Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Fort Worth, TX

Photo of Lauren Dunn, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lauren Dunn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76116
I have been trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT) through Behavior Tech and am also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” – Albert Einstein Do you desire to want to see improvement in your life? Have you been thinking about talking to someone? I have worked in the helping field for almost 15 years in a variety of capacities and have had the privilege of walking with people at some of the most difficult places in their lives. I am a Fort Worth native and received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at TCU. I am passionate about helping you gain awareness, insight, and tools so you can see and make changes you desire in order to enjoy life.
I have been trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT) through Behavior Tech and am also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” – Albert Einstein Do you desire to want to see improvement in your life? Have you been thinking about talking to someone? I have worked in the helping field for almost 15 years in a variety of capacities and have had the privilege of walking with people at some of the most difficult places in their lives. I am a Fort Worth native and received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at TCU. I am passionate about helping you gain awareness, insight, and tools so you can see and make changes you desire in order to enjoy life.
(817) 752-7034 View (817) 752-7034
Photo of Jennifer McLean - Specialize: Anxiety Depression Trauma, MEd, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer McLean - Specialize: Anxiety Depression Trauma
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76137
My approach combines CBT and DBT techniques as well as mindfulness skills and experiential (creative activities) therapies.
As your therapist, I WONT: Try to fix you, Give you advice, Tell you what to do, Pretend I know more about you than you do, Assume what is best for you, Have all the answers, or Make the hard stuff go away. But as your therapist, I WILL: Remind you that you are NOT broken, Give you room to access your own wisdom, Support you in figuring out what to do, Recognize that you are the expert on your own life, Remember that you have the power to know what is best for you, Honor that I don't know it all, and Collaborate with you on how to make the hard stuff easier to sit with.
My approach combines CBT and DBT techniques as well as mindfulness skills and experiential (creative activities) therapies.
As your therapist, I WONT: Try to fix you, Give you advice, Tell you what to do, Pretend I know more about you than you do, Assume what is best for you, Have all the answers, or Make the hard stuff go away. But as your therapist, I WILL: Remind you that you are NOT broken, Give you room to access your own wisdom, Support you in figuring out what to do, Recognize that you are the expert on your own life, Remember that you have the power to know what is best for you, Honor that I don't know it all, and Collaborate with you on how to make the hard stuff easier to sit with.
(682) 345-8765 View (682) 345-8765
Photo of Rosana Mina-Meza, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rosana Mina-Meza
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76110
I find it important to teach my clients how to understand, sense and manage their emotions through a variety of methods-CBT, DBT, Sandtray and Life Span Integration and Somatic Transformation, a body based method of trauma treatment.
I have more than two decades of experience in working with a wide range of client ages, but my practice focuses on individual adults only. I utilize a combination of both cognitive behavioral, somatic and sand tray interventions in order to create opportunities to express emotions, find meaning and instill hope for positive change. I enjoy working with adults on the Autism Spectrum, ADHD and other neurodiverse people and have received additional training in these areas.
I find it important to teach my clients how to understand, sense and manage their emotions through a variety of methods-CBT, DBT, Sandtray and Life Span Integration and Somatic Transformation, a body based method of trauma treatment.
I have more than two decades of experience in working with a wide range of client ages, but my practice focuses on individual adults only. I utilize a combination of both cognitive behavioral, somatic and sand tray interventions in order to create opportunities to express emotions, find meaning and instill hope for positive change. I enjoy working with adults on the Autism Spectrum, ADHD and other neurodiverse people and have received additional training in these areas.
(206) 207-6843 View (206) 207-6843
Photo of Amy Carter, MEd, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amy Carter
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76105  (Online Only)
Hello, I am an LPC-Supervisor with openings for LPC associates. My area of specialization is adolescents and young adults. I have primarily worked with at-risk and troubled teens who have been struggling with a variety of mental health issues. My approach to therapy is trauma-focused and I am trained in EMDR. I use DBT and CBT therapy models to help my clients achieve their goals by reducing negative thought patterns and behaviors while increasing emotional intelligence and control. We work as a team to find your best path forward in finding success.
