Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Orefield, PA
![Photo of Sophie Greger - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Allentown, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad5ec351-1224-4bfd-8dc8-6ee6ea2f6c26/1/320x400.jpeg)
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Allentown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Orefield, PA 18069
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.
![Photo of Jacqueline Cunningham, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9fb846aa-774c-4eff-9ac7-ac1dfc529427/1/320x400.jpeg)
Her approach to therapy pulls from many therapeutic approaches such as DBT, CBT, solution-focused therapy, self-compassion, and mindfulness.
Jackie Cunningham is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working in the field since 2017. Jackie specializes in eating disorders, anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem. Jackie is passionate about empowering her clients to handle life's stressors, learn new ways to cope, and recall the past but live in the present. Jackie helps her clients to find a healthy perception of themselves, strengthen their relationships with others, and build up their skill set so they feel confident in taking control of their lives. Jackie completed her Masters in Counseling and Human Services at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA.
Her approach to therapy pulls from many therapeutic approaches such as DBT, CBT, solution-focused therapy, self-compassion, and mindfulness.
Jackie Cunningham is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working in the field since 2017. Jackie specializes in eating disorders, anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem. Jackie is passionate about empowering her clients to handle life's stressors, learn new ways to cope, and recall the past but live in the present. Jackie helps her clients to find a healthy perception of themselves, strengthen their relationships with others, and build up their skill set so they feel confident in taking control of their lives. Jackie completed her Masters in Counseling and Human Services at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA.
![Photo of Rasmill Espiritu Alvarez, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df3d4f34-1a38-4026-bd39-973c98868070/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rasmill Espiritu Alvarez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Orefield, PA 18069 (Online Only)
In therapy, she utilizes a wide range of therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy ( DBT), and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT).
Rasmill Espiritu is a bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has over 9 years of professional experience assisting a widely diverse community including individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and adjustment disorders. Moreover, Rasmill has great experience assisting couples and families in creating healthy boundaries, improving emotional intelligence, and encouraging emotional independence in adults and adolescents.
In therapy, she utilizes a wide range of therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy ( DBT), and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT).
Rasmill Espiritu is a bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has over 9 years of professional experience assisting a widely diverse community including individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and adjustment disorders. Moreover, Rasmill has great experience assisting couples and families in creating healthy boundaries, improving emotional intelligence, and encouraging emotional independence in adults and adolescents.
![Photo of Raphael Alfaro, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ebeacc6-d56c-4e2a-a5f4-5f509278a865/1/320x400.png)
Raphael Alfaro
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Orefield, PA 18069 (Online Only)
Raphael Alfaro is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 5 years of experience in the mental health and substance use field. He is passionate about wanting to help adults and couples address the challenges that they face on a daily basis to help them live a more balanced and fulfilled life. Raphael specializes in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use concerns, self-esteem, schizophrenia, and other major life transitions.
Raphael Alfaro is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 5 years of experience in the mental health and substance use field. He is passionate about wanting to help adults and couples address the challenges that they face on a daily basis to help them live a more balanced and fulfilled life. Raphael specializes in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use concerns, self-esteem, schizophrenia, and other major life transitions.
![Photo of Sophie Greger, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fe81308-2ec6-44a5-82fb-9679303c5960/1/320x400.png)
Sophie Greger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Orefield, PA 18069 (Online Only)
Sophie Greger is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with children, teens, young adults, and families. She has experience providing therapy across multiple clinical settings including residential treatment and community care. Sophie brings a caring, professional attitude to working with individuals and families, prioritizing a strengths-based perspective and building upon the skills that fit best into each client’s unique experience.
Sophie Greger is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with children, teens, young adults, and families. She has experience providing therapy across multiple clinical settings including residential treatment and community care. Sophie brings a caring, professional attitude to working with individuals and families, prioritizing a strengths-based perspective and building upon the skills that fit best into each client’s unique experience.
![Photo of Jamie Roda, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84ce1390-3805-4af0-b9b6-ba634629eaca/1/320x400.png)
Jamie is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who works best with individuals willing to consider "out of the box" options for lifestyle changes. She prefers to use holistic approaches and enjoy working with those who are willing to try new things. She excited to work with people who want to improve their lives and are willing to try new approaches that address many issues rather than just their presenting concerns.
Jamie is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who works best with individuals willing to consider "out of the box" options for lifestyle changes. She prefers to use holistic approaches and enjoy working with those who are willing to try new things. She excited to work with people who want to improve their lives and are willing to try new approaches that address many issues rather than just their presenting concerns.
