individual approach tailored for you and your particular situation.
Often we feel as if our lives have become overwhelming as we navigate life stressors. Whether you are struggling with everyday stress or a traumatic event, I provide an accepting, warm & honest therapeutic setting where we can work together on the path to wellness. While I have over 20 years experience working with children and adolescents, I enjoy working with people of all ages focusing on challenging relationships, anxiety, depression, & personal history.
I will draw from a variety of methods including CBT, DBT, Structural Family Therapy, & Solution Focused Therapy to create an individual approach tailored for you and your particular situation.
Often we feel as if our lives have become overwhelming as we navigate life stressors. Whether you are struggling with everyday stress or a traumatic event, I provide an accepting, warm & honest therapeutic setting where we can work together on the path to wellness. While I have over 20 years experience working with children and adolescents, I enjoy working with people of all ages focusing on challenging relationships, anxiety, depression, & personal history.
(908) 503-5469 View (908) 503-5469
Photo of Samuel Parton, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Samuel Parton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Montclair, NJ 07043
Working in schools and foster care settings for years, Sam is an expert in child and adolescent therapy. He utilizes two of the leading therapies, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT). With CBT, Sam helps clients change unhelpful thought processes and behavioral patterns and aids clients in bravely facing their fears. While with DBT, he helps clients learn better emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. He is passionate about building connections and assists clients in finding strengths and skills within themselves to work through any struggles they might be experiencing.
Working in schools and foster care settings for years, Sam is an expert in child and adolescent therapy. He utilizes two of the leading therapies, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT). With CBT, Sam helps clients change unhelpful thought processes and behavioral patterns and aids clients in bravely facing their fears. While with DBT, he helps clients learn better emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. He is passionate about building connections and assists clients in finding strengths and skills within themselves to work through any struggles they might be experiencing.
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Photo of Dr. Aunjuli Hicks, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS, Coach, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Aunjuli Hicks
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS, Coach
Verified Verified
Millburn, NJ 07041
Using a combination of cognitive behavior therapy and individual Dialectical Behavior Therapy, I have a multi-dimensional approach; "I want my patients to learn to live in peace.
Having worked in the mental health profession for over 25 years, I am a licensed mental health professional and owner of the Hicks Group Wellness Center. My primary work is with individuals suffering from domestic violence, traumas, anxiety, and depression. I am particular about whom I take as a client; my ideal client is ready for transformative change and motivated to do the therapeutic work that comes with counseling.
Using a combination of cognitive behavior therapy and individual Dialectical Behavior Therapy, I have a multi-dimensional approach; "I want my patients to learn to live in peace.
Having worked in the mental health profession for over 25 years, I am a licensed mental health professional and owner of the Hicks Group Wellness Center. My primary work is with individuals suffering from domestic violence, traumas, anxiety, and depression. I am particular about whom I take as a client; my ideal client is ready for transformative change and motivated to do the therapeutic work that comes with counseling.
(908) 364-7611 View (908) 364-7611
Photo of Vanessa Morales, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Vanessa Morales
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
I utilize interventions informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Somatic Therapy to support you through challenges like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected? If you’re ready to work collaboratively, motivated to make a change, and open to exploring new ways to grow, you’re in the right place. Together, we’ll focus on helping you find balance and live in alignment with your values. If you’re ready to attend to your mental health needs and embrace the healing process, I’d be honored to support you on this journey toward a more fulfilling life.
I utilize interventions informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Somatic Therapy to support you through challenges like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected? If you’re ready to work collaboratively, motivated to make a change, and open to exploring new ways to grow, you’re in the right place. Together, we’ll focus on helping you find balance and live in alignment with your values. If you’re ready to attend to your mental health needs and embrace the healing process, I’d be honored to support you on this journey toward a more fulfilling life.
(732) 333-8520 View (732) 333-8520
Photo of Lauren Radil, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lauren Radil
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hackensack, NJ 07601
I utilize a trauma informed and holistic approach with evidence based modalities including DBT, ACT, BA, HRT, CBT and Polyvagal Theory.
