Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Frazer, PA

Photo of Denise McAvoy Sawyer, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Denise McAvoy Sawyer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Frazer, PA 19355
What would it be like if you woke up tomorrow and everything was better? As a therapist, I would like to empower you to overcome difficulties that keep you from moving forward with your life. Whether you are struggling to get out of bed in the morning or tired of feeling anxious all the time I can provide strategies to help you cope with your situation. Don't wait to make changes. It's time to feel better.
What would it be like if you woke up tomorrow and everything was better? As a therapist, I would like to empower you to overcome difficulties that keep you from moving forward with your life. Whether you are struggling to get out of bed in the morning or tired of feeling anxious all the time I can provide strategies to help you cope with your situation. Don't wait to make changes. It's time to feel better.
(484) 207-5450 View (484) 207-5450
Photo of Rebecca Weidler, MS, LBS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rebecca Weidler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LBS, LPC
Verified Verified
Frazer, PA 19355  (Online Only)
No matter what life brings you, treatment can bring you "home." All walks of life and all experiences are unique, so your treatment will be tailored to fit for you. Direction, support, guidance and healing available now.
No matter what life brings you, treatment can bring you "home." All walks of life and all experiences are unique, so your treatment will be tailored to fit for you. Direction, support, guidance and healing available now.
(484) 207-5572 View (484) 207-5572
Photo of Melissa Roberts, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa Roberts
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Frazer, PA 19355  (Online Only)
I have experience and enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families. I offer support for adults, children, and adolescents and work to create a genuine, trusting relationship where clients feel safe, and comfortable to be themselves. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, relationship conflict, parenting, self-esteem, and overall everyday stressors. I have extensive training and experience working with high conflict families as well as children and adolescents with severe behavioral issues. I also enjoy working with couples to assist with barriers in communication, connectedness, and intimacy.
I have experience and enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families. I offer support for adults, children, and adolescents and work to create a genuine, trusting relationship where clients feel safe, and comfortable to be themselves. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, relationship conflict, parenting, self-esteem, and overall everyday stressors. I have extensive training and experience working with high conflict families as well as children and adolescents with severe behavioral issues. I also enjoy working with couples to assist with barriers in communication, connectedness, and intimacy.
(215) 902-9138 View (215) 902-9138
Photo of Dr. Michele Pole, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Michele Pole
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Frazer, PA 19355
Not accepting new clients
In addition, I am trained in CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based treatments which can be helpful with a range of emotional and psychological issues.
Congratulations, you've take the first step toward healing which is often the most difficult! I'm glad you are seeking help and support for yourself. In my years of practice, I have witnessed the range of emotional struggle of individuals and I have been honored to walk through these struggles with my clients helping them create a life worth living.
In addition, I am trained in CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based treatments which can be helpful with a range of emotional and psychological issues.
Congratulations, you've take the first step toward healing which is often the most difficult! I'm glad you are seeking help and support for yourself. In my years of practice, I have witnessed the range of emotional struggle of individuals and I have been honored to walk through these struggles with my clients helping them create a life worth living.
(484) 310-6275 View (484) 310-6275

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Megan Carlson, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Megan Carlson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Malvern, PA 19355
Do you feel stuck and want to move forward into a life you love? I will help you on your journey to increase your self-understanding, learn new skills, and heal from past hurts. I specialize in trauma and use advanced techniques such as EMDR to help you process through your trauma and past hurts so that they stop negatively affecting you. If your thoughts or emotions are holding you back, I can teach you CBT and DBT skills to better manage them and help you regain control to lead you to a happier life.
Do you feel stuck and want to move forward into a life you love? I will help you on your journey to increase your self-understanding, learn new skills, and heal from past hurts. I specialize in trauma and use advanced techniques such as EMDR to help you process through your trauma and past hurts so that they stop negatively affecting you. If your thoughts or emotions are holding you back, I can teach you CBT and DBT skills to better manage them and help you regain control to lead you to a happier life.
