Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in King Of Prussia, PA
Anthony also employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy principles in xyr practice to support the need for change and action.
Anthony Russo is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2007. Anthony can help a client to understand that a long journey to recovery is marked by very small, but consistent steps. Xe can support change and action by recognizing a client's personal strengths and then placing a plan in action toward more goal-focused areas. Anthony's specialties are working with individuals who suffer from depression, anxiety, ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder, and various forms of addictions.
Anthony also employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy principles in xyr practice to support the need for change and action.
Anthony Russo is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2007. Anthony can help a client to understand that a long journey to recovery is marked by very small, but consistent steps. Xe can support change and action by recognizing a client's personal strengths and then placing a plan in action toward more goal-focused areas. Anthony's specialties are working with individuals who suffer from depression, anxiety, ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder, and various forms of addictions.
Meredith Clair Reid
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
I focus on self-compassion, mindfulness, and DBT skills as ways to tolerate discomfort in uncertain situations, and include some ACT and CBT skills in my work as well.
There are many things in life that we cannot control, but wellness lies in how we react to our emotions and the difficult situations we encounter. I work with clients to separate the uncontrollable from the controllable, and provide them with the tools to sit in the discomfort of challenging emotions. I aim to provide a safe space in which clients feel comfortable enough to make changes in their lives for the better. I have worked with clients of all ages, but have the most experience working with neurodivergent trans adolescents struggling with anxiety and mood disorders as well as navigating their gender expression and identity.
I focus on self-compassion, mindfulness, and DBT skills as ways to tolerate discomfort in uncertain situations, and include some ACT and CBT skills in my work as well.
There are many things in life that we cannot control, but wellness lies in how we react to our emotions and the difficult situations we encounter. I work with clients to separate the uncontrollable from the controllable, and provide them with the tools to sit in the discomfort of challenging emotions. I aim to provide a safe space in which clients feel comfortable enough to make changes in their lives for the better. I have worked with clients of all ages, but have the most experience working with neurodivergent trans adolescents struggling with anxiety and mood disorders as well as navigating their gender expression and identity.
I utilize many different modalities depending on the individual including DBT, CBT, MI, solution focused, narrative, reality, REBT and existential.
I am a Certified Advanced Counselor by the NBCC and I am passionate about my work with those affected by alcoholism and addiction. Substance Abuse and Mental Health problems are major roadblocks in a person's life. These issues are nothing to be ashamed of and can be overcome with a proper, specialized treatment plan. I help patients struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders through many different treatment modalities that are specified to each individual. Every person is unique in their personality and life circumstances, therefore, their treatment approach will be suitable to fit their unique situation.
I utilize many different modalities depending on the individual including DBT, CBT, MI, solution focused, narrative, reality, REBT and existential.
I am a Certified Advanced Counselor by the NBCC and I am passionate about my work with those affected by alcoholism and addiction. Substance Abuse and Mental Health problems are major roadblocks in a person's life. These issues are nothing to be ashamed of and can be overcome with a proper, specialized treatment plan. I help patients struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders through many different treatment modalities that are specified to each individual. Every person is unique in their personality and life circumstances, therefore, their treatment approach will be suitable to fit their unique situation.
Crystal Widmann
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406 (Online Only)
I offer a collaborative and warm approach that empowers clients to tap into their strengths to develop practical solutions. I integrate evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I create a supportive environment where clients feel heard and valued as we work together to develop strategies for positive change. By combining solution-focused techniques with a strengths-based perspective, I help clients recognize their inherent capabilities and build resilience. My aim is to equip clients with the tools to overcome challenges and thrive.
I offer a collaborative and warm approach that empowers clients to tap into their strengths to develop practical solutions. I integrate evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I create a supportive environment where clients feel heard and valued as we work together to develop strategies for positive change. By combining solution-focused techniques with a strengths-based perspective, I help clients recognize their inherent capabilities and build resilience. My aim is to equip clients with the tools to overcome challenges and thrive.
My main theoretical orientation is cognitive behavioral, however; I also utilize DBT, motivational interviewing, and person-centered approaches.
Whether it’s your first time in therapy or your hundredth, finding a therapist can be nerve racking. That’s why I prioritize building a solid working relationship built on trust. My identity as a therapist is best defined by my authenticity and nonjudgmental stance. I’m not afraid to embrace my client’s sense of humor, interests, strengths, and culture while also helping them build the courage to confront their maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. I try and meet you wherever you’re at and help you develop the insight and skills so that you can reach your goals and realize your potential.
My main theoretical orientation is cognitive behavioral, however; I also utilize DBT, motivational interviewing, and person-centered approaches.