Hello, I am an LPC-Supervisor with openings for LPC associates. My area of specialization is adolescents and young adults. I have primarily worked with at-risk and troubled teens who have been struggling with a variety of mental health issues. My approach to therapy is trauma-focused and I am trained in EMDR. I use DBT and CBT therapy models to help my clients achieve their goals by reducing negative thought patterns and behaviors while increasing emotional intelligence and control. We work as a team to find your best path forward in finding success.
(817) 242-6276 View (817) 242-6276
Photo of Adry Sanders, MA, LPC-S, Grief, Anxiety, Licensed Professional Counselor
Adry Sanders
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, Grief, Anxiety
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76137  (Online Only)
I take a trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and neurobiological lens, combined with practical DBT-informed strategies, to help you manage distress, regulate emotions, and foster healthier relationships to help you rewrite your story.
Are you an adult child of immigrants navigating cultural expectations, career demands, overwhelmed by family dynamics, or feeling anxious about life transitions or grief? Imagine waking up as your most authentic self, fully aligned with what matters most, free from anxiety, confident, and with a deeper understanding of your emotions and behaviors. Together, we can make that vision a reality. By understanding how your brain and early experiences shape your present, we’ll work toward breaking unhealthy patterns, building confidence, and restoring your hope to help you thrive beautifully!
I take a trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and neurobiological lens, combined with practical DBT-informed strategies, to help you manage distress, regulate emotions, and foster healthier relationships to help you rewrite your story.
Are you an adult child of immigrants navigating cultural expectations, career demands, overwhelmed by family dynamics, or feeling anxious about life transitions or grief? Imagine waking up as your most authentic self, fully aligned with what matters most, free from anxiety, confident, and with a deeper understanding of your emotions and behaviors. Together, we can make that vision a reality. By understanding how your brain and early experiences shape your present, we’ll work toward breaking unhealthy patterns, building confidence, and restoring your hope to help you thrive beautifully!
(817) 803-9985 View (817) 803-9985
Photo of Andrea Talbot, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrea Talbot
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76177
The modalities I primarily use within therapeutic relationships are CBT, DBT, ACT, strengths based, psychodynamic, and EMDR.
My therapeutic focus involves working with adults, adolescents, and couples, and I specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ community.. I have provided care to clients experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and other mental health struggles in individual and group therapy environments. My goal as a therapist is to provide my clients with the best opportunity to overcome the difficulties within their lives through providing them with the tools, setting, and resources that they need to empower them to create change in their lives.
The modalities I primarily use within therapeutic relationships are CBT, DBT, ACT, strengths based, psychodynamic, and EMDR.
My therapeutic focus involves working with adults, adolescents, and couples, and I specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ community.. I have provided care to clients experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and other mental health struggles in individual and group therapy environments. My goal as a therapist is to provide my clients with the best opportunity to overcome the difficulties within their lives through providing them with the tools, setting, and resources that they need to empower them to create change in their lives.
(817) 518-4909 x1 View (817) 518-4909 x1
Photo of Dexter Collins, MS, LPC-A, NCC
Dexter Collins
LPC Associate, MS, LPC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76116
Utilizing a person-centered approach and incorporating CBT, DBT and expressive arts techniques, I have helped clients to discover within themselves the talents and strengths which help them to grow and to overcome the challenges they face.
Sometimes life takes us off the beaten path, and we find ourselves a bit lost. As a therapist I want to help you find your way. As a Black male therapist, I also understand that race and culture can play a significant role in one's mental health and my aim is to hold space for every part of who you are so that you feel seen, heard and understood. From learning healthy ways of coping to processing and working through difficult experiences, I work to provide safety, warmth, and acceptance to empower clients to grow through their experiences.
Utilizing a person-centered approach and incorporating CBT, DBT and expressive arts techniques, I have helped clients to discover within themselves the talents and strengths which help them to grow and to overcome the challenges they face.
Sometimes life takes us off the beaten path, and we find ourselves a bit lost. As a therapist I want to help you find your way. As a Black male therapist, I also understand that race and culture can play a significant role in one's mental health and my aim is to hold space for every part of who you are so that you feel seen, heard and understood. From learning healthy ways of coping to processing and working through difficult experiences, I work to provide safety, warmth, and acceptance to empower clients to grow through their experiences.