![Photo of Marifel Estrada-Currie, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e360c776-273a-41bc-b8b5-c79bb5457593/2/320x400.png)
As individuals we are continually faced with life events that at times can be challenging, stressful and overwhelming and can impact our emotional and physical well being and relationships. It is at these times that we strive to find emotional and mental relief, balance and connection. As a licensed psychologist, I strive to help clients find positive coping skills to help them through events negatively impacting their present lives. I will strive to provide an empathetic therapeutic environment in a collaborative dialogue between me, the clinician, and you, the client to find emotional relief, calm, and interpersonal growth.
As individuals we are continually faced with life events that at times can be challenging, stressful and overwhelming and can impact our emotional and physical well being and relationships. It is at these times that we strive to find emotional and mental relief, balance and connection. As a licensed psychologist, I strive to help clients find positive coping skills to help them through events negatively impacting their present lives. I will strive to provide an empathetic therapeutic environment in a collaborative dialogue between me, the clinician, and you, the client to find emotional relief, calm, and interpersonal growth.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Monica Molen, MSW, LCSW, C-DBT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3319b9e0-1017-407b-bc15-6da1803e6bc2/3/320x400.jpeg)
Monica Molen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, C-DBT
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18104
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy working with clients of all ages! I am certified in DBT and EMDR.
Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed, sad or anxious? Do you feel like life's challenges are becoming too much? I'm here to help! I have experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds with various mental health diagnoses, behavioral challenges, and life stressors. I utilize a person-centered, strengths-based approach. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT) techniques and Eye Movement Densitazation and Reprocessing (EMDR) in my practice. My goal is to help you realize your potential and strive to meet your individual goals!
I enjoy working with clients of all ages! I am certified in DBT and EMDR.
Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed, sad or anxious? Do you feel like life's challenges are becoming too much? I'm here to help! I have experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds with various mental health diagnoses, behavioral challenges, and life stressors. I utilize a person-centered, strengths-based approach. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT) techniques and Eye Movement Densitazation and Reprocessing (EMDR) in my practice. My goal is to help you realize your potential and strive to meet your individual goals!
![Photo of Walka Estevez, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84afafcc-b805-4dea-935b-c157315d67e9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Walka Estevez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18104 (Online Only)
Walka has a dedicated to provide guidance and support to her client through different therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy ( CBT), dialectal behavioral therapy ( DBT), mindfulness, and person-centered therapy.
Walka Estevez is a bilingual (Spanish, English) therapist with over 12 years of experience in the field working with adolescents, adults (female, male), providing them individual, family and group therapy. Walka is specializes in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief, oppositional and defiant behavior.
Walka has a dedicated to provide guidance and support to her client through different therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy ( CBT), dialectal behavioral therapy ( DBT), mindfulness, and person-centered therapy.
Walka Estevez is a bilingual (Spanish, English) therapist with over 12 years of experience in the field working with adolescents, adults (female, male), providing them individual, family and group therapy. Walka is specializes in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief, oppositional and defiant behavior.
![Photo of Lorraine Ann LaPorte, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26ef3bac-aabd-416b-b83c-53ba0e66f5a1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lorraine Ann LaPorte
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18106 (Online Only)
I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT) techniques and tools, as well as Motivational Interviewing.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania with a focus on developing practical skills to assist clients with their mental health needs through a compassionate, supportive and empowering approach. As an LCSW, I’m committed to hearing, understanding, and validating the goals you want to achieve.
I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT) techniques and tools, as well as Motivational Interviewing.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania with a focus on developing practical skills to assist clients with their mental health needs through a compassionate, supportive and empowering approach. As an LCSW, I’m committed to hearing, understanding, and validating the goals you want to achieve.
![Photo of Lindsey Tomcics - The Calm Space LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e51d7c85-34fd-4018-81cb-e2c358ed93d3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am trained in CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, and EMDR.
Do you want a more supportive holistic approach into your mental health struggles? We used to think that mental disorders were not physical disorders. Mind you, this was long ago but the stigma still remains. Some still believe that our symptoms are purely a biochemical imbalance. My belief is focusing on a multidimensional approach exploring all aspects of our current life from our physical and emotional health to our social, spiritual, intellectual, vocational connections and living environment. My hope is to help others reach their full potential by exploring their past traumas, abusive relationships, and grief/loss.
I am trained in CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, and EMDR.
Do you want a more supportive holistic approach into your mental health struggles? We used to think that mental disorders were not physical disorders. Mind you, this was long ago but the stigma still remains. Some still believe that our symptoms are purely a biochemical imbalance. My belief is focusing on a multidimensional approach exploring all aspects of our current life from our physical and emotional health to our social, spiritual, intellectual, vocational connections and living environment. My hope is to help others reach their full potential by exploring their past traumas, abusive relationships, and grief/loss.
