Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Ambler, PA

Photo of Alissa E. Whelan, LBS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alissa E. Whelan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LBS, LPC
Verified Verified
Ambler, PA 19002
I utilize a variety of techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Trauma-informed interventions.
I strive to empower children, adolescents and young adults to overcome personal obstacles and find balance by improving their view of self, the world, and interpersonal relationships. I love helping my patients find passion in their lives by removing the blocks that are keeping them from being their best self and learn to live in healthier ways. My focus on behavior and changing unhealthy habits promotes a lifestyle that fosters grounding, mindfulness, and self-compassion into a natural, every day practice.
I utilize a variety of techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Trauma-informed interventions.
I strive to empower children, adolescents and young adults to overcome personal obstacles and find balance by improving their view of self, the world, and interpersonal relationships. I love helping my patients find passion in their lives by removing the blocks that are keeping them from being their best self and learn to live in healthier ways. My focus on behavior and changing unhealthy habits promotes a lifestyle that fosters grounding, mindfulness, and self-compassion into a natural, every day practice.
(267) 656-6027 View (267) 656-6027
Photo of Jennifer Stout-Middlecamp, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Stout-Middlecamp
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Ambler, PA 19002
I have a foundation in humanistic and cognitive behavioral therapies, I am trained in motivational interviewing, and have a specialty in dialectical behavior therapy. I treat mood and anxiety disorders, the impact of trauma, and co-occurring addictive problems. I also help with problems in self-perception, identity, and esteem. Specialty populations include essential workers, professionals maintaining wellness, balance, and recovery, perfectionism, and persons facing difficulties resulting from the impact of chronic bullying, feelings of emptiness, and/or feelings of purposelessness.
I have a foundation in humanistic and cognitive behavioral therapies, I am trained in motivational interviewing, and have a specialty in dialectical behavior therapy. I treat mood and anxiety disorders, the impact of trauma, and co-occurring addictive problems. I also help with problems in self-perception, identity, and esteem. Specialty populations include essential workers, professionals maintaining wellness, balance, and recovery, perfectionism, and persons facing difficulties resulting from the impact of chronic bullying, feelings of emptiness, and/or feelings of purposelessness.
(215) 918-4512 View (215) 918-4512
Photo of Olivia Mahany, MEd, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Olivia Mahany
Pre-Licensed Professional, MEd, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ambler, PA 19002  (Online Only)
Olivia is an eclectic provider and is trained in CBT, DBT, ACT, and person-centered modalities.
Olivia graduated from Penn State University's master's program in counselor education program. She also received her bachelor's degree from Penn State in psychology. She is extremely passionate about helping teens and women struggling with disordered eating, eating disorders, body image, OCD, anxiety, and depression and Trauma. Olivia previously worked in the community mental health setting and has an array of experiences.
Olivia is an eclectic provider and is trained in CBT, DBT, ACT, and person-centered modalities.
Olivia graduated from Penn State University's master's program in counselor education program. She also received her bachelor's degree from Penn State in psychology. She is extremely passionate about helping teens and women struggling with disordered eating, eating disorders, body image, OCD, anxiety, and depression and Trauma. Olivia previously worked in the community mental health setting and has an array of experiences.
(267) 710-8753 View (267) 710-8753
Photo of Hannah de Groot, LPC, MEd, RYT-200, Licensed Professional Counselor
Hannah de Groot
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd, RYT-200
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ambler, PA 19002  (Online Only)
My approach utilizes techniques from DBT, ERP, CBT, ACT and Feminist Theory to help clients feel empowered, capable and worthy of achieving their goals.
Helping athletes recover from eating disorders and OCD is my life’s passion. I love helping highly-motivated individuals restructure their beliefs and examine their values so that they can excel in their sport and thrive in their lives. Eating disorders and OCD are exhausting; recovery means more time for goals that are most important to you. I aim to empower my clients to channel their inner resiliency to heal from within.
My approach utilizes techniques from DBT, ERP, CBT, ACT and Feminist Theory to help clients feel empowered, capable and worthy of achieving their goals.