I am a warm and genuine psychotherapist who is passionate about supporting others navigate life’s challenges and finding a deeper sense of meaning, connection and transformation. I am grateful to serve young and middle aged adults 18-40 yrs old located in NJ and NY who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life and adjustment challenges, self-esteem/self worth challenges and who've experienced relational/familial trauma.
I utilize a trauma informed and holistic approach with evidence based modalities including DBT, ACT, BA, HRT, CBT and Polyvagal Theory.
I am a warm and genuine psychotherapist who is passionate about supporting others navigate life’s challenges and finding a deeper sense of meaning, connection and transformation. I am grateful to serve young and middle aged adults 18-40 yrs old located in NJ and NY who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life and adjustment challenges, self-esteem/self worth challenges and who've experienced relational/familial trauma.
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Photo of Janine Elliott, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Janine Elliott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Janine Elliott takes a collaborative approach to building relationships with clients that empower them to thrive in their relationships, school/workplace, and community. She uses evidence-based treatments including CBT, DBT, ERP and HRT to help reframe unhelpful behaviors and thoughts, increase emotional regulation, and improve resiliency. Janine received her MSW from Rutgers with a focus in family systems and attachment theory. She has also trained extensively with pioneers in the field at the Beck Institute, UPenn Department of Psychiatry, Center for Treatment and Study of Anxiety, and Minuchin Center for the Family.
Janine Elliott takes a collaborative approach to building relationships with clients that empower them to thrive in their relationships, school/workplace, and community. She uses evidence-based treatments including CBT, DBT, ERP and HRT to help reframe unhelpful behaviors and thoughts, increase emotional regulation, and improve resiliency. Janine received her MSW from Rutgers with a focus in family systems and attachment theory. She has also trained extensively with pioneers in the field at the Beck Institute, UPenn Department of Psychiatry, Center for Treatment and Study of Anxiety, and Minuchin Center for the Family.
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Photo of Beth Fier, MA, LPC, NCC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Beth Fier
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, ACS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Hi there! Welcome to my practice, SEED Services: Partners for Counseling & Wellness. We use evidence based approaches, including Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), and the Gottman Method for couples counseling. Our therapists will tailor treatment to your specific concerns, and we specialize in working with issues related to self-criticism, shame, and the patterns of avoidance that are often associated with trauma, anxiety, depression, and problem perfectionism. We also particularly enjoy helping couples build, renew or restore their relationship with one another.
Hi there! Welcome to my practice, SEED Services: Partners for Counseling & Wellness. We use evidence based approaches, including Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), and the Gottman Method for couples counseling. Our therapists will tailor treatment to your specific concerns, and we specialize in working with issues related to self-criticism, shame, and the patterns of avoidance that are often associated with trauma, anxiety, depression, and problem perfectionism. We also particularly enjoy helping couples build, renew or restore their relationship with one another.
(609) 422-5434 View (609) 422-5434
Photo of Jeanie Min DeMario - Grateful Living Psychotherapy , MA, LPC, NCC, Counselor
Grateful Living Psychotherapy
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Paramus, NJ 07652
I use integrative approach which includes family systems, solution focused, emotion focused, DBT, CBT, trauma focused, and multicultural therapy.
I am a trauma specialist who can help you recover from childhood trauma, sexual abuse, addiction, depression, and anxiety using talk therapy or EMDR (an effective approach that reduces the triggering power of traumatic memories). My clients have often had challenging childhoods, and may currently be navigating relationship breakup, divorce, family conflict, or abuses within a faith community. I also provide life coaching for wellness, relationship/marriage, divorce, career, and parenting.
I use integrative approach which includes family systems, solution focused, emotion focused, DBT, CBT, trauma focused, and multicultural therapy.
I am a trauma specialist who can help you recover from childhood trauma, sexual abuse, addiction, depression, and anxiety using talk therapy or EMDR (an effective approach that reduces the triggering power of traumatic memories). My clients have often had challenging childhoods, and may currently be navigating relationship breakup, divorce, family conflict, or abuses within a faith community. I also provide life coaching for wellness, relationship/marriage, divorce, career, and parenting.
