Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Middleburg, VA
![Photo of Holly Ameen, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b83d80d-bed6-4f58-ab17-37e55ecee91f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Holly Ameen is a licensed professional counselor who has 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree at James Madison University in 2001 and Master's degree from Marymount University in 2005. Holly feels confident working with clients who have complex mental health or behavioral challenges. Therapy modalities used in treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy and animal assisted therapy.
Holly Ameen is a licensed professional counselor who has 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree at James Madison University in 2001 and Master's degree from Marymount University in 2005. Holly feels confident working with clients who have complex mental health or behavioral challenges. Therapy modalities used in treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy and animal assisted therapy.
![Photo of Katrina Clayton, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1011ff3a-f381-43d2-a067-1e358b4666d5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Katrina Clayton works with individuals, couples, and groups. Specialty areas include Christian counseling, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, betrayal trauma, couples, family dysfunction, and relationship difficulties. Katrina uses multiple therapeutic techniques to best meet the needs of her client. This may include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Attachment Therapy, and Solutions-Focused Therapy. She also will integrate Biblical principles for those who want a combination of faith-based counseling with therapeutic techniques.
Katrina Clayton works with individuals, couples, and groups. Specialty areas include Christian counseling, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, betrayal trauma, couples, family dysfunction, and relationship difficulties. Katrina uses multiple therapeutic techniques to best meet the needs of her client. This may include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Attachment Therapy, and Solutions-Focused Therapy. She also will integrate Biblical principles for those who want a combination of faith-based counseling with therapeutic techniques.
![Photo of Katie Kernus, LPC-S, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e676e5c-0ac5-4604-978d-1449d10bb9ea/2/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Kernus
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Middleburg, VA 20117 (Online Only)
Accepting New Clients. No one's path in life is the same and thus therapy, in my eyes, should not be a cookie cutter approach. Therapy should be tough but rewarding. I specialize in meeting clients where they are at and challenging them to move forward in their future. True growth comes from pushing past your comfort zone to come out stronger on the other side.
Accepting New Clients. No one's path in life is the same and thus therapy, in my eyes, should not be a cookie cutter approach. Therapy should be tough but rewarding. I specialize in meeting clients where they are at and challenging them to move forward in their future. True growth comes from pushing past your comfort zone to come out stronger on the other side.
![Photo of Kate Vitolo, LGPC, CSAC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34d9b90d-5d5a-4dc9-b225-d61257fe9be7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you thriving professionally but struggling internally? Have you always been an exceptional student while also being overwhelmed by what that takes out of you? If you have it all together but still struggle with your mental health, I can help. Whether it's anxiety, depression, issues with relationships, or maybe leaning on that glass of wine a bit too much, therapy can help you overcome the issues you may be experiencing.
Are you thriving professionally but struggling internally? Have you always been an exceptional student while also being overwhelmed by what that takes out of you? If you have it all together but still struggle with your mental health, I can help. Whether it's anxiety, depression, issues with relationships, or maybe leaning on that glass of wine a bit too much, therapy can help you overcome the issues you may be experiencing.
![Photo of Dr. Angela M Butler - Grace Assessment & Therapy Services, LLC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1aaa375f-2093-4cc9-9ff9-5a169f59d159/1/320x400.png)
Note: Grace Assessment and Therapy Services would like to welcome Garland Caldwell, M.Ed. Resident in Counseling and Dr. Virginia Basher, Psy.D. to our practice. At Grace Assessment and Therapy Services, we specialize in psychological and educational evaluations. Our assessment, diagnostic, and treatment approaches integrate current research with time-tested methods. Our highly trained providers with multiple years of psychological testing experience provide thorough psychological and educational evaluations.
Note: Grace Assessment and Therapy Services would like to welcome Garland Caldwell, M.Ed. Resident in Counseling and Dr. Virginia Basher, Psy.D. to our practice. At Grace Assessment and Therapy Services, we specialize in psychological and educational evaluations. Our assessment, diagnostic, and treatment approaches integrate current research with time-tested methods. Our highly trained providers with multiple years of psychological testing experience provide thorough psychological and educational evaluations.
![Photo of Melissa Silagy - Silagy Family Counseling LLC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46b08ac5-33d0-4c38-9902-3674a3931051/3/320x400.jpeg)
Silagy Family Counseling LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Middleburg, VA 20117
Silagy Family Counseling is a private mental health practice. Melissa Silagy is a Licensed Professional Counselor offering professional and specialized evaluative and treatment services to a wide variety of patients. She provides a myriad of services for individuals, couples, and families seeking help in any of the following areas: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, relationship difficulties, substance abuse, marital discord, parent - child conflict, family conflict, trauma, grief and loss. She is a nationally certified trauma therapist specializing in sexual abuse, substance abuse and post traumatic stress disorder.