Helping athletes recover from eating disorders and OCD is my life’s passion. I love helping highly-motivated individuals restructure their beliefs and examine their values so that they can excel in their sport and thrive in their lives. Eating disorders and OCD are exhausting; recovery means more time for goals that are most important to you. I aim to empower my clients to channel their inner resiliency to heal from within.
(267) 245-7058 View (267) 245-7058
Photo of Frank Yaeger, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Frank Yaeger
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Ambler, PA 19002
He draws on principles from psycho-dynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, family systems therapy, dialectical-behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and has a strong existential belief in blending various theoretical interventions to meet individualized treatment goals.
Frank is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with many years’ experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and family dynamics in inpatient, outpatient, and chemical depended facilities. Frank specializes in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, multi-level trauma, grief and loss, substance use, mood disorders, communication and intimacy challenges, anger management, problems related to internal and external stressors, career paths, life transitions: large and small, and increasing one’s self-worth: value and esteem.
He draws on principles from psycho-dynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, family systems therapy, dialectical-behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and has a strong existential belief in blending various theoretical interventions to meet individualized treatment goals.
Frank is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with many years’ experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and family dynamics in inpatient, outpatient, and chemical depended facilities. Frank specializes in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, multi-level trauma, grief and loss, substance use, mood disorders, communication and intimacy challenges, anger management, problems related to internal and external stressors, career paths, life transitions: large and small, and increasing one’s self-worth: value and esteem.
(215) 944-5431 View (215) 944-5431
Photo of Breanna Potts, Pre-Licensed Professional
Breanna Potts
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ambler, PA 19002  (Online Only)
I am also trained in and use interventions rooted in CBT, DBT, and ERP.
I am passionate about helping individuals reclaim their power over their life by using their strengths and resiliency to overcome their struggles. I love working with teen girls and young women struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, body image, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and OCD. However, I welcome any person and would be honored to share in your healing journey!
I am also trained in and use interventions rooted in CBT, DBT, and ERP.
I am passionate about helping individuals reclaim their power over their life by using their strengths and resiliency to overcome their struggles. I love working with teen girls and young women struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, body image, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and OCD. However, I welcome any person and would be honored to share in your healing journey!
(267) 754-2335 View (267) 754-2335
Photo of Jennifer Naspinski, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Naspinski
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Ambler, PA 19002  (Online Only)
I incorporate mindfulness, DBT and other coping skills.
You have exhausted your resources trying to solve your current challenges and are seeking outside counsel, maybe for the first time. It feels daunting, seeking out a stranger to share what has been going on and wondering where to start. You come with strengths like perseverance - it has gotten you this far and you continue to seek answers. You are curious and willing to ask questions. You have courage, to share what is happening, to come as you are. You are someone who appreciates learning and is open to new perspectives because as Einstein said - “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it."
I incorporate mindfulness, DBT and other coping skills.
You have exhausted your resources trying to solve your current challenges and are seeking outside counsel, maybe for the first time. It feels daunting, seeking out a stranger to share what has been going on and wondering where to start. You come with strengths like perseverance - it has gotten you this far and you continue to seek answers. You are curious and willing to ask questions. You have courage, to share what is happening, to come as you are. You are someone who appreciates learning and is open to new perspectives because as Einstein said - “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it."
(215) 709-6731 View (215) 709-6731
Photo of Megan McKechnie, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Megan McKechnie
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Ambler, PA 19002
I commonly integrate cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy and strength-based approaches into my sessions.
It takes courage to reach out for assistance, I want to applaud you for your bravery and willingness to invest time in yourself. I am passionate about working with people to set goals that are meaningful to them and feel achievable. I strive to meet each client where they are at when they walk in for each session and create a safe, non-judgmental environment where we can explore life challenges. I hope that as a team, we can strengthen coping skills, problem-solving abilities and create a future that is more in line with your values.
I commonly integrate cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy and strength-based approaches into my sessions.
