Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH
![Photo of Katie Rapson-Stecula, LPCC, LPC, LAC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b239d0fe-2888-4339-8840-2521cc692a88/1/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Rapson-Stecula
Licensed Professional Clinical, LPCC, LPC, LAC
Verified Verified
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219
I am independently licensed as an LPCC in the state of Ohio and an LPC and LAC in the state of Colorado. I am happy to work with individuals 12 years of age and up, including couples and caregivers, on a multitude of issues related to mental health and addiction. My professional orientation is eclectic and I draw heavily from Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Existential orientations for both conceptualizing client concerns as well as for effective interventions.
I am independently licensed as an LPCC in the state of Ohio and an LPC and LAC in the state of Colorado. I am happy to work with individuals 12 years of age and up, including couples and caregivers, on a multitude of issues related to mental health and addiction. My professional orientation is eclectic and I draw heavily from Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Existential orientations for both conceptualizing client concerns as well as for effective interventions.
![Photo of Janie Hernandez, MEd, LPCC-S, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9ba2670-3b0a-429a-a3d8-352f8b7569d1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Janie Hernandez
Counselor, MEd, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219
I have received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through the Beck Institute and incorporate CBT techniques along with other evidence based practices such as mindfulness, motivational interviewing, attachment styles, DBT and ACT.
Are you feeling more overwhelmed, on edge, or more irritable than usual? Are you feeling overwhelmed by household chores and responsibilities? Are you struggling to adjust to a transition, or feeling unfulfilled or unappreciated and looking to make a change? I am here to offer a safe, non-judgmental space and to provide support. Taking the leap to start therapy for the first time, or finding a new provider, can be such a difficult and anxiety inducing process and I strive to make it as comfortable and stress free as possible.
I have received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through the Beck Institute and incorporate CBT techniques along with other evidence based practices such as mindfulness, motivational interviewing, attachment styles, DBT and ACT.
Are you feeling more overwhelmed, on edge, or more irritable than usual? Are you feeling overwhelmed by household chores and responsibilities? Are you struggling to adjust to a transition, or feeling unfulfilled or unappreciated and looking to make a change? I am here to offer a safe, non-judgmental space and to provide support. Taking the leap to start therapy for the first time, or finding a new provider, can be such a difficult and anxiety inducing process and I strive to make it as comfortable and stress free as possible.
![Photo of Tara Woltz, LPCC-S](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cfab166-ff5c-4ec1-b21d-b7b9452e1b0e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tara Woltz
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219
I utilize a variety of evidenced-based psychotherapy approaches through CBT and DBT techniques including identifying negative thinking, distorted thinking patterns, core mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation.
Hi! My name is Tara and I am the owner of Peace of Mind Counseling Service. I am a licensed professional counselor in Ohio with 7 years of clinical experience. Positive mental health is fundamental to living a healthy well-balanced life. Although the general perception of mental health has improved in recent times, people can still be fearful of the negative stigma that is attached to mental health illnesses. This can add to the anxiety and fear of seeking mental health treatment. I can provide treatment and coping skills to manage life stressors while showing clients respect and support in a therapeutically safe environment.
I utilize a variety of evidenced-based psychotherapy approaches through CBT and DBT techniques including identifying negative thinking, distorted thinking patterns, core mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation.
Hi! My name is Tara and I am the owner of Peace of Mind Counseling Service. I am a licensed professional counselor in Ohio with 7 years of clinical experience. Positive mental health is fundamental to living a healthy well-balanced life. Although the general perception of mental health has improved in recent times, people can still be fearful of the negative stigma that is attached to mental health illnesses. This can add to the anxiety and fear of seeking mental health treatment. I can provide treatment and coping skills to manage life stressors while showing clients respect and support in a therapeutically safe environment.
![Photo of Amanda McKinney, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d59703d-091d-4b70-a05f-0dc1f351dee4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda McKinney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219
She primarily uses a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) approach; This modality is mindfulness-based and assists with identifying triggers to clients’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and coaches clients in more effective ways to manage their responses to those triggers.