(484) 282-1822 View (484) 282-1822
Photo of Kristy Kingan, MS, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Kristy Kingan
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Malvern, PA 19355
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 Paul Kesselman - Kesselman Clinical Associates, PsyD, Psychologist
Kesselman Clinical Associates
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paoli, PA 19301
Our eclectic treatment approach allows us to provide several different therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Art Therapy just to name a few.
At Kesselman Clinical Associates, we are creating a community where you and your family can find understanding and support. We have clinicians who specialize in an array of areas, from anxiety, depression, and personality disorders to parenting and family issues, addiction, trauma, ADD/ADHD, ASD, and impulse control disorders. We provide individual treatment for children, teens, and adults, as well as group, couples, and family therapy, and we offer in-person or telehealth sessions.
Our eclectic treatment approach allows us to provide several different therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Art Therapy just to name a few.
At Kesselman Clinical Associates, we are creating a community where you and your family can find understanding and support. We have clinicians who specialize in an array of areas, from anxiety, depression, and personality disorders to parenting and family issues, addiction, trauma, ADD/ADHD, ASD, and impulse control disorders. We provide individual treatment for children, teens, and adults, as well as group, couples, and family therapy, and we offer in-person or telehealth sessions.
(610) 285-7366 View (610) 285-7366
Photo of Todd Shirley, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Todd Shirley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Malvern, PA 19355
My therapy utilizes elements of Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT).
Waiting lists are long, things become urgent, and good help can be hard to find. Successful, compassionate therapeautic care for you or your struggling teen is available through the counseling services I offer. If you or someone you know is struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, academic struggles, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD, self injury, sexual orientation, gender identity, or suicidal ideation reach out to set up an appointment or brief introductory virtual meeting. Weekend and evening appointment times are available. I know first hand how scary it can be to watch an adolescent you love struggle and suffer.
My therapy utilizes elements of Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT).
Waiting lists are long, things become urgent, and good help can be hard to find. Successful, compassionate therapeautic care for you or your struggling teen is available through the counseling services I offer. If you or someone you know is struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, academic struggles, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD, self injury, sexual orientation, gender identity, or suicidal ideation reach out to set up an appointment or brief introductory virtual meeting. Weekend and evening appointment times are available. I know first hand how scary it can be to watch an adolescent you love struggle and suffer.
(610) 557-8332 View (610) 557-8332
Photo of Anne Unterkoefler - Anne Unterkoefler LCSW, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anne Unterkoefler LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paoli, PA 19301
Waitlist for new clients
As a therapist for 25+ years, I believe it is important to recognize a person's strengths to help them deal with emotional difficulties when they occur. I work with children, adolescents, adults, families and the elderly to enhance their coping skills, so they have a variety of options to deal with their life stresses. I enjoy working in collaboration with people of all ages and diagnoses to achieve their mental health goals. Being trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy I have a wealth of knowledge in teaching coping skills to help a wide variety of diagnoses.
As a therapist for 25+ years, I believe it is important to recognize a person's strengths to help them deal with emotional difficulties when they occur. I work with children, adolescents, adults, families and the elderly to enhance their coping skills, so they have a variety of options to deal with their life stresses. I enjoy working in collaboration with people of all ages and diagnoses to achieve their mental health goals. Being trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy I have a wealth of knowledge in teaching coping skills to help a wide variety of diagnoses.
(484) 350-5345 View (484) 350-5345
Photo of Kaitlin Babyak, LPC, ATR-BC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kaitlin Babyak
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Malvern, PA 19355
Using evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy, I help you shift your relationship with food and your body, enabling you to eat without doing math, listen to your body’s cues, and enjoy social events without fear.
You’re counting every calorie, overcompensating with exercise, and feeling guilt and shame after eating sweets alone. Social events are hard because menus don’t fit your strict meal plan. You feel overwhelmed from one cookie, hate looking in the mirror, and believe changing your body will bring happiness and love. I understand the struggle with food and body image is overwhelming. You deserve to find peace with food, enjoy eating without guilt, and achieve true self-acceptance. My approach focuses on helping you reconnect with your body and trust your inner wisdom.