(972) 284-9085 View (972) 284-9085
Photo of Jean Gray, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jean Gray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76133
I am a versatile therapist skilled in assessments, intakes, crisis management, substance use, domestic violence, trauma, women's issues, anxiety and depression. I have been trained in EMDR, solutions-focused therapy, structural family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy, among other treatment modalities.
I am a versatile therapist skilled in assessments, intakes, crisis management, substance use, domestic violence, trauma, women's issues, anxiety and depression. I have been trained in EMDR, solutions-focused therapy, structural family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy, among other treatment modalities.
(214) 214-4303 View (214) 214-4303
Photo of Lauren Freymuth, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lauren Freymuth
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Lauren's approach to therapy is patient-focused and collaborative, using cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapies.
Lauren creates a safe and accepting environment where patients can share stories, elicit change, and heal pain. She seeks to affirm, validate, and encourage patients to find their empowerment and live balanced and fulfilled lives.
Lauren's approach to therapy is patient-focused and collaborative, using cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapies.
Lauren creates a safe and accepting environment where patients can share stories, elicit change, and heal pain. She seeks to affirm, validate, and encourage patients to find their empowerment and live balanced and fulfilled lives.
(855) 976-2039 View (855) 976-2039
Photo of Hannah Causey, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Hannah Causey
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Cognitive approaches include Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT).
Many people share in therapy about difficulties that keep resurfacing, no matter how much they work to unravel them. This often occurs because trauma and stress hide in the part of our brain that is outside of the ability to cognitively reframe our pain. My therapeutic approach is integrative, healing what’s really underneath your unhappiness. These approaches go beyond the typical cognitive approaches by harnessing your body's intelligence for healing. You deserve to be happy (again) and live contentedly. See my website for more on Brainspotting and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
Cognitive approaches include Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT).
Many people share in therapy about difficulties that keep resurfacing, no matter how much they work to unravel them. This often occurs because trauma and stress hide in the part of our brain that is outside of the ability to cognitively reframe our pain. My therapeutic approach is integrative, healing what’s really underneath your unhappiness. These approaches go beyond the typical cognitive approaches by harnessing your body's intelligence for healing. You deserve to be happy (again) and live contentedly. See my website for more on Brainspotting and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
(602) 962-9292 View (602) 962-9292
Photo of Sandra Clark, MA, CASAC, ADC
Sandra Clark
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, CASAC, ADC
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76104
I use a combination of CBT, DBT, attachment, and mindfulness.
I will help you feel seen and heard as we explore your authentic self and look at root causes that impact the present. Growth and healing are tailored to your needs as we explore healthier paths toward symptom relief. I have a client-centered focus; I believe that meeting you where you are in a safe and non-judgmental space is key to beginning the healing process. I have experience working with diverse cultures and orientations. Through exploring past attachments and how they impact you in the present we can discover purposeful connections and meaning to your life.
I use a combination of CBT, DBT, attachment, and mindfulness.
I will help you feel seen and heard as we explore your authentic self and look at root causes that impact the present. Growth and healing are tailored to your needs as we explore healthier paths toward symptom relief. I have a client-centered focus; I believe that meeting you where you are in a safe and non-judgmental space is key to beginning the healing process. I have experience working with diverse cultures and orientations. Through exploring past attachments and how they impact you in the present we can discover purposeful connections and meaning to your life.
(682) 789-8038 View (682) 789-8038
Photo of Allison Anderson, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Allison Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76114
I draw from holistic, client-centered, positive and strengths based approaches, in which I may utilize techniques from CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, systems/family dynamics, solution-focused, mindfulness, and psychoeducational modalities.
I believe that healing is a deeply personalized journey that occurs in many ways. I offer a blend of warmth, compassion, and honesty to create a space fostering change and growth. I draw from a variety of approaches depending on each client’s unique needs, treating the entire self: body, thoughts, emotions, relationships, and creativity. Life is full of both pain and joy; I want to help you be present for all of it.