(201) 298-0337 View (201) 298-0337
Photo of Samuel Parton, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Samuel Parton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Succasunna, NJ 07876
Working in schools and foster care settings for years, Sam is an expert in child and adolescent therapy. He utilizes two of the leading therapies, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT). With CBT, Sam helps clients change unhelpful thought processes and behavioral patterns and aids clients in bravely facing their fears. While with DBT, he helps clients learn better emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. He is passionate about building connections and assists clients in finding strengths and skills within themselves to work through any struggles they might be experiencing.
Working in schools and foster care settings for years, Sam is an expert in child and adolescent therapy. He utilizes two of the leading therapies, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT). With CBT, Sam helps clients change unhelpful thought processes and behavioral patterns and aids clients in bravely facing their fears. While with DBT, he helps clients learn better emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. He is passionate about building connections and assists clients in finding strengths and skills within themselves to work through any struggles they might be experiencing.
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Photo of Denise Williams, EdD, Licensed Professional Counselor
Denise Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08540  (Online Only)
I am trained and experienced in CBT, DBT, complicated grief therapy, strength-based coaching, career counseling methods suited for each person's journey toward a new sense of wellness and wholeness.
W.O.W. Counseling was created to assist you overcome challenges and achieve personal goals. For persons who feel stressed out by issues that are never-ending, who are coping with trauma, anxiety, depression, loss, debilitating shame, relationship issues, career challenges, or other life transitions; WOW Counseling can help you process, validate, and if necessary, reframe your experiences, as you learn new, positive behaviors, and make changes. For those interested in Christian-based counseling, I am able to help you integrate biblical principles in your therapeutic work.
I am trained and experienced in CBT, DBT, complicated grief therapy, strength-based coaching, career counseling methods suited for each person's journey toward a new sense of wellness and wholeness.
W.O.W. Counseling was created to assist you overcome challenges and achieve personal goals. For persons who feel stressed out by issues that are never-ending, who are coping with trauma, anxiety, depression, loss, debilitating shame, relationship issues, career challenges, or other life transitions; WOW Counseling can help you process, validate, and if necessary, reframe your experiences, as you learn new, positive behaviors, and make changes. For those interested in Christian-based counseling, I am able to help you integrate biblical principles in your therapeutic work.
(609) 375-1515 View (609) 375-1515
Photo of Peter Quinton, MS, LAC, Counselor
Peter Quinton
Counselor, MS, LAC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
My experience lies in helping clients (children, adolescents, adults) navigate mental health and wellness concerns, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, social anxiety & fear, anger management issues, life transitions, family and relationship issues, parenting skills, academic & career motivation, oppositional behavior, etc. I utilize evidence-based treatment modalities (CBT & DBT) while incorporating a person-centered approach that borrows from existential and spiritual wellness philosophies. I specialize in working with clients from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ community, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
My experience lies in helping clients (children, adolescents, adults) navigate mental health and wellness concerns, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, social anxiety & fear, anger management issues, life transitions, family and relationship issues, parenting skills, academic & career motivation, oppositional behavior, etc. I utilize evidence-based treatment modalities (CBT & DBT) while incorporating a person-centered approach that borrows from existential and spiritual wellness philosophies. I specialize in working with clients from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ community, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
(908) 246-1480 View (908) 246-1480
Photo of Katelyn Finnegan, MA, LAC, Counselor
Katelyn Finnegan
Counselor, MA, LAC
Verified Verified
Red Bank, NJ 07701
I am passionate about working with clients living with the effects of trauma, and I understand the importance of finding a good match when searching for a trauma therapist. I help my clients develop new skills and insight using research-based interventions coupled with compassion and humility. I am LGBTQ+ affirming and bring cultural sensitivity into my work. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), am trained in EMDR, DBT, and Internal Family Systems, also known as "parts work."
I am passionate about working with clients living with the effects of trauma, and I understand the importance of finding a good match when searching for a trauma therapist. I help my clients develop new skills and insight using research-based interventions coupled with compassion and humility. I am LGBTQ+ affirming and bring cultural sensitivity into my work. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), am trained in EMDR, DBT, and Internal Family Systems, also known as "parts work."