Amanda McKinney is a Licensed Independent Social Worker who obtained her Masters of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University in 2015. Throughout her career, Amanda has always had a true passion for working with individuals from all walks of life to ensure they meet their self-identified goals for treatment. She believes in utilizing an individualized strengths-based holistic approach for each client and is a strong advocate for her client's right to self-determination.
She primarily uses a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) approach; This modality is mindfulness-based and assists with identifying triggers to clients’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and coaches clients in more effective ways to manage their responses to those triggers.
Amanda McKinney is a Licensed Independent Social Worker who obtained her Masters of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University in 2015. Throughout her career, Amanda has always had a true passion for working with individuals from all walks of life to ensure they meet their self-identified goals for treatment. She believes in utilizing an individualized strengths-based holistic approach for each client and is a strong advocate for her client's right to self-determination.
![Photo of Barbara Wilhelm, MSEd, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/03111de5-fd38-4a1e-8abc-6173e5811f7d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Barbara Wilhelm
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MSEd, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219
I engage in trauma-informed and resiliency focused interventions, drawing from varied approaches including ARC, ACT, CBT, DBT and mindfulness techniques.
I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to process emotional experiences and to navigate life’s challenges with a caring and compassionate approach to therapy. Anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, stress and life changes/transitions are among the many issues that can inhibit positive functioning in daily life and interpersonal relationships. I work with individual adults and adolescents, as well as couples and families.
I engage in trauma-informed and resiliency focused interventions, drawing from varied approaches including ARC, ACT, CBT, DBT and mindfulness techniques.
I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to process emotional experiences and to navigate life’s challenges with a caring and compassionate approach to therapy. Anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, stress and life changes/transitions are among the many issues that can inhibit positive functioning in daily life and interpersonal relationships. I work with individual adults and adolescents, as well as couples and families.
![Photo of Ciara Bobbitt, LPCC-S, LICDC-C, CCTP II, CFTP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/627689a6-6d28-4021-9ebe-b811c2661a58/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ciara Bobbitt
Counselor, LPCC-S, LICDC-C, CCTP II, CFTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I accomplish this goal by establishing authentic, genuine, and approachable relationships with my patients and utilizing interventions such as: Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT, EMDR, and Solution Focused.
Hello! My name is Ciara Bobbitt and I have 10 years of experience in both addiction and mental health therapy, specializing in PTSD/Trauma, Conflict Resolution, and Chemical Dependency. I am EMDR trained (pursuing certification in Ohio).
I accomplish this goal by establishing authentic, genuine, and approachable relationships with my patients and utilizing interventions such as: Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT, EMDR, and Solution Focused.
Hello! My name is Ciara Bobbitt and I have 10 years of experience in both addiction and mental health therapy, specializing in PTSD/Trauma, Conflict Resolution, and Chemical Dependency. I am EMDR trained (pursuing certification in Ohio).
![Photo of Jane Cohen, LISW-S, CDCA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a041e14-be68-41b6-bbc0-4e2feba9bc09/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jane Cohen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S, CDCA
Verified Verified
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219 (Online Only)
I incorporate CBT and DBT to help you change negative thinking and eliminate unproductive behaviors.
Is anxiety or depression keeping you from living the life you want? Are you struggling in your relationships? Would you like to communicate more effectively? Do you isolate or avoid situations because of low self-esteem or self-confidence? Is a past trauma haunting and limiting you? Is an addiction interfering with your well-being or relationships? You and I can work together to bring about change: anxiety and depression can be managed effectively. Trauma can be resolved. Addictions can be broken. Life can be better and relationships more fulfilling. With support and guidance, you can build the life you want.
I incorporate CBT and DBT to help you change negative thinking and eliminate unproductive behaviors.
Is anxiety or depression keeping you from living the life you want? Are you struggling in your relationships? Would you like to communicate more effectively? Do you isolate or avoid situations because of low self-esteem or self-confidence? Is a past trauma haunting and limiting you? Is an addiction interfering with your well-being or relationships? You and I can work together to bring about change: anxiety and depression can be managed effectively. Trauma can be resolved. Addictions can be broken. Life can be better and relationships more fulfilling. With support and guidance, you can build the life you want.