Whether it’s your first time in therapy or your hundredth, finding a therapist can be nerve racking. That’s why I prioritize building a solid working relationship built on trust. My identity as a therapist is best defined by my authenticity and nonjudgmental stance. I’m not afraid to embrace my client’s sense of humor, interests, strengths, and culture while also helping them build the courage to confront their maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. I try and meet you wherever you’re at and help you develop the insight and skills so that you can reach your goals and realize your potential.
Holistic Counseling Services LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, DBTC
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406 (Online Only)
I am certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy treatment.
Holistic Counseling Services is committed to providing quality care using a tele-mental health platform. My goal is to provide good quality care in the privacy of your home or office without the hassle of taking extra time out of your busy schedule to travel to a brick and mortar office.
I am certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy treatment.
Holistic Counseling Services is committed to providing quality care using a tele-mental health platform. My goal is to provide good quality care in the privacy of your home or office without the hassle of taking extra time out of your busy schedule to travel to a brick and mortar office.
Francesca Sutera
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406 (Online Only)
I utilize methodologies and techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Narrative and Experiential Therapies, as well as mindfulness.
My therapeutic philosophy is firmly rooted in the belief that you know yourself best, and it is my passion as a therapist to provide you with the space to collaboratively explore as well as make meaning out of your own unique life experiences. I am dedicated to fostering an authentic and supportive relationship with my clients in order to promote awareness, empowerment and growth.
I utilize methodologies and techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Narrative and Experiential Therapies, as well as mindfulness.
My therapeutic philosophy is firmly rooted in the belief that you know yourself best, and it is my passion as a therapist to provide you with the space to collaboratively explore as well as make meaning out of your own unique life experiences. I am dedicated to fostering an authentic and supportive relationship with my clients in order to promote awareness, empowerment and growth.
Samantha Crean
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406 (Online Only)
I'm trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
If you're here, I probably don't need to tell you that the rate of depression in college students continues to rise and college counseling centers can't keep up. You're sad. You're empty. You're filled with doom about the plight of the world and you're not even sure if there's a point in trying anymore. I specialize in working with individuals who are depressed, self-harming or having thoughts of suicide. I'll help you balance your mood, increase your self-worth and improve your relationships so that you can actually enjoy life again rather than trying to escape it.
I'm trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
If you're here, I probably don't need to tell you that the rate of depression in college students continues to rise and college counseling centers can't keep up. You're sad. You're empty. You're filled with doom about the plight of the world and you're not even sure if there's a point in trying anymore. I specialize in working with individuals who are depressed, self-harming or having thoughts of suicide. I'll help you balance your mood, increase your self-worth and improve your relationships so that you can actually enjoy life again rather than trying to escape it.
Molly Johnston
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406 (Online Only)
Along with traditional therapeutic models such as CBT, DBT, MI, and psychodynamics, I also have experience integrating additional concepts including trauma, self-esteem and compassion, healthy relationships, kink and poly-friendly, diet culture recovery / Health At Every Size, and spirituality.
I think that therapy doesn’t have to be complicated. As a client you can expect to highlight your strengths, speak to your individual experience in a non-judgmental environment, receive unconditional support from someone you trust, and learn new ways to lessen your pain. Therapy is a wonderfully transformative venture, where two people collaborate on how to navigate the human experience. My approach is strengths-based, person-first, and multifaceted to meet your specific needs.
Along with traditional therapeutic models such as CBT, DBT, MI, and psychodynamics, I also have experience integrating additional concepts including trauma, self-esteem and compassion, healthy relationships, kink and poly-friendly, diet culture recovery / Health At Every Size, and spirituality.
I think that therapy doesn’t have to be complicated. As a client you can expect to highlight your strengths, speak to your individual experience in a non-judgmental environment, receive unconditional support from someone you trust, and learn new ways to lessen your pain. Therapy is a wonderfully transformative venture, where two people collaborate on how to navigate the human experience. My approach is strengths-based, person-first, and multifaceted to meet your specific needs.
Christie Birchall
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, CCTS-I, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
Additionally, by drawing from various counseling techniques such as CBT, DBT, and REBT, together we can work on regulating emotions and facing uncomfortable feelings head on.
Immediate openings for in-person and virtual sessions! I have vast experience working with individuals who struggle with Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, substance abuse, criminal involvement, Bipolar, Borderline Personality Disorder, as well as other personality/mood disorders. In my work, I utilize a person-centered approach that focuses on empathizing with you as an individual trying to heal from your experiences. I feel that my solution-based approach can help guide you through your issues and facilitate a more productive lifestyle.