Using evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy, I help you shift your relationship with food and your body, enabling you to eat without doing math, listen to your body’s cues, and enjoy social events without fear.
You’re counting every calorie, overcompensating with exercise, and feeling guilt and shame after eating sweets alone. Social events are hard because menus don’t fit your strict meal plan. You feel overwhelmed from one cookie, hate looking in the mirror, and believe changing your body will bring happiness and love. I understand the struggle with food and body image is overwhelming. You deserve to find peace with food, enjoy eating without guilt, and achieve true self-acceptance. My approach focuses on helping you reconnect with your body and trust your inner wisdom.
(610) 947-4326 View (610) 947-4326
Photo of Grief Therapist Kelly Kowalchuk, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Grief Therapist Kelly Kowalchuk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Malvern, PA 19355  (Online Only)
Your therapy care plan will use evidence-based interventions from mindfulness-based CBT and DBT, fostering resilience and well-being.
Grief can be an intricate and isolating experience for People Pleasers. The constant desire to please others adds a unique layer to the tasks faced during the grieving process, often leading individuals to disregard their own needs and emotions. You do not have to navigate this journey alone. We will embark on a compassionate and nonjudgmental narrative approach to address the tasks of grief. In our sessions, your goals to restore balance to your entire being—mind, body, and spirit—will be our focus, and one step at a time, we will work towards fostering healthy relationships and enhancing self-advocacy. Ask me about Walk & Talk!
Your therapy care plan will use evidence-based interventions from mindfulness-based CBT and DBT, fostering resilience and well-being.
Grief can be an intricate and isolating experience for People Pleasers. The constant desire to please others adds a unique layer to the tasks faced during the grieving process, often leading individuals to disregard their own needs and emotions. You do not have to navigate this journey alone. We will embark on a compassionate and nonjudgmental narrative approach to address the tasks of grief. In our sessions, your goals to restore balance to your entire being—mind, body, and spirit—will be our focus, and one step at a time, we will work towards fostering healthy relationships and enhancing self-advocacy. Ask me about Walk & Talk!
(484) 946-3989 View (484) 946-3989
Photo of Kathryn Rauch-Lynam, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kathryn Rauch-Lynam
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paoli, PA 19301
I utilize an individualized blend of interventions that include: Cognitive behavioral therapy to adjust problematic thought patterns; Dialectical behavior therapy to moderate emotional response and increase distress tolerance; Mindfulness based stress reduction fostering "staying in the present moment without judgment" and EMDR (eye movement desensitization .
Life is too short to be living a life that 'does not work'. Family of origin patterns often interfere with successful relationships; using Imago therapy we can uncover and heal emotional patterns that prevent marriages from thriving. The stresses of life can be overwhelming especially if one is not in a good relationship with oneself - are you your own best friend? Sometimes anxiety or depression or anger get in the way of a satisfactory life; it doesn't have to be that way and I can help you change what needs to be changed.
I utilize an individualized blend of interventions that include: Cognitive behavioral therapy to adjust problematic thought patterns; Dialectical behavior therapy to moderate emotional response and increase distress tolerance; Mindfulness based stress reduction fostering "staying in the present moment without judgment" and EMDR (eye movement desensitization .
Life is too short to be living a life that 'does not work'. Family of origin patterns often interfere with successful relationships; using Imago therapy we can uncover and heal emotional patterns that prevent marriages from thriving. The stresses of life can be overwhelming especially if one is not in a good relationship with oneself - are you your own best friend? Sometimes anxiety or depression or anger get in the way of a satisfactory life; it doesn't have to be that way and I can help you change what needs to be changed.
(484) 443-2918 View (484) 443-2918
Photo of Kylie Meyer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kylie Meyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Malvern, PA 19355  (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Kylie and I am a PA Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I'm passionate about helping adolescents and adults learn how to regulate emotions, incorporate daily mindfulness, and challenge thoughts that keep them stuck. I also teach how to decrease the connection between feeling and doing, and how to maintain healthy relationships . The majority or my practice focuses on self-harm behavior, suicidal ideation, intense emotions, and impulsive behaviors. My approach is to utilize DBT throughout treatment while also incorporating CBT and trauma-focused care.