![Photo of Heather M Sinclair, LPCC, LICDC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab37cfa5-6eb8-4a26-81ff-768b95cf6b0c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heather M Sinclair
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, LICDC
Verified Verified
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219 (Online Only)
Pulling from my certifications in DBT and integrated mental health, along with my experience treating addiction, we will explore all parts of the self: biological, psychological, social, and spiritual.
Your life has been a journey filled with twists, turns, and challenges. Maybe you're not thrilled with where that journey has taken you, or maybe you're having trouble seeing beyond the next few turns in that journey. Whichever the case, you might need help appreciating the current scenery. The counseling I offer provides guidance, support, honest feedback (with the occasional well-placed eye roll if needed), and tools to navigate your life journey.
Pulling from my certifications in DBT and integrated mental health, along with my experience treating addiction, we will explore all parts of the self: biological, psychological, social, and spiritual.
Your life has been a journey filled with twists, turns, and challenges. Maybe you're not thrilled with where that journey has taken you, or maybe you're having trouble seeing beyond the next few turns in that journey. Whichever the case, you might need help appreciating the current scenery. The counseling I offer provides guidance, support, honest feedback (with the occasional well-placed eye roll if needed), and tools to navigate your life journey.
![Photo of Megan Burden, MA, LPCC-S, LICDC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8906c188-e064-4e93-b4d1-706de461e2cd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Burden
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC-S, LICDC
Verified Verified
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219 (Online Only)
I utilize a variety of techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, NMT, DBT, stress management, increasing self-worth, inner child work, incorporation of meditation, mind/body connection, 12 step work, assertiveness training, mood management, anxiety reduction, empowerment and work/life balance.
My name is Megan Burden I ‘m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a certified addictions Counselor. I’ve been a therapist for 5 years and absolutely love what I do. I’ve worked with teenagers overcome addictions, families evolved with children's services, first responders, young adults going off to college and become successful, and young adults overcome depression, major trauma, PTSD, self-esteem/ self-worth, human trafficking, relationship struggles, and anxiety.
I utilize a variety of techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, NMT, DBT, stress management, increasing self-worth, inner child work, incorporation of meditation, mind/body connection, 12 step work, assertiveness training, mood management, anxiety reduction, empowerment and work/life balance.
My name is Megan Burden I ‘m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a certified addictions Counselor. I’ve been a therapist for 5 years and absolutely love what I do. I’ve worked with teenagers overcome addictions, families evolved with children's services, first responders, young adults going off to college and become successful, and young adults overcome depression, major trauma, PTSD, self-esteem/ self-worth, human trafficking, relationship struggles, and anxiety.
![Photo of Roda I Hassan - Nexus Counseling Group, LLC, MSW, LISW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/537b9a38-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nexus Counseling Group, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW-S
Verified Verified
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed or needing direction with personal or professional relationships? I will help to teach you the necessary tools to healthier relationships, greater mental well-being, becoming more efficient at home and work and finally have a more positive outlook on the future. I have a variety of experience which has only helped my ability of becoming an effective therapist.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed or needing direction with personal or professional relationships? I will help to teach you the necessary tools to healthier relationships, greater mental well-being, becoming more efficient at home and work and finally have a more positive outlook on the future. I have a variety of experience which has only helped my ability of becoming an effective therapist.
![Photo of Karen Beresh, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/779c3a2a-df14-4de6-a84c-c246c14d4e85/1/320x400.png)
Karen Beresh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Karen. I am an Independent Psychotherapist in Cincinnati, Ohio. I earned a Masters from the University of Pennsylvania through their advanced standing program in one year with a specialization on Mental Health and Addictions. Previous to that I earned a Bachelor's at Northern Kentucky University and graduated with honors. I place great pride and passion in helping individuals and couples that may be struggling with chronic stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship issues, PTSD and complex trauma.