(848) 308-1344 View (848) 308-1344
Photo of Luddy Serulle, MA, LAC, NCC, Counselor
Luddy Serulle
Counselor, MA, LAC, NCC
Verified Verified
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Tri America proudly welcomes Ms. Serulle Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) a passionate therapist dedicated to helping children, adults, and families with a wide range of concerns. She provides the highest quality care helping her clients achieve and set new goals through their individualized therapeutic process. She incorporates a holistic approach using Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Therapy ( DBT), Client-Centered Therapy, and Reality-Therapy among other modalities. She has experience with clients that are dealing with depression, and anxiety, as well as couples therapy.
Tri America proudly welcomes Ms. Serulle Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) a passionate therapist dedicated to helping children, adults, and families with a wide range of concerns. She provides the highest quality care helping her clients achieve and set new goals through their individualized therapeutic process. She incorporates a holistic approach using Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Therapy ( DBT), Client-Centered Therapy, and Reality-Therapy among other modalities. She has experience with clients that are dealing with depression, and anxiety, as well as couples therapy.
(551) 465-5681 View (551) 465-5681
Photo of Marissa Mangual, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Marissa Mangual
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
Through a client centered and mindfulness based approach, I may include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma Informed treatment, .
It is my belief that what the human spirit yearns for most is to be heard in a genuine, non-judgmental, and compassionate way. My goal is to provide a therapeutic environment where my clients feel comfortable to express themselves in their most authentic light. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). It has been my experience, that personal transparency has been most effective in developing a therapeutic relationship in helping others meet their needs while in treatment. I also support those who take a non-diagnostic view to their mental health, and who’ve experienced harms through psychiatric medication and/or MH treatments.
Through a client centered and mindfulness based approach, I may include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma Informed treatment, .
It is my belief that what the human spirit yearns for most is to be heard in a genuine, non-judgmental, and compassionate way. My goal is to provide a therapeutic environment where my clients feel comfortable to express themselves in their most authentic light. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). It has been my experience, that personal transparency has been most effective in developing a therapeutic relationship in helping others meet their needs while in treatment. I also support those who take a non-diagnostic view to their mental health, and who’ve experienced harms through psychiatric medication and/or MH treatments.
(609) 739-9743 View (609) 739-9743
Photo of Janine Elliott, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Janine Elliott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chatham, NJ 07928
Janine Elliott takes a collaborative approach to building relationships with clients that empower them to thrive in their relationships, school/workplace, and community. She uses evidence-based treatments including CBT, DBT, ERP and HRT to help reframe unhelpful behaviors and thoughts, increase emotional regulation, and improve resiliency. Janine received her MSW from Rutgers with a focus in family systems and attachment theory. She has also trained extensively with pioneers in the field at the Beck Institute, UPenn Department of Psychiatry, Center for Treatment and Study of Anxiety, and Minuchin Center for the Family.
Janine Elliott takes a collaborative approach to building relationships with clients that empower them to thrive in their relationships, school/workplace, and community. She uses evidence-based treatments including CBT, DBT, ERP and HRT to help reframe unhelpful behaviors and thoughts, increase emotional regulation, and improve resiliency. Janine received her MSW from Rutgers with a focus in family systems and attachment theory. She has also trained extensively with pioneers in the field at the Beck Institute, UPenn Department of Psychiatry, Center for Treatment and Study of Anxiety, and Minuchin Center for the Family.
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Photo of Christine Fitzgerald Petrat, LCSW, CPT-1, C-DBT, CCATP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christine Fitzgerald Petrat
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CPT-1, C-DBT, CCATP
Verified Verified
Chester, NJ 07930
With over 15 years of experience, I have been consistently told that I am warm, easy to talk to, and very helpful. I am a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional, Certified Trauma Professional, and a Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist and together we can find ways to better understand yourself and your circumstances so that you can make meaningful changes in your life, and get support with stressful situations you may be dealing with. We will figure out what will help you feel better and overall more content with the use of strategies that have been proven to be effective and tailored to your specific needs.