I draw from holistic, client-centered, positive and strengths based approaches, in which I may utilize techniques from CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, systems/family dynamics, solution-focused, mindfulness, and psychoeducational modalities.
I believe that healing is a deeply personalized journey that occurs in many ways. I offer a blend of warmth, compassion, and honesty to create a space fostering change and growth. I draw from a variety of approaches depending on each client’s unique needs, treating the entire self: body, thoughts, emotions, relationships, and creativity. Life is full of both pain and joy; I want to help you be present for all of it.
(817) 783-0260 View (817) 783-0260
Photo of Marta Otero, PsyD, Psychologist
Marta Otero
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76102
She is specialized as a therapist who offers CBT, DBT capable of working with any mental illness.
Dr. Marta Otero provides high quality and affordable therapy, court services, immigration evals, security testing, educational and psychological testing. All services are available for all ages. She is a member of the Texas Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association.
She is specialized as a therapist who offers CBT, DBT capable of working with any mental illness.
Dr. Marta Otero provides high quality and affordable therapy, court services, immigration evals, security testing, educational and psychological testing. All services are available for all ages. She is a member of the Texas Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association.
(817) 382-3068 View (817) 382-3068
Photo of Madi Rodriguez, LPC-A, MEd, LCDC-I
Madi Rodriguez
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPC-A, MEd, LCDC-I
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76107
I am a Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner, and I specialize in play therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT).
Are you ready to take that next step towards personal growth and emotional well-being? As a counselor specializing in supporting young children, teens, and young adults through challenges like substance use, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and life transitions, I understand the courage it takes to seek help. I am here to walk alongside you on your journey of self-discovery and healing. I deeply cherish working with individuals who are eager to enhance their mental health and embark on their path to healing.
I am a Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner, and I specialize in play therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT).
Are you ready to take that next step towards personal growth and emotional well-being? As a counselor specializing in supporting young children, teens, and young adults through challenges like substance use, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and life transitions, I understand the courage it takes to seek help. I am here to walk alongside you on your journey of self-discovery and healing. I deeply cherish working with individuals who are eager to enhance their mental health and embark on their path to healing.
(817) 775-3357 x407 View (817) 775-3357 x407
Photo of Misty Major, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Misty Major
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76112  (Online Only)
With the use of DBT, EMDR, IFS, Black feminist and spiritual based practice, my goal is to help you connect to the parts of yourself that are scared to be loved, don't think they are worth loving, or have given up on love in all of its forms.
Throughout our life journey, our stories get told by our family, community, oppressive systemic forces, etc. We often lose sight of our story, and therefore lose sight of ourselves. I work with folx who have lost the plot to their own story due to depression, anxiety, PTSD or C-PTSD, and attachment trauma from various painful connections throughout your life that has also made connecting to yourself that much more painful.
With the use of DBT, EMDR, IFS, Black feminist and spiritual based practice, my goal is to help you connect to the parts of yourself that are scared to be loved, don't think they are worth loving, or have given up on love in all of its forms.
Throughout our life journey, our stories get told by our family, community, oppressive systemic forces, etc. We often lose sight of our story, and therefore lose sight of ourselves. I work with folx who have lost the plot to their own story due to depression, anxiety, PTSD or C-PTSD, and attachment trauma from various painful connections throughout your life that has also made connecting to yourself that much more painful.
(682) 327-5215 View (682) 327-5215
Photo of Malorie Collier, LMSW
Malorie Collier
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76133
“You are not your mental illness”. Sometimes seeing yourself apart from a diagnosis can be hard. However, I wholeheartedly believe that your diagnosis does not define who you are and hope to instill this idea into you, as my client. My goal as a therapist is to help you to be your best possible self and to encourage you through therapy. I will use CBT, DBT, mindfulness and self love techniques. I will push you and encourage you to achieve your goals.
“You are not your mental illness”. Sometimes seeing yourself apart from a diagnosis can be hard. However, I wholeheartedly believe that your diagnosis does not define who you are and hope to instill this idea into you, as my client. My goal as a therapist is to help you to be your best possible self and to encourage you through therapy. I will use CBT, DBT, mindfulness and self love techniques. I will push you and encourage you to achieve your goals.