It takes courage to reach out for assistance, I want to applaud you for your bravery and willingness to invest time in yourself. I am passionate about working with people to set goals that are meaningful to them and feel achievable. I strive to meet each client where they are at when they walk in for each session and create a safe, non-judgmental environment where we can explore life challenges. I hope that as a team, we can strengthen coping skills, problem-solving abilities and create a future that is more in line with your values.
(267) 399-4495 View (267) 399-4495
Photo of Suzanne Robison, PsyD, LPC, CCDP, Psychologist
Suzanne Robison
Psychologist, PsyD, LPC, CCDP
Verified Verified
Ambler, PA 19002
The DBT group that I run was the first of it's kind in our area, and the only adolescent group in my area for several years.
Thank you for checking out my profile. I primarily work with adults and adolescents, but occasionally work with children. My focus is on addictions, mood disorders, or personality disorders. Because of the high rate of trauma with addictions and personality disorders, I offer trauma informed care and best practices to all of my clients. For over 10 years I have run an adolescent Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) group for adolescents and young adults who self harm or have self destructive behaviors. Finally, I offer crisis and health and wellness seminars to local businesses in need.
The DBT group that I run was the first of it's kind in our area, and the only adolescent group in my area for several years.
Thank you for checking out my profile. I primarily work with adults and adolescents, but occasionally work with children. My focus is on addictions, mood disorders, or personality disorders. Because of the high rate of trauma with addictions and personality disorders, I offer trauma informed care and best practices to all of my clients. For over 10 years I have run an adolescent Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) group for adolescents and young adults who self harm or have self destructive behaviors. Finally, I offer crisis and health and wellness seminars to local businesses in need.
(610) 247-6782 View (610) 247-6782
Photo of Anna (Annie) M Byrne - Life Matters, Counseling Service, MSW, CDVRS, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Life Matters, Counseling Service
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, CDVRS, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ambler, PA 19002
I utilize elements of trauma focused CBT, mindfulness, cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, solution focused, psycho-education and the most important working closely with my client to develop the right treatment plan throughout a collaborative process.
My style is a relaxed conversation, my experience, is as follows; working within mother baby shelters over 25 years, Adolescents, Level of care (acute med surg) inpatient, First Responders, Law enforcement. Populations that I have worked with include areas of trauma, grief, depression, suicide, bullying, substance abuse, self esteem and includes Life Changes.
I utilize elements of trauma focused CBT, mindfulness, cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, solution focused, psycho-education and the most important working closely with my client to develop the right treatment plan throughout a collaborative process.
My style is a relaxed conversation, my experience, is as follows; working within mother baby shelters over 25 years, Adolescents, Level of care (acute med surg) inpatient, First Responders, Law enforcement. Populations that I have worked with include areas of trauma, grief, depression, suicide, bullying, substance abuse, self esteem and includes Life Changes.
(215) 631-3602 View (215) 631-3602
Photo of Kristy Kingan, MS, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Kristy Kingan
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ambler, PA 19002
I focus on ACT and DBT to help address behaviors, while using psychoeducation, attachment theory, Family Systems, and trauma-informed care to determine their root causes.
I am a masters level clinician specializing in trauma, eating disorders, including Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), addiction and LGBTQIA+ issues. I have extensive experience working with individuals with severe trauma, anxiety, and depression, often with various co-occurring disorders ranging from addictions to schizophrenia.
I focus on ACT and DBT to help address behaviors, while using psychoeducation, attachment theory, Family Systems, and trauma-informed care to determine their root causes.
I am a masters level clinician specializing in trauma, eating disorders, including Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), addiction and LGBTQIA+ issues. I have extensive experience working with individuals with severe trauma, anxiety, and depression, often with various co-occurring disorders ranging from addictions to schizophrenia.
(267) 485-6513 View (267) 485-6513
Photo of Adrienne Hermes, LPC, C-DBT, CYT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Adrienne Hermes
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, C-DBT, CYT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ambler, PA 19002
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or addiction, exploring how to calm the body in order to sort out the mind can help you feel in control. Through our work together we can explore strategies, in addition to talk therapy, such as breathwork (lifeforce yoga), sitting with discomfort (DBT & somatic experiencing) and developing a growth mindset (CBT, DBT, & EMDR) to assist you with managing the challenges you experience.