Silagy Family Counseling is a private mental health practice. Melissa Silagy is a Licensed Professional Counselor offering professional and specialized evaluative and treatment services to a wide variety of patients. She provides a myriad of services for individuals, couples, and families seeking help in any of the following areas: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, relationship difficulties, substance abuse, marital discord, parent - child conflict, family conflict, trauma, grief and loss. She is a nationally certified trauma therapist specializing in sexual abuse, substance abuse and post traumatic stress disorder.
Mary Ann graduated from The George Washington University with her Master's in Counseling and currently does individual therapy with Lifestance Health, both in person and by televisit. She also holds a Master's in Interdisciplinary Studies from George Mason University. Her areas of expertise include PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Management and Substance Abuse. Prior to coming to Lifestance, Mary Ann worked for Inova Loudoun Hospital as well as spent 9 years at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. She enjoys gardening, travel and snorkeling as hobbies.
Mary Ann graduated from The George Washington University with her Master's in Counseling and currently does individual therapy with Lifestance Health, both in person and by televisit. She also holds a Master's in Interdisciplinary Studies from George Mason University. Her areas of expertise include PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Management and Substance Abuse. Prior to coming to Lifestance, Mary Ann worked for Inova Loudoun Hospital as well as spent 9 years at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. She enjoys gardening, travel and snorkeling as hobbies.
![Photo of Courtney Hale, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b633829a-db9d-4ace-a221-620e47edaa8c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Courtney Hale
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Middleburg, VA 20118
Not accepting new clients
As a strengths-based psychodynamic therapist, I draw on a diverse set of therapeutic approaches such as cognitive, dialectical, and mindfulness-based methods to help you repair and rebuild your connection to yourself and others.
Healing, change, and growth are possible. Whatever you may have experienced or be experiencing, no matter what imprints you may carry, it is never too late to begin again. Depression, anxiety, stress - these are all real things that are held in the body and mind. The experience of this weight can be painful and isolating, inhibiting you from living the life you imagined. My goal is to help clients find the tools they need to define and live their lives as a person they truly love, and, by extension, to build healthy connections with those around them.
As a strengths-based psychodynamic therapist, I draw on a diverse set of therapeutic approaches such as cognitive, dialectical, and mindfulness-based methods to help you repair and rebuild your connection to yourself and others.
Healing, change, and growth are possible. Whatever you may have experienced or be experiencing, no matter what imprints you may carry, it is never too late to begin again. Depression, anxiety, stress - these are all real things that are held in the body and mind. The experience of this weight can be painful and isolating, inhibiting you from living the life you imagined. My goal is to help clients find the tools they need to define and live their lives as a person they truly love, and, by extension, to build healthy connections with those around them.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Melanie Davis, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2f06ee36-a8f5-4050-a322-36f845761f63/3/320x400.jpeg)
I pull from a variety of treatment modalities including cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and mindfulness.
Now Accepting New Clients! Life is a journey and sometimes it can be hard. I am here to listen and provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals going through challenging phases of life. I use an integrative and holistic approach to help clients create positive change that will lead to long -term well-being. Through a personal experience with chronic illness, I have learned the importance of working on the whole self to ultimately reach your desired potential in life.
I pull from a variety of treatment modalities including cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and mindfulness.
Now Accepting New Clients! Life is a journey and sometimes it can be hard. I am here to listen and provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals going through challenging phases of life. I use an integrative and holistic approach to help clients create positive change that will lead to long -term well-being. Through a personal experience with chronic illness, I have learned the importance of working on the whole self to ultimately reach your desired potential in life.
![Photo of Vanessa Cheshier, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e4f9fb13-0ed9-4b57-bb55-d9b7b7b5ffa6/3/320x400.jpeg)
That's why I tailor my techniques to each individual using an approach that integrates elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Invitation to Change, and Motivational Interviewing.
Are you struggling to change your patterns of alcohol or marijuana use, or do you have a loved one who is? I use a harm reduction approach to help clients explore their relationship with substances. We will work together to develop new skills and cultivate motivation to make difficult changes – whether that is practicing moderation, making safer choices, or eliminating substances from your life entirely. I prioritize creating a safe, nurturing, and non-judgmental environment as feeling supported is essential in productive therapy.
That's why I tailor my techniques to each individual using an approach that integrates elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Invitation to Change, and Motivational Interviewing.
Are you struggling to change your patterns of alcohol or marijuana use, or do you have a loved one who is? I use a harm reduction approach to help clients explore their relationship with substances. We will work together to develop new skills and cultivate motivation to make difficult changes – whether that is practicing moderation, making safer choices, or eliminating substances from your life entirely. I prioritize creating a safe, nurturing, and non-judgmental environment as feeling supported is essential in productive therapy.