Hello! My name is Kylie and I am a PA Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I'm passionate about helping adolescents and adults learn how to regulate emotions, incorporate daily mindfulness, and challenge thoughts that keep them stuck. I also teach how to decrease the connection between feeling and doing, and how to maintain healthy relationships . The majority or my practice focuses on self-harm behavior, suicidal ideation, intense emotions, and impulsive behaviors. My approach is to utilize DBT throughout treatment while also incorporating CBT and trauma-focused care.
(484) 255-4371 View (484) 255-4371
Photo of Allison (Allie) Beer, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Allison (Allie) Beer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Malvern, PA 19355
I draw from a range of techniques, such as parts work (IFS), DBT, EMDR, and more, all tailored to your specific needs.
As a trauma-informed and neurodivergent-affirming therapist, I'm here to walk alongside you as you navigate the challenges of life. Whether you're experiencing depression/burnout, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship stressors, or any other issue, I'm dedicated to providing you with compassionate support. Life's stressors can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling stuck or lost. Together, we'll explore these challenges, uncovering meaning and forging paths forward. I work with individuals across all ages and neurotypes, each with their own unique strengths and experiences.
I draw from a range of techniques, such as parts work (IFS), DBT, EMDR, and more, all tailored to your specific needs.
As a trauma-informed and neurodivergent-affirming therapist, I'm here to walk alongside you as you navigate the challenges of life. Whether you're experiencing depression/burnout, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship stressors, or any other issue, I'm dedicated to providing you with compassionate support. Life's stressors can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling stuck or lost. Together, we'll explore these challenges, uncovering meaning and forging paths forward. I work with individuals across all ages and neurotypes, each with their own unique strengths and experiences.
(484) 666-5931 View (484) 666-5931
Photo of Dr. Maddie Roxandich, PsyD, MEd, Psychologist
Dr. Maddie Roxandich
Psychologist, PsyD, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Malvern, PA 19355
I am skilled in incorporating a variety of other therapies including ACT, DBT, and strengths-based therapy.
Are you struggling with managing stress or the symptoms of anxiety or depression? Are you exhausted trying to find balance among the many roles you must play day-to-day and simultaneously be more present in your life? You deserve to stop “going through the motions,” and you deserve to experience more joy in your life. My goal is to help you navigate life with increased hope and resiliency, as you develop the tools to better manage your symptoms and wellness. I enjoy helping clients build new patterns and insights that help to restore balance and connection to their lives.
I am skilled in incorporating a variety of other therapies including ACT, DBT, and strengths-based therapy.
Are you struggling with managing stress or the symptoms of anxiety or depression? Are you exhausted trying to find balance among the many roles you must play day-to-day and simultaneously be more present in your life? You deserve to stop “going through the motions,” and you deserve to experience more joy in your life. My goal is to help you navigate life with increased hope and resiliency, as you develop the tools to better manage your symptoms and wellness. I enjoy helping clients build new patterns and insights that help to restore balance and connection to their lives.
(267) 710-8426 View (267) 710-8426
Photo of Kate Quinn (Neider), MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kate Quinn (Neider)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Paoli, PA 19301
I’m not your average therapist. Extremely passionate about healing and helping. I provide compassionate, deeply insightful, and emotionally honest support in a safe space. In our therapeutic relationship we will do real work - in a collaborative process. From a humanist perspective, I believe we don’t need to be fixed, but healed instead. Being human is hard, we could all use support. I us an eclectic blend of treatment approaches to fit what works for you and in you life. I utilize evidence-based treatment interventions such as, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, narrative therapy, family systems and Trauma Competency training.