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or addiction, exploring how to calm the body in order to sort out the mind can help you feel in control. Through our work together we can explore strategies, in addition to talk therapy, such as breathwork (lifeforce yoga), sitting with discomfort (DBT & somatic experiencing) and developing a growth mindset (CBT, DBT, & EMDR) to assist you with managing the challenges you experience.
(215) 398-6298 View (215) 398-6298
Photo of Bayley Saffier, LSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Bayley Saffier
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSW
Verified Verified
Ambler, PA 19002  (Online Only)
I integrate Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, attachment theory, and mindfulness in my practice.
Hello! I am a licensed Social Worker in Pennsylvania and received my Masters degree in Social Work from West Chester University. I am passionate about working with clients in making sense of their life experiences and behaviors and guide them to gain confidence in their innate wisdom. In therapy we will work to promote self-awareness, develop healthy coping skills, improve relationships, and ultimately, live with passion, purpose, and balance. I specialize in treating adults struggling with trauma, betrayal trauma for partners impacted by infidelity and compulsive sexual behavior, anxiety, depression, and emotion dysregulation.
I integrate Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, attachment theory, and mindfulness in my practice.
Hello! I am a licensed Social Worker in Pennsylvania and received my Masters degree in Social Work from West Chester University. I am passionate about working with clients in making sense of their life experiences and behaviors and guide them to gain confidence in their innate wisdom. In therapy we will work to promote self-awareness, develop healthy coping skills, improve relationships, and ultimately, live with passion, purpose, and balance. I specialize in treating adults struggling with trauma, betrayal trauma for partners impacted by infidelity and compulsive sexual behavior, anxiety, depression, and emotion dysregulation.
(484) 603-6241 View (484) 603-6241
Photo of Sheba Farvardin, LCSW, CDBT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sheba Farvardin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CDBT
Verified Verified
Ambler, PA 19002
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
I believe that every person deserves someone in their corner; someone to listen and truly hear what they’re going through. All it takes is one person to believe in you and your ability to grow. With that in mind, I bring compassion, understanding, and energy when joining with clients to build strategies for self-regulation, independence, and healthy relationships. I have a keen understanding of the issues and pressures faced by youth and young adults today in an ever-changing world.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
I believe that every person deserves someone in their corner; someone to listen and truly hear what they’re going through. All it takes is one person to believe in you and your ability to grow. With that in mind, I bring compassion, understanding, and energy when joining with clients to build strategies for self-regulation, independence, and healthy relationships. I have a keen understanding of the issues and pressures faced by youth and young adults today in an ever-changing world.
(215) 795-5331 View (215) 795-5331
Photo of Victoria DiPinto - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Philadelphia, Counselor
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Philadelphia
Counselor
Verified Verified
Ambler, PA 19002
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.
(484) 312-5789 View (484) 312-5789
Photo of Lindsay Butler, MEd, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lindsay Butler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Ambler, PA 19002
I utilize CBT, EMDR, DBT, and mindfulness integrated approaches.
I know it feels impossible to turn off your worried thoughts that are leaving you worn out and unfocused. It feels like nothing you do is ever enough and you are always beating yourself up, so much so that it impacts your mood... and you are tired of it. You deserve to live your best life. My purpose is to help you on your journey to create real change and deep healing. I help you feel empowered to set and reach goals. My approach is empathetic, positive, and supportive. We all benefit from having a consistent, supportive person in our lives. I'll cheer you on while also offering concrete skills to help you through challenges.
I utilize CBT, EMDR, DBT, and mindfulness integrated approaches.
I know it feels impossible to turn off your worried thoughts that are leaving you worn out and unfocused. It feels like nothing you do is ever enough and you are always beating yourself up, so much so that it impacts your mood... and you are tired of it. You deserve to live your best life. My purpose is to help you on your journey to create real change and deep healing. I help you feel empowered to set and reach goals. My approach is empathetic, positive, and supportive. We all benefit from having a consistent, supportive person in our lives. I'll cheer you on while also offering concrete skills to help you through challenges.