With over 15 years of experience, I have been consistently told that I am warm, easy to talk to, and very helpful. I am a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional, Certified Trauma Professional, and a Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist and together we can find ways to better understand yourself and your circumstances so that you can make meaningful changes in your life, and get support with stressful situations you may be dealing with. We will figure out what will help you feel better and overall more content with the use of strategies that have been proven to be effective and tailored to your specific needs.
(973) 500-2758 View (973) 500-2758
Photo of Diana Cofsky, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Diana Cofsky
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Hamilton, NJ 08610
My approach to therapy is client-centered, using a variety of modalities including CBT, DBT and family systems therapy.
I am a licensed professional counselor that has been working in behavioral health for over 20 years. I am a lifelong resident of South Jersey and obtained my Bachelors and Masters degrees from La Salle University in Philadelphia.
My approach to therapy is client-centered, using a variety of modalities including CBT, DBT and family systems therapy.
I am a licensed professional counselor that has been working in behavioral health for over 20 years. I am a lifelong resident of South Jersey and obtained my Bachelors and Masters degrees from La Salle University in Philadelphia.
(609) 834-4935 View (609) 834-4935
Photo of Diana Cofsky, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Diana Cofsky
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
My approach to therapy is client centered, using a variety of modalities including CBT, DBT and family systems therapy.
I am a licensed professional counselor that has been working in behavioral health for over 20 years. I am a lifelong resident of South Jersey and obtained my Bachelors and Masters degrees from La Salle University in Philadelphia.
My approach to therapy is client centered, using a variety of modalities including CBT, DBT and family systems therapy.
I am a licensed professional counselor that has been working in behavioral health for over 20 years. I am a lifelong resident of South Jersey and obtained my Bachelors and Masters degrees from La Salle University in Philadelphia.
(856) 595-4540 View (856) 595-4540
Photo of Danielle Romer, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Danielle Romer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Voorhees, NJ 08043
I am also extensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT).
I believe therapy is a profoundly collaborative and relational process. I will work alongside you to help you in achieving a deeper understanding and awareness of your experiences, patterns, and emotions, so that you can make desired changes and foster personal growth. I believe that developing a deeper understanding of yourself creates a space to be able to work through and resolve internal and relational conflicts, uncover the links between your past and present, and ultimately develop a future that is both intentional and fulfilling.
I am also extensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT).
I believe therapy is a profoundly collaborative and relational process. I will work alongside you to help you in achieving a deeper understanding and awareness of your experiences, patterns, and emotions, so that you can make desired changes and foster personal growth. I believe that developing a deeper understanding of yourself creates a space to be able to work through and resolve internal and relational conflicts, uncover the links between your past and present, and ultimately develop a future that is both intentional and fulfilling.
(856) 352-5428 View (856) 352-5428
Photo of Gabbi Enerson, MS, LAC, Counselor
Gabbi Enerson
Counselor, MS, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brick, NJ 08723
From ADHD, to anxiety, depression, to personality or mood disorders, we explore different skills through ACT and DBT, and focusing on a growth mindset.
As a therapist, I believe counseling should be a safe space for self-expression, not a place of judgement. We all come from different paths of life which hold different views and experiences. My role is to hold a space with clients where they can feel heard and understood during their journey. Together, we can come up with curated short term and long-term goals that you feel would be realistic for you to continue in your day-to-day. Life can sometimes hold unexpected twists and turns, but as long as we can learn from them we can continue to grow!
From ADHD, to anxiety, depression, to personality or mood disorders, we explore different skills through ACT and DBT, and focusing on a growth mindset.
As a therapist, I believe counseling should be a safe space for self-expression, not a place of judgement. We all come from different paths of life which hold different views and experiences. My role is to hold a space with clients where they can feel heard and understood during their journey. Together, we can come up with curated short term and long-term goals that you feel would be realistic for you to continue in your day-to-day. Life can sometimes hold unexpected twists and turns, but as long as we can learn from them we can continue to grow!
(908) 520-2159 View (908) 520-2159
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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.