Additionally, by drawing from various counseling techniques such as CBT, DBT, and REBT, together we can work on regulating emotions and facing uncomfortable feelings head on.
Immediate openings for in-person and virtual sessions! I have vast experience working with individuals who struggle with Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, substance abuse, criminal involvement, Bipolar, Borderline Personality Disorder, as well as other personality/mood disorders. In my work, I utilize a person-centered approach that focuses on empathizing with you as an individual trying to heal from your experiences. I feel that my solution-based approach can help guide you through your issues and facilitate a more productive lifestyle.
I have a person-centered approach and incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy( DBT), Solution-focused, & Trauma informed strategies.
I truly enjoy working with adolescents and emerging young adults as they transition to adulthood. I also enjoy fostering teen-parent relationships. My specialties include: Teens/Adolescents, Emerging Adults, Anxiety/Depression, Mood Disorders, Teen-Parent Relationships, Executive Functioning, School Issues, LBGTQiA plus, Self-Esteem and Body Positivity.
I have a person-centered approach and incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy( DBT), Solution-focused, & Trauma informed strategies.
I truly enjoy working with adolescents and emerging young adults as they transition to adulthood. I also enjoy fostering teen-parent relationships. My specialties include: Teens/Adolescents, Emerging Adults, Anxiety/Depression, Mood Disorders, Teen-Parent Relationships, Executive Functioning, School Issues, LBGTQiA plus, Self-Esteem and Body Positivity.
15 Second Videos
Meredith Clair Reid
Robbie Hazard
Ashley Straub Psychotherapy
CW Psychological Services
Vanessa K Tower
Amber Yevak
Ladia Adams
Sarah Lewis
Baker Street Behavioral Health
Carroll-Ratliff Counseling Services
Jonathan Jaru Harold
Carol Koehler
Jenna Hesbol
David I Schenck
Luke Bieber
Anna Sheedy
Michele Chubb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
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.
Kylie Meyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406 (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.
Risa Jinunarux-Shibata
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, C-DBT
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406 (Online Only)
I am EMDR trained and DBT certified.
I am honored to work with clients seeking support during life's challenging moments. You could be struggling with anxiety, navigating significant life transitions, or facing family or racial issues. I also specialize in supporting the LGBTQ+ community. You deserve a therapist who truly understands and empathizes with your experiences. As an Asian therapist, I strive to create a culturally inclusive, non-judgmental space for self-expression and growth. Together, we will explore your unique concerns, foster resilience, and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and acceptance.
I am EMDR trained and DBT certified.
I am honored to work with clients seeking support during life's challenging moments. You could be struggling with anxiety, navigating significant life transitions, or facing family or racial issues. I also specialize in supporting the LGBTQ+ community. You deserve a therapist who truly understands and empathizes with your experiences. As an Asian therapist, I strive to create a culturally inclusive, non-judgmental space for self-expression and growth. Together, we will explore your unique concerns, foster resilience, and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and acceptance.
Adrienne Hermes
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, C-DBT, CYT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
Methods such as EMDR, DBT, somatic experiencing, internal family systems, and sensorimotor psychotherapy focus on stabalizing your current symptoms by creating safety in your body and buliding an understanding of how present day symptoms have a root in the past.
Trauma impacts us all differently. You may find yourself struggling to find your sense of self, losing your footing in relationships, find difficulty getting through daily activities, feel withdrawn, isolated, anxious or depressed. All of this might happen despite successes or strengths in your life and efforts. Just because it is that way now, it doesn’t mean it has to be or that it will be this way forever. There are a variety of trauma informed practices that we can cater to your unique experiences and goals. Trauma therapy does not have to be a re-exposure to painful memories for you to heal and move on.
Methods such as EMDR, DBT, somatic experiencing, internal family systems, and sensorimotor psychotherapy focus on stabalizing your current symptoms by creating safety in your body and buliding an understanding of how present day symptoms have a root in the past.
Trauma impacts us all differently. You may find yourself struggling to find your sense of self, losing your footing in relationships, find difficulty getting through daily activities, feel withdrawn, isolated, anxious or depressed. All of this might happen despite successes or strengths in your life and efforts. Just because it is that way now, it doesn’t mean it has to be or that it will be this way forever. There are a variety of trauma informed practices that we can cater to your unique experiences and goals. Trauma therapy does not have to be a re-exposure to painful memories for you to heal and move on.
Bayley Saffier
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSW
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406 (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.