![Photo of Michelle Toland, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59919d97-2efb-4e60-87cb-3f4cbdcc5899/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle uses a trauma informed lens and draws from evidenced based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Michelle is a compassionate, bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with years of experience dedicated to helping adults, adolescents, and families navigate challenges to lead a more fulfilling life. Michelle creates a safe and non-judgmental space to promote healing, resilience, and personal growth through the process of therapy. Michelle has experience in helping clients to increase positive coping skills, build healthy relationships, communicate effectively, manage life's transitions, and heal from grief, loss, and trauma.
Michelle uses a trauma informed lens and draws from evidenced based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Michelle is a compassionate, bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with years of experience dedicated to helping adults, adolescents, and families navigate challenges to lead a more fulfilling life. Michelle creates a safe and non-judgmental space to promote healing, resilience, and personal growth through the process of therapy. Michelle has experience in helping clients to increase positive coping skills, build healthy relationships, communicate effectively, manage life's transitions, and heal from grief, loss, and trauma.
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry McLean
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Aldie, VA 22001
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 Melissa Clampitt, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/064677c9-ad6b-447e-98b3-ad0a87164828/1/320x400.jpeg)
I focus on adults, using cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and evidence based practices to assist you with tackling your concerns.
Do you find yourself struggling to cope with daily life in healthy ways? Have you lots interest in activities you used to enjoy? Do you find yourself worrying often or becoming distracted often during the week? Do you find yourself turning to substances to cope? Over the past six years, I have worked with a variety of populations addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, unexpected life change, and grief. I have a focus on adults struggling with addiction and mental health concerns. Prior to individual practice,
I focus on adults, using cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and evidence based practices to assist you with tackling your concerns.
Do you find yourself struggling to cope with daily life in healthy ways? Have you lots interest in activities you used to enjoy? Do you find yourself worrying often or becoming distracted often during the week? Do you find yourself turning to substances to cope? Over the past six years, I have worked with a variety of populations addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, unexpected life change, and grief. I have a focus on adults struggling with addiction and mental health concerns. Prior to individual practice,
![Photo of Alicia Ayvas - Clarity Counseling, LLC, MSSW, LCSW, CEDS-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41cb18dc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Clarity Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW, CEDS-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Haymarket, VA 20169
Our therapists on staff hold certifications in therapies like DBT, RODBT, CBT, FBT, CPT, EMDR, and our founder is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist.
Clarity Counseling is an outpatient treatment center that commits to providing quality treatment to individuals, families and groups in the Northern Virginia and Richmond area. Clarity specializes in providing comprehensive and evidenced-based treatment for eating disorder recovery and specialized therapies for mental illness. Clarity offers a unique experience where therapists collaborate with the individual and treatment professionals to offer a clear path, free from distortion. Committed to offering quality care, Clarity values working together with their client toward a fuller life that has balance, hope, and a full recovery.
Our therapists on staff hold certifications in therapies like DBT, RODBT, CBT, FBT, CPT, EMDR, and our founder is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist.
Clarity Counseling is an outpatient treatment center that commits to providing quality treatment to individuals, families and groups in the Northern Virginia and Richmond area. Clarity specializes in providing comprehensive and evidenced-based treatment for eating disorder recovery and specialized therapies for mental illness. Clarity offers a unique experience where therapists collaborate with the individual and treatment professionals to offer a clear path, free from distortion. Committed to offering quality care, Clarity values working together with their client toward a fuller life that has balance, hope, and a full recovery.
![Photo of Desire Petrin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0288671-daea-4786-a163-5a684911fc36/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work mainly with motivated professionals aged 28-45 (but accept clients 16+) who face the challenges of anxiety symptoms, ADHD symptoms, feeling stuck in their lives, and the lingering impact of family, childhood, or military trauma. Through a comprehensive approach that integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, cognitive reframing, and mindfulness techniques,
I work mainly with motivated professionals aged 28-45 (but accept clients 16+) who face the challenges of anxiety symptoms, ADHD symptoms, feeling stuck in their lives, and the lingering impact of family, childhood, or military trauma. Through a comprehensive approach that integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, cognitive reframing, and mindfulness techniques,
![Photo of Parnia Samimi, MS, RC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e85c50f3-a65b-455c-8fbb-48f1723bebaf/1/320x400.jpeg)
I can help by using CBT/cognitive behavior therapy/reframing and DBT.
My clientele consists of individuals from ages 14 and up. Which includes couple therapy as well. I work with clients who struggle with Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Substance Abuse and Addiction, Trauma, Self-esteem, Self-harm, Social and Communication Skills, Anger Management, communication/relationship, and eating disorders.
I can help by using CBT/cognitive behavior therapy/reframing and DBT.