I’m not your average therapist. Extremely passionate about healing and helping. I provide compassionate, deeply insightful, and emotionally honest support in a safe space. In our therapeutic relationship we will do real work - in a collaborative process. From a humanist perspective, I believe we don’t need to be fixed, but healed instead. Being human is hard, we could all use support. I us an eclectic blend of treatment approaches to fit what works for you and in you life. I utilize evidence-based treatment interventions such as, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, narrative therapy, family systems and Trauma Competency training.
(484) 713-6411 View (484) 713-6411
Photo of Kathy Muhlenberg, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kathy Muhlenberg
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Malvern, PA 19355
In addition, my therapy utilizes elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, narrative therapy, person centered therapy, ecotherapy, and mindfulness.
I am so glad you’re here! I work with teens and adults. I specialize in treating OCD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and major life events. Life can be hard, and challenges often come our way when we least expect it. Nobody achieves anything alone. Weekend and evening appointment times are available.
In addition, my therapy utilizes elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, narrative therapy, person centered therapy, ecotherapy, and mindfulness.
I am so glad you’re here! I work with teens and adults. I specialize in treating OCD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and major life events. Life can be hard, and challenges often come our way when we least expect it. Nobody achieves anything alone. Weekend and evening appointment times are available.
(610) 859-4830 View (610) 859-4830
Photo of Michele Chubb, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michele Chubb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Malvern, PA 19355
My strengths are in dialectical behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Have you been struggling with depression, anxiety or relationship issues? Do you feel like you are stuck or in a spiral? Have you had trauma in your life? Do you feel like you have no one to talk to or that no one understands what you are going through? I can help with these issues and more. I offer a safe and accepting environment while using an eclectic approach that best fits your individual needs and strengths. I take the time to listen and understand. We will also take the time to develop the therapeutic relationship which is a key element to successful therapy.
My strengths are in dialectical behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Have you been struggling with depression, anxiety or relationship issues? Do you feel like you are stuck or in a spiral? Have you had trauma in your life? Do you feel like you have no one to talk to or that no one understands what you are going through? I can help with these issues and more. I offer a safe and accepting environment while using an eclectic approach that best fits your individual needs and strengths. I take the time to listen and understand. We will also take the time to develop the therapeutic relationship which is a key element to successful therapy.
(484) 406-3130 View (484) 406-3130
Photo of Ginny Virginia Burke, MSW, LMSW, CGE, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ginny Virginia Burke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW, CGE
Verified Verified
Malvern, PA 19355
I specialize in addiction recovery, improving low self-esteem, managing depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma for Individuals and their Families struggling with SUD. Combining my knowledge of CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, IFS, Grief Counseling and my own life experiences, I am able to bring a level of understanding, empathy and compassion to each session while teaching and collaborating with you to re-discover your self-worth, identity and purpose in life eradicating all negative thoughts, stigma and shame others would have you believe. It is all inside you, I can help you find who you already are.
I specialize in addiction recovery, improving low self-esteem, managing depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma for Individuals and their Families struggling with SUD. Combining my knowledge of CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, IFS, Grief Counseling and my own life experiences, I am able to bring a level of understanding, empathy and compassion to each session while teaching and collaborating with you to re-discover your self-worth, identity and purpose in life eradicating all negative thoughts, stigma and shame others would have you believe. It is all inside you, I can help you find who you already are.
(610) 840-6162 View (610) 840-6162
Photo of Catherine D McQuaid, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Catherine D McQuaid
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Paoli, PA 19301
I support families through solution-focused therapy, tapping into a child's existing strengths and inherent traits while building positive patterns of thought and behavior. I combine cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing with a variety of creative art- and play-activities to help young clients explore and manage their emotions, set personal goals and boundaries, and develop healthy relationships with their friends, families and, most importantly, themself.
I support families through solution-focused therapy, tapping into a child's existing strengths and inherent traits while building positive patterns of thought and behavior. I combine cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing with a variety of creative art- and play-activities to help young clients explore and manage their emotions, set personal goals and boundaries, and develop healthy relationships with their friends, families and, most importantly, themself.
(267) 214-1944 View (267) 214-1944

See more therapy options for Frazer

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.