(817) 790-9097 View (817) 790-9097
Photo of Katharyn Satterwhite, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Katharyn Satterwhite
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76108
Hello there! I'm Katharyn, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. My academic background includes Child and Family Studies, along with specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT). My journey in therapy began in the non-profit sector, where I engaged in general counseling with men, women and children and provided therapeutic support for children within the school district. Additionally, I've gained valuable experience working with individuals facing terminal illnesses.
Hello there! I'm Katharyn, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. My academic background includes Child and Family Studies, along with specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT). My journey in therapy began in the non-profit sector, where I engaged in general counseling with men, women and children and provided therapeutic support for children within the school district. Additionally, I've gained valuable experience working with individuals facing terminal illnesses.
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Photo of Robert Boes, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Robert Boes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76110
I have advanced training in DBT and ACT.
I specialize in working with individuals that may be feeling uncertain about their life direction. Most common issues addressed include interpersonal conflict due to unhelpful behaviors of their own, damaging coping skills, and redefining how they would like to move through the world ahead. I find great value in the client-therapist relationship and enjoy building a collaborative alliance as we work together to identify the "what" and "why" before moving on to the "how" of addressing them.
I have advanced training in DBT and ACT.
I specialize in working with individuals that may be feeling uncertain about their life direction. Most common issues addressed include interpersonal conflict due to unhelpful behaviors of their own, damaging coping skills, and redefining how they would like to move through the world ahead. I find great value in the client-therapist relationship and enjoy building a collaborative alliance as we work together to identify the "what" and "why" before moving on to the "how" of addressing them.
(682) 356-2768 View (682) 356-2768
Photo of Heather Perez Trowbridge - Mindful Solutions Counseling, MA, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mindful Solutions Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76116
We specialize in using Solution focused therapy, play therapy, client-centered therapy, CBT, mindfulness, DBT, and internal family systems.
Mindful Solutions Counseling was founded in 2018 in Fort Worth, TX. Mindful Solutions Counseling strives to help children, individuals and couples find positive solutions using the Solution Focused approach, as well as other therapeutic techniques. Solution Focused Therapy is a hope friendly, future-oriented modality for formulating, motivating, achieving, and sustaining desired behavioral change. The therapists at Mindful Solutions Counseling aim to help each client discover and achieve their goals in a professional and confidential setting.
We specialize in using Solution focused therapy, play therapy, client-centered therapy, CBT, mindfulness, DBT, and internal family systems.
Mindful Solutions Counseling was founded in 2018 in Fort Worth, TX. Mindful Solutions Counseling strives to help children, individuals and couples find positive solutions using the Solution Focused approach, as well as other therapeutic techniques. Solution Focused Therapy is a hope friendly, future-oriented modality for formulating, motivating, achieving, and sustaining desired behavioral change. The therapists at Mindful Solutions Counseling aim to help each client discover and achieve their goals in a professional and confidential setting.
(469) 351-4313 View (469) 351-4313
Photo of Mallory Brooke Peterman, MEd, LPC-A, EMDR
Mallory Brooke Peterman
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MEd, LPC-A, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76107
I utilize an eclectic approach with therapeutic modalities including CBT, DBT, person-centered, hands-on activities as well as play therapy when age appropriate.
Accepting new clients! EMDR (trauma) trained! My practice focuses primarily on serving individuals including adults, children/teens, and families. Some presenting problems I treat are trauma, daily/life stressors, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, ADHD, suicidal ideation, self harm, and all things divorce and blended families. I am a former school counselor and educator of 16 years. I am here to help reach your goals to live your best life!
I utilize an eclectic approach with therapeutic modalities including CBT, DBT, person-centered, hands-on activities as well as play therapy when age appropriate.
Accepting new clients! EMDR (trauma) trained! My practice focuses primarily on serving individuals including adults, children/teens, and families. Some presenting problems I treat are trauma, daily/life stressors, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, ADHD, suicidal ideation, self harm, and all things divorce and blended families. I am a former school counselor and educator of 16 years. I am here to help reach your goals to live your best life!
(817) 754-5934 View (817) 754-5934
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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.