My clientele consists of individuals from ages 14 and up. Which includes couple therapy as well. I work with clients who struggle with Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Substance Abuse and Addiction, Trauma, Self-esteem, Self-harm, Social and Communication Skills, Anger Management, communication/relationship, and eating disorders.
![Photo of Victoria (Tori) Palmer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7a01c8fe-074f-48f0-bcd5-a1333cf0d675/1/320x400.jpeg)
Victoria (Tori) Palmer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Haymarket, VA 20169
Waitlist for new clients
I have received advanced training in several evidence-based therapies including; Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Family Based Treatment, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Motivational interviewing.
I strongly believe that no one should ever have to walk alone in struggling with life’s obstacles and challenges. In therapy, I aim to work with you in collaboration to address your concerns in a warm, safe, and non-judgmental environment. I am certain that all humans have unique strengths and that once we tap into the identified strengths, we are able to open the door to healing and to build a life worth living. I specialize in the treatment of Eating Disorders, as my passion is to assist individuals and families heal their relationship with their body and mind.
I have received advanced training in several evidence-based therapies including; Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Family Based Treatment, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Motivational interviewing.
I strongly believe that no one should ever have to walk alone in struggling with life’s obstacles and challenges. In therapy, I aim to work with you in collaboration to address your concerns in a warm, safe, and non-judgmental environment. I am certain that all humans have unique strengths and that once we tap into the identified strengths, we are able to open the door to healing and to build a life worth living. I specialize in the treatment of Eating Disorders, as my passion is to assist individuals and families heal their relationship with their body and mind.
![Photo of Daniel Kneip, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a475fbec-1b94-4a52-aed9-22132bcb7462/1/320x400.jpeg)
CBT, DBT, Positive Psychology, Solution-Focused, Trauma-Informed, etc.
Dan has over 15 years of experience working with a diverse and inclusive variety of individuals (adults, teenagers and children 10+) and families. Dan attempts to approach treatment holistically and believes in addressing the whole person/family system. Dan's therapeutic style could best be described as casual & personal vs. clinical & 'stuffy'; motivational vs. directive.
CBT, DBT, Positive Psychology, Solution-Focused, Trauma-Informed, etc.
Dan has over 15 years of experience working with a diverse and inclusive variety of individuals (adults, teenagers and children 10+) and families. Dan attempts to approach treatment holistically and believes in addressing the whole person/family system. Dan's therapeutic style could best be described as casual & personal vs. clinical & 'stuffy'; motivational vs. directive.
![Photo of Ruth Young, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0ea8ba63-5119-471c-a7cc-177b9f5a9139/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ruth Ritchie Young is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has been practicing for the past 30 years in the therapeutic profession. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Masters in Social Work. Ruth's approach to your mental wellness is individualized to include several evidenced based approaches. Her main areas of focus include CBT, DBT, Insight, family systems and EMDR. In her spare time, she is an avid reader, enjoys kayaking around NOVA waterways, and spending time with family.
Ruth Ritchie Young is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has been practicing for the past 30 years in the therapeutic profession. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Masters in Social Work. Ruth's approach to your mental wellness is individualized to include several evidenced based approaches. Her main areas of focus include CBT, DBT, Insight, family systems and EMDR. In her spare time, she is an avid reader, enjoys kayaking around NOVA waterways, and spending time with family.
![Photo of Sunny Park, MAC, LRC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57918271-439f-4bcf-8656-044361d2291e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sunny employs a varied approach to her clinical care using CBT, DBT, Gestalt therapy, Existential therapy, Person Centered therapy and Play therapy.
Sunny Park is a Resident in Counseling in Virginia who has been practicing since 2023. She has a Master of Arts in Counseling. Sunny sees counseling as a collaborative partnering that encourages and empowers clients to identify unhealthy patterns, and grow in awareness towards healthy changes integrating boundaries, mindfulness and self-care. Sunny is client lead and works with her clients to create a personalized treatment with a holistic approach towards healthier mind, body and soul.
Sunny employs a varied approach to her clinical care using CBT, DBT, Gestalt therapy, Existential therapy, Person Centered therapy and Play therapy.
Sunny Park is a Resident in Counseling in Virginia who has been practicing since 2023. She has a Master of Arts in Counseling. Sunny sees counseling as a collaborative partnering that encourages and empowers clients to identify unhealthy patterns, and grow in awareness towards healthy changes integrating boundaries, mindfulness and self-care. Sunny is client lead and works with her clients to create a personalized treatment with a holistic approach towards healthier mind, body and soul.
See more therapy options for Middleburg
Nearby Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists Searches for Middleburg
- Aldie
- Arcola
- Ashburn
- Broad Run
- Gainesville
- Hamilton
- Haymarket
- Leesburg
- Purcellville
- Round Hill
- South Riding
- Stone Ridge
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.