(267) 633-8140 View (267) 633-8140
Photo of Art Therapist Gabby Slifkin, MS, LPC, ATR-BC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Art Therapist Gabby Slifkin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Ambler, PA 19002
I take a person-centered approach and use a variety of techniques based in Psychodynamic therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Somatic Experiencing (SE).
Open Availability in-person and telehealth! If you are someone who enjoys being creative and interested to see how bringing art into the therapeutic space can help you grow and heal, we might just be a good fit. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in PA and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC). I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma. I enjoy working with adults and have come to love the connection I am able to make with individuals from emerging adulthood and expanding to older individuals.
I take a person-centered approach and use a variety of techniques based in Psychodynamic therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Somatic Experiencing (SE).
Open Availability in-person and telehealth! If you are someone who enjoys being creative and interested to see how bringing art into the therapeutic space can help you grow and heal, we might just be a good fit. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in PA and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC). I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma. I enjoy working with adults and have come to love the connection I am able to make with individuals from emerging adulthood and expanding to older individuals.
(484) 290-5430 View (484) 290-5430
Photo of Crystal Marco, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Crystal Marco
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Ambler, PA 19002
I’m trained in CBT and DBT.
Therapy can seem daunting and overwhelming if you have not experienced it or had a negative experience in the past. The most important part of therapy is establishing a trusting relationship with your therapist that allows you to feel comfortable, heard, and validated. In therapy (and in life), I take a strengths-based, growth stance. I truly believe you are doing your best AND you have room to grow. My place in the therapy room is to take the journey with you. I love helping adolescents and emerging adults with their identity exploration and helping them to be true and authentic to who they are (however that may apply to them).
I’m trained in CBT and DBT.
Therapy can seem daunting and overwhelming if you have not experienced it or had a negative experience in the past. The most important part of therapy is establishing a trusting relationship with your therapist that allows you to feel comfortable, heard, and validated. In therapy (and in life), I take a strengths-based, growth stance. I truly believe you are doing your best AND you have room to grow. My place in the therapy room is to take the journey with you. I love helping adolescents and emerging adults with their identity exploration and helping them to be true and authentic to who they are (however that may apply to them).
(484) 282-7196 View (484) 282-7196
Photo of Robert T Tierney, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Robert T Tierney
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Ambler, PA 19002
My career has been spent in treating persons experiencing eating and substance use disorders, PTSD, depression, anxiety, Career Difficulties, Agoraphobia, Anger Management, Divorce, OCD, Panic Attacks, Self Esteem, Social Anxiety, Grief, Social Anxiety, along with any other condition that has these ingredients present.
My career has been spent in treating persons experiencing eating and substance use disorders, PTSD, depression, anxiety, Career Difficulties, Agoraphobia, Anger Management, Divorce, OCD, Panic Attacks, Self Esteem, Social Anxiety, Grief, Social Anxiety, along with any other condition that has these ingredients present.
(215) 461-3124 View (215) 461-3124
Sonya Budnovitch
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, BC-DMT, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Ambler, PA 19002
I present with an open, light-hearted personality to support the establishment of trust and to build, engage, and grow with patients. My theoretical framework values the following core principles: communication, specifically through movement expression; supporting tension release and vitality; the role of imagery, fantasy, symbolism, and play in the therapeutic process, and the importance of meeting clients where they are physically, emotionally, and developmentally within a trusting environment.
I present with an open, light-hearted personality to support the establishment of trust and to build, engage, and grow with patients. My theoretical framework values the following core principles: communication, specifically through movement expression; supporting tension release and vitality; the role of imagery, fantasy, symbolism, and play in the therapeutic process, and the importance of meeting clients where they are physically, emotionally, and developmentally within a trusting environment.
(215) 770-0133 View (215) 770-0133
1
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.