Hello, my name is Karen. I am an Independent Psychotherapist in Cincinnati, Ohio. I earned a Masters from the University of Pennsylvania through their advanced standing program in one year with a specialization on Mental Health and Addictions. Previous to that I earned a Bachelor's at Northern Kentucky University and graduated with honors. I place great pride and passion in helping individuals and couples that may be struggling with chronic stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship issues, PTSD and complex trauma.
![Photo of Laith Sersain, LISW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23d7d420-f796-456f-b077-589c54c57c9c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Laith Sersain
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S
Verified Verified
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219 (Online Only)
I am an LISW-S based in Ohio, bringing over 4 years of experience to my practice. I earned my master in social work from The Ohio State University, and I am deeply committed to supporting individuals on their unique journeys.
I am an LISW-S based in Ohio, bringing over 4 years of experience to my practice. I earned my master in social work from The Ohio State University, and I am deeply committed to supporting individuals on their unique journeys.
![Photo of Neffertee Richards, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e4650c5e-c771-4980-85a7-acccc1ccc6b6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Neffertee Richards
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219 (Online Only)
I believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. In order to make changes in your life, you have to be willing to put in the effort. It is my goal to make my clients feel comfortable and safe because this is where you are going to get the most progress towards your goal. I come into each session with no judgements or criticisms. What I will do is provide a space for you to process your feelings, explore your thoughts and behaviors and provide strategies and techniques to help reach your goals.
I believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. In order to make changes in your life, you have to be willing to put in the effort. It is my goal to make my clients feel comfortable and safe because this is where you are going to get the most progress towards your goal. I come into each session with no judgements or criticisms. What I will do is provide a space for you to process your feelings, explore your thoughts and behaviors and provide strategies and techniques to help reach your goals.
![Photo of Mande Postle, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26cf3720-98fc-4ffc-ba77-c57bb8e9ffcf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mande Postle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219 (Online Only)
Hello, I am Mande. Do you ever feel alone, as if no one understands how challenging life can be? Does it feel like everyone else has it figured out? Is it confusing how they are managing life challenges?
Hello, I am Mande. Do you ever feel alone, as if no one understands how challenging life can be? Does it feel like everyone else has it figured out? Is it confusing how they are managing life challenges?
![Photo of Anna Copeland - Anna Copeland - with SonderMind , LISW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26af2343-e582-4c54-84c6-d99cb4c0d575/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anna Copeland - with SonderMind
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S
Verified Verified
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219 (Online Only)
I am a Christian Counselor who is very passionate about helping clients cope with life stressors, improve their moods, heal from trauma and improve their overall mental health. I strongly desire to provide clients with coping skills that will promote quality of life, improve daily functioning, and improve their relationships.
I am a Christian Counselor who is very passionate about helping clients cope with life stressors, improve their moods, heal from trauma and improve their overall mental health. I strongly desire to provide clients with coping skills that will promote quality of life, improve daily functioning, and improve their relationships.
![Photo of Abbey Sweitzer, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/153c1337-80d5-422c-b550-b047d62d7fac/1/320x400.jpeg)
Abbey Sweitzer
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219 (Online Only)
I am an experienced Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who has worked with a wide variety of individuals and groups. My focus is to provide individual counseling for children, teens, and young adults with mental health disorders, trauma, addiction, and eating disorders. When working with a patient, I take a strengths-based approach with a Christian foundation while utilizing several modes of interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and positive psychology.
I am an experienced Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who has worked with a wide variety of individuals and groups. My focus is to provide individual counseling for children, teens, and young adults with mental health disorders, trauma, addiction, and eating disorders. When working with a patient, I take a strengths-based approach with a Christian foundation while utilizing several modes of interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and positive psychology.
![Photo of Jill Rowland, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8fc9b34-6ef9-4631-8435-36537012761e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jill Rowland
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219 (Online Only)
Hello, I am Jill, and Welcome! First off, kudos to you for taking the step to join the world of therapy. It can feel a little intimidating, especially if you've not been here before. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor from Ohio, while I am also licensed in Michigan, having lived there for 20+ years. I earned my Master of Arts in Counseling degree from Central Michigan University in 2003 (Fire up, Chips!) and my Master of Social Work degree from The Ohio State University in 2023 (O-H!)