![Photo of Christine McGowan, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49fe0506-29d0-4445-9d6d-c48434f75ef4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christine McGowan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18104 (Online Only)
Pulling from an eclectic mix of therapeutic modalities, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing are some of the approaches that Chris utilizes.
Chris McGowan is a Professional Counselor who works with older adolescents and adults, always striving to view her clients through a compassionate lens to assist in understanding the client as a whole person, viewing their life experiences, values, and individual needs. She is effective in supporting clients who struggle with self-esteem, depression, anxiety, ADHD, parental strategies, grief, trauma, Trichotillomania/BFRBs (body-focused repetitive behaviors), relationships, and change of life transitions at any age. Chris is an LBGTQ+-affirming clinician.
Pulling from an eclectic mix of therapeutic modalities, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing are some of the approaches that Chris utilizes.
Chris McGowan is a Professional Counselor who works with older adolescents and adults, always striving to view her clients through a compassionate lens to assist in understanding the client as a whole person, viewing their life experiences, values, and individual needs. She is effective in supporting clients who struggle with self-esteem, depression, anxiety, ADHD, parental strategies, grief, trauma, Trichotillomania/BFRBs (body-focused repetitive behaviors), relationships, and change of life transitions at any age. Chris is an LBGTQ+-affirming clinician.
![Photo of Arti Maharaj, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/705775cb-eb1d-4813-9d88-df8dd827b001/1/320x400.jpeg)
I employ evidence-based treatments such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and EMDR, and other therapeutic modalities to ensure a comprehensive and tailored approach to your mental well-being.
Greetings! In this practice, I provide a warm, non-judgmental therapeutic space dedicated to offering support. I believe in a client-led approach, empowering you to find your voice. Progress is celebrated in the small steps that accumulate into significant strides throughout the treatment journey. I offer individual, couples, and family therapy to everyone, specializing in providing support to the minority population and thriving in working with intercultural couples and families.
I employ evidence-based treatments such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and EMDR, and other therapeutic modalities to ensure a comprehensive and tailored approach to your mental well-being.
Greetings! In this practice, I provide a warm, non-judgmental therapeutic space dedicated to offering support. I believe in a client-led approach, empowering you to find your voice. Progress is celebrated in the small steps that accumulate into significant strides throughout the treatment journey. I offer individual, couples, and family therapy to everyone, specializing in providing support to the minority population and thriving in working with intercultural couples and families.
![Photo of Elizabeth Becks, LPC, PMH-C, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4c65b16-0923-4bc9-85aa-e9256f46f9ca/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Becks
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Allentown, PA 18106 (Online Only)
I utilize aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral therapy ( DBT), as well as principles of Mindfulness.
My goal is to provide a space to share without shame, and to process and learn skills to manage life more effectively.
I utilize aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral therapy ( DBT), as well as principles of Mindfulness.
My goal is to provide a space to share without shame, and to process and learn skills to manage life more effectively.
![Photo of Karin Fils-Aime, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d37346e-671f-41d9-8453-f4896323a356/1/320x400.jpeg)
Karin Fils-Aime
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18106 (Online Only)
Looking to embrace self-acceptance? I'm a professional counselor with 20 years of experience. Fueled by my journey to self-acceptance, I have pursued expertise in cognitive therapy, EFT Tapping, and faith-based treatments, allowing me to tailor my approach to each client. My mission is to help you rediscover hope, navigate life's puzzles, and foster positive change in your thoughts and feelings. Ultimately, my goal is your peace.
Looking to embrace self-acceptance? I'm a professional counselor with 20 years of experience. Fueled by my journey to self-acceptance, I have pursued expertise in cognitive therapy, EFT Tapping, and faith-based treatments, allowing me to tailor my approach to each client. My mission is to help you rediscover hope, navigate life's puzzles, and foster positive change in your thoughts and feelings. Ultimately, my goal is your peace.
![Photo of Paige Stott-Jung, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab849e76-d872-4c81-b103-b0b6dad63f19/1/320x400.jpeg)
I strive to help individuals find improved emotional and physical health, along with enhanced pleasure, meaning, and purpose in life. Are you feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed and want to feel better? Have you experienced trauma or abuse and want to find healing and peace? Are you dissatisfied in relationships, whether with friends, family or coworkers? Are you feeling bored or trapped in your job or career and looking for more fulfillment? Are you dealing with an illness and wanting support? Are you re-evaluating where you are in life and where you want to go?
I strive to help individuals find improved emotional and physical health, along with enhanced pleasure, meaning, and purpose in life. Are you feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed and want to feel better? Have you experienced trauma or abuse and want to find healing and peace? Are you dissatisfied in relationships, whether with friends, family or coworkers? Are you feeling bored or trapped in your job or career and looking for more fulfillment? Are you dealing with an illness and wanting support? Are you re-evaluating where you are in life and where you want to go?