Sofia Montgomery
Associate Professional Counselor, MA, LAPC, CTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
As a certified trauma professional, I aim to create a warm, inclusive, brave space in which my clients can explore their life experiences. I believe each individual is unique, as are their therapeutic needs, and I use a variety of evidence-based treatment models including Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), IFS-informed, and mindfulness techniques to help guide our sessions. To that end, I also do not believe in pathologizing people, reducing them to a diagnosis or viewing them as a problem to “fix.” I believe in building a collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship, to help re-define what the therapeutic space can be.
As a certified trauma professional, I aim to create a warm, inclusive, brave space in which my clients can explore their life experiences. I believe each individual is unique, as are their therapeutic needs, and I use a variety of evidence-based treatment models including Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), IFS-informed, and mindfulness techniques to help guide our sessions. To that end, I also do not believe in pathologizing people, reducing them to a diagnosis or viewing them as a problem to “fix.” I believe in building a collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship, to help re-define what the therapeutic space can be.
Olivia Ruffin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19487
I specialize in using DBT, EMDR, and mindfulness to help you manage anxiety, process difficult experiences, and navigate life’s transitions with greater ease.
Do you ever feel like you’re constantly trying to do it all, but no matter how much you accomplish, it never feels like enough? Like you’re always chasing that perfect version of yourself, but it’s exhausting and overwhelming? You might recognize how hard you push yourself to meet those high expectations, but it’s easy to get stuck in that cycle—working harder and harder, only to drift into overwhelm, isolation, and feeling disconnected from yourself and others. You’re definitely not alone! I help teens and women who feel trapped by perfectionism, guiding them to break free from the pressure and create space for more balance life!
I specialize in using DBT, EMDR, and mindfulness to help you manage anxiety, process difficult experiences, and navigate life’s transitions with greater ease.
Do you ever feel like you’re constantly trying to do it all, but no matter how much you accomplish, it never feels like enough? Like you’re always chasing that perfect version of yourself, but it’s exhausting and overwhelming? You might recognize how hard you push yourself to meet those high expectations, but it’s easy to get stuck in that cycle—working harder and harder, only to drift into overwhelm, isolation, and feeling disconnected from yourself and others. You’re definitely not alone! I help teens and women who feel trapped by perfectionism, guiding them to break free from the pressure and create space for more balance life!
Ashley Straub Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused and Mindfulness.
Feeling stuck and wondering why? Or what you can do about it? Let’s work together to identify your goals and create a path towards them. Along the way we will work on self-acceptance, self-love and developing an understanding of all spheres of yourself. My ideal client struggles to find their words, has difficulties describing what’s happening to them, and often needs validation and acceptance. All stressors, regardless of intensity, can leave us feeling powerless and hopeless as they accumulate. Sometimes people fall short and are not sure why, working with a therapist can help you understand what might be getting in your way.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused and Mindfulness.
Feeling stuck and wondering why? Or what you can do about it? Let’s work together to identify your goals and create a path towards them. Along the way we will work on self-acceptance, self-love and developing an understanding of all spheres of yourself. My ideal client struggles to find their words, has difficulties describing what’s happening to them, and often needs validation and acceptance. All stressors, regardless of intensity, can leave us feeling powerless and hopeless as they accumulate. Sometimes people fall short and are not sure why, working with a therapist can help you understand what might be getting in your way.
Mandy Mayock LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406 (Online Only)
Using a trauma-informed, client-centered integrative approach to therapy, I draw from psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, and collaborative problem-solving strategies.
I am committed to helping my clients achieve emotional well-being and personal growth. I am warm, empathetic, and direct, and even though life is difficult, I try to use humor in my practice. As a clinically trained, licensed, and experienced therapist, I can help you overcome adversity and better understand yourself. Whether trying to understand and manage difficult situations from your past, working to resolve a pressing emergent issue, or challenging yourself to grow and transform into the person you feel you have the potential to become, I can help you achieve healing, growth, and change.
Using a trauma-informed, client-centered integrative approach to therapy, I draw from psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, and collaborative problem-solving strategies.
I am committed to helping my clients achieve emotional well-being and personal growth. I am warm, empathetic, and direct, and even though life is difficult, I try to use humor in my practice. As a clinically trained, licensed, and experienced therapist, I can help you overcome adversity and better understand yourself. Whether trying to understand and manage difficult situations from your past, working to resolve a pressing emergent issue, or challenging yourself to grow and transform into the person you feel you have the potential to become, I can help you achieve healing, growth, and change.
See more therapy options for King Of Prussia
Nearby Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists Searches for King Of Prussia
- Audubon
- Bridgeport
- Chesterbrook
- Conshohocken
- Devon
- Eagleville
- Gladwyne
- Lafayette Hill
- Norristown
- Plymouth Meeting
- Villanova
- Wayne
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.