Hello, I am Jill, and Welcome! First off, kudos to you for taking the step to join the world of therapy. It can feel a little intimidating, especially if you've not been here before. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor from Ohio, while I am also licensed in Michigan, having lived there for 20+ years. I earned my Master of Arts in Counseling degree from Central Michigan University in 2003 (Fire up, Chips!) and my Master of Social Work degree from The Ohio State University in 2023 (O-H!)
![Photo of Marjorie Gentry, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/047e1544-8a28-4dcc-8a44-9c04e297bda1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Marjorie Gentry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219
I have been a Social Worker for 20 years working with people with all types of concerns for their ability to be successful in this life. If you feel sad or are depressed, anxious, angry, misfit or have parenting problems, career challenges, or are transitioning into a new phase of life that has you questioning who you are, let's talk about it. If you have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse I will help you regain your strength to move to a better place.
I have been a Social Worker for 20 years working with people with all types of concerns for their ability to be successful in this life. If you feel sad or are depressed, anxious, angry, misfit or have parenting problems, career challenges, or are transitioning into a new phase of life that has you questioning who you are, let's talk about it. If you have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse I will help you regain your strength to move to a better place.
![Photo of Alexandria Carlson, MA, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/65835486-42e5-4d93-8988-dfcaee79bd70/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alexandria Carlson
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Alexandria Carlson and I’m an LPCC living in Toledo Ohio. I love what I do and am passionate in my mission to help my clients discover themselves, find hope & eventually thrive. While there are commonalities to any mental health diagnosis, I also believe each person has their own individual experience and honor that in treatment. I have been working with those diagnosed with depression, anxiety, eating disorders & many other mental health problems for 7 + years. I utilize evidence-based practices & consistently monitor progress over the course of treatment.
Hello, my name is Alexandria Carlson and I’m an LPCC living in Toledo Ohio. I love what I do and am passionate in my mission to help my clients discover themselves, find hope & eventually thrive. While there are commonalities to any mental health diagnosis, I also believe each person has their own individual experience and honor that in treatment. I have been working with those diagnosed with depression, anxiety, eating disorders & many other mental health problems for 7 + years. I utilize evidence-based practices & consistently monitor progress over the course of treatment.
![Photo of Cristian Capell - Adjust Your Crown Therapy & Clinical Supervision, LPCC-S, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/640a8ed7-5d8d-4a11-b29e-be10b500e63d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Adjust Your Crown Therapy & Clinical Supervision
Counselor, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
Cumberland Ridge, Columbus, OH 43219 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with maintaining your sanity as a wife, mother and caretaker? Or are you just someone who needs clarity on what your needs really are? While sometimes it is difficult to understand your own needs, therapy is a way to maintain your self care, learn how to gain better understanding and communicate your needs and feelings, to help you address barriers to healthy relationships and accomplishing personal goals. As a therapist I have over 10 years of experience in helping adults and adolescents identify their own needs and collaborate to help them recognize how to improve upon those barriers.
Are you struggling with maintaining your sanity as a wife, mother and caretaker? Or are you just someone who needs clarity on what your needs really are? While sometimes it is difficult to understand your own needs, therapy is a way to maintain your self care, learn how to gain better understanding and communicate your needs and feelings, to help you address barriers to healthy relationships and accomplishing personal goals. As a therapist I have over 10 years of experience in helping adults and adolescents identify their own needs and collaborate to help them recognize how to improve upon those barriers.
See more therapy options for Cumberland Ridge, Columbus
Nearby Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists Searches for Cumberland Ridge, Columbus
- Argyle Park
- Brittany Hills
- Crosswoods
- Eastgate
- Easton
- Franklin Park
- Near East
- North Central
- North Linden
- Northeast
- Short North
- Somerset
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.