![Photo of Lindsay Capobianco, M Ed, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0680ff12-8b47-4e22-8e43-0cd3d26b9695/1/320x400.jpeg)
Therapy is essential when your therapist is as invested in you as you are in your own healing process. Many positive feelings and outcomes can occur when you feel prepared to handle the challenges that await you within the therapeutic process. Preparation includes predictability and practicality – two necessary concepts in my approach to solution-focused therapy. When we feel out of control of what others think or feel, or are in situations we feel defenseless in, we need to remember what we can control. We can solve our own problems with the right mindset and plan of action.
Therapy is essential when your therapist is as invested in you as you are in your own healing process. Many positive feelings and outcomes can occur when you feel prepared to handle the challenges that await you within the therapeutic process. Preparation includes predictability and practicality – two necessary concepts in my approach to solution-focused therapy. When we feel out of control of what others think or feel, or are in situations we feel defenseless in, we need to remember what we can control. We can solve our own problems with the right mindset and plan of action.
The focus of my work as a therapist is now supporting those individuals who are battling mental illness but also people who have experienced grief, loss, and trauma and others who may be struggling with relationship issues and life adjustments. I believe that therapy is a way to “find out who you are and do it on purpose.” (Dolly Parton) When we get lost, emotionally, physically, and spiritually it ends up being easier to believe the negative thoughts or to have the negative thinking. Therapy is a place to be heard, validated, and accepted for who you are and reminded how valuable you can be while providing "tools" to do so,
The focus of my work as a therapist is now supporting those individuals who are battling mental illness but also people who have experienced grief, loss, and trauma and others who may be struggling with relationship issues and life adjustments. I believe that therapy is a way to “find out who you are and do it on purpose.” (Dolly Parton) When we get lost, emotionally, physically, and spiritually it ends up being easier to believe the negative thoughts or to have the negative thinking. Therapy is a place to be heard, validated, and accepted for who you are and reminded how valuable you can be while providing "tools" to do so,
![Photo of Leslie M Chaundy - Mind Matters , PsyD, LCSW, NCSP, ABSNP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a9cb448e-fb88-4b0a-a384-96fac5e13860/2/320x400.jpeg)
Our vision at Mind Matters Coaching, Counseling & Psychological Associates, LLC is to help bring growth, healing, and peace of mind to people who struggle with matters of the mind. We have caring, compassionate, experienced, credentialed, and licensed professionals who are both doctoral level psychologists and master's level clinicians. We provide individual, family, and couples counseling, life coaching, child and adolescent therapy, EMDR, educational, psychological, and forensic testing and evaluations, career coaching, and consultation for both individuals and businesses.
Our vision at Mind Matters Coaching, Counseling & Psychological Associates, LLC is to help bring growth, healing, and peace of mind to people who struggle with matters of the mind. We have caring, compassionate, experienced, credentialed, and licensed professionals who are both doctoral level psychologists and master's level clinicians. We provide individual, family, and couples counseling, life coaching, child and adolescent therapy, EMDR, educational, psychological, and forensic testing and evaluations, career coaching, and consultation for both individuals and businesses.
![Photo of Leslie M. Chaundy - Mind Matters Counseling & Psychological Assocs, PsyD, LCSW, NCSP, ABSNP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/468f12bc-4fe0-497d-9a84-b59d60a1ba61/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mind Matters Counseling & Psychological Assocs
Psychologist, PsyD, LCSW, NCSP, ABSNP
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18106
Our vision at Mind Matters Coaching, Counseling & Psychological Associates, LLC is to help bring growth, healing, and peace of mind to people who struggle with matters of the mind. We have caring, compassionate, experienced, credentialed, and licensed professionals who are both doctoral level psychologists and master's level clinicians. We provide individual, family, and couples counseling, life coaching, child and adolescent therapy, EMDR, educational, psychological, and forensic testing and evaluations, career coaching, and consultation for both individuals and businesses.
Our vision at Mind Matters Coaching, Counseling & Psychological Associates, LLC is to help bring growth, healing, and peace of mind to people who struggle with matters of the mind. We have caring, compassionate, experienced, credentialed, and licensed professionals who are both doctoral level psychologists and master's level clinicians. We provide individual, family, and couples counseling, life coaching, child and adolescent therapy, EMDR, educational, psychological, and forensic testing and evaluations, career coaching, and consultation for both individuals and businesses.
See more therapy options for Orefield
Nearby Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists Searches for Orefield
- Allentown
- Bethlehem
- Breinigsville
- Center Valley
- Coopersburg
- Emmaus
- Fogelsville
- Kutztown
- Lehigh Valley
- Macungie
- Northampton
- Whitehall
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.