Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Virginia Beach City County, VA

Photo of Destiny Hodgson, LPC Intern
Destiny Hodgson
LPC Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Some approaches I have used are CBT, DBT, and person-centered.
My goal is to provide a welcoming space for an individual to explore different difficulties in their lives, such as self-esteem, grief, and anxiety. I believe that my role as a counselor is to support the individual in getting where they want to be.
Some approaches I have used are CBT, DBT, and person-centered.
My goal is to provide a welcoming space for an individual to explore different difficulties in their lives, such as self-esteem, grief, and anxiety. I believe that my role as a counselor is to support the individual in getting where they want to be.
(866) 541-3874 x757802 View (866) 541-3874 x757802
Photo of Chris Doriani - Free Spirit Counseling And Collaborative, MA , ACSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chris Doriani - Free Spirit Counseling And Collaborative
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA , ACSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23452  (Online Only)
My comprehensive and personalized treatment approach includes modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness practices.
Meet Chris, LCSW: Nurturing Well-being and Unleashing Potential. My therapeutic philosophy revolves around active engagement, practical skill-building, and the cultivation of individual strengths. Together, we'll embark on a journey to uncover your unique potential and facilitate healing across social, physical, and spiritual dimensions of your life. I specialize in providing care for stress management, career/life transitions, adolescent/young adult adjustments, as well as addressing a spectrum of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.
My comprehensive and personalized treatment approach includes modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness practices.
Meet Chris, LCSW: Nurturing Well-being and Unleashing Potential. My therapeutic philosophy revolves around active engagement, practical skill-building, and the cultivation of individual strengths. Together, we'll embark on a journey to uncover your unique potential and facilitate healing across social, physical, and spiritual dimensions of your life. I specialize in providing care for stress management, career/life transitions, adolescent/young adult adjustments, as well as addressing a spectrum of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.
(757) 834-8879 View (757) 834-8879
Photo of Lydia Steele, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lydia Steele
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Virginia Beach, VA 23452  (Online Only)
I use DBT, EMDR, and mindfulness to facilitate change while helping individuals discover and utilize their unique strengths in their personal journey towards growth and healing.
In seasons of crisis, loss, and struggle, counseling can be a space to reflect on the past and recover for the journey ahead. My goal as a clinician is to partner with individuals and families as they heal from past hurts, manage current stressors, and refine their strengths on their path to restoring hope and finding healing.
I use DBT, EMDR, and mindfulness to facilitate change while helping individuals discover and utilize their unique strengths in their personal journey towards growth and healing.
In seasons of crisis, loss, and struggle, counseling can be a space to reflect on the past and recover for the journey ahead. My goal as a clinician is to partner with individuals and families as they heal from past hurts, manage current stressors, and refine their strengths on their path to restoring hope and finding healing.
(757) 926-0195 View (757) 926-0195
Photo of Kristin Bates, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristin Bates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23452  (Online Only)
I like to use a variety of treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Person Centered.
Whether you’re facing new personal challenges, feeling overwhelmed by life’s stresses, seeking self-growth, or looking for help for your teen or tween, I am grateful to explore the possibility of therapy with you. I am passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment to process your thoughts and concerns together. I value being present with you and exploring how you can utilize your strengths to overcome life’s challenges. My hope is that through therapy you will feel supported, encouraged, and empowered to reach your personal goals. My therapy style is not only heart warming but tough love and support as well in nature.
I like to use a variety of treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Person Centered.
Whether you’re facing new personal challenges, feeling overwhelmed by life’s stresses, seeking self-growth, or looking for help for your teen or tween, I am grateful to explore the possibility of therapy with you. I am passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment to process your thoughts and concerns together. I value being present with you and exploring how you can utilize your strengths to overcome life’s challenges. My hope is that through therapy you will feel supported, encouraged, and empowered to reach your personal goals. My therapy style is not only heart warming but tough love and support as well in nature.
(757) 919-9360 View (757) 919-9360
Photo of Tamika Daniel, MSW
Tamika Daniel
Supervisee in Clinical Social Work, MSW
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23454  (Online Only)
I utilize various approaches to therapy including CBT, DBT, Humanistic, Solution-Focused, and more.
We all face some tough challenges in life. There are times we can manage on our own, and times we need guidance and support to help us get through whatever it is we're struggling with. Challenges may include low self-esteem, stress, trauma, anger, grief, anxiety, depression, and the list can go on. The goal is to address the issue, as well as help you cope & manage symptoms so you can live a healthy, productive, and meaningful life.
I utilize various approaches to therapy including CBT, DBT, Humanistic, Solution-Focused, and more.
We all face some tough challenges in life. There are times we can manage on our own, and times we need guidance and support to help us get through whatever it is we're struggling with. Challenges may include low self-esteem, stress, trauma, anger, grief, anxiety, depression, and the list can go on. The goal is to address the issue, as well as help you cope & manage symptoms so you can live a healthy, productive, and meaningful life.
(757) 720-7590 View (757) 720-7590
Photo of Madeleine Burgess, MA, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Madeleine Burgess
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23462  (Online Only)
I offer traditional psychotherapy (including ACT, CBT, and DBT), EMDR, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), therapy for ketamine patients, and psychedelic integration therapy.
I serve clients in Virginia, Colorado, and Texas. Are you working with challenging experiences and past traumas? The ways in which we choose to make meaning of these experiences are fundamentally personal choices. My approach is non-judgmental. I offer traditional psychotherapy, EMDR, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) and psychedelic integration therapy.
I offer traditional psychotherapy (including ACT, CBT, and DBT), EMDR, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), therapy for ketamine patients, and psychedelic integration therapy.
I serve clients in Virginia, Colorado, and Texas. Are you working with challenging experiences and past traumas? The ways in which we choose to make meaning of these experiences are fundamentally personal choices. My approach is non-judgmental. I offer traditional psychotherapy, EMDR, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) and psychedelic integration therapy.
(757) 551-6555 View (757) 551-6555
Photo of Darleen Claire Wodzenski, PhD, LPC, NCC ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Darleen Claire Wodzenski
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC ACS
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23452  (Online Only)
I love supporting clients of all ages, infants to 99, in growing, healing, overcoming, and becoming the person they choose and need to be. With an extensive background in Special Education including a focus in Autism and Gifted and Talented, I incorporate a perspective on Human Development into my clinical practice. Areas where I do a great deal of work include Attachment (RAD) for foster care and adoption; Borderline Personality Disorder BPD; DID and Dissociation; Trauma; and Anxiety and Depression. We incorporate mindfulness and compassion with DBT, NLP, EMDR and Hypnotherapy into a gentle, integrated and supportive platform.
I love supporting clients of all ages, infants to 99, in growing, healing, overcoming, and becoming the person they choose and need to be. With an extensive background in Special Education including a focus in Autism and Gifted and Talented, I incorporate a perspective on Human Development into my clinical practice. Areas where I do a great deal of work include Attachment (RAD) for foster care and adoption; Borderline Personality Disorder BPD; DID and Dissociation; Trauma; and Anxiety and Depression. We incorporate mindfulness and compassion with DBT, NLP, EMDR and Hypnotherapy into a gentle, integrated and supportive platform.
(833) 224-4956 View (833) 224-4956
Photo of Christie Huse, MA
Christie Huse
Resident in Counseling, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
I am knowledgeable in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Client-Centered therapy, and DBT.
Therapist: Your partner has complained that you never buy her flowers, what do you say to that? Patient: To be honest, I had no idea my partner even sold flowers. :) I am passionate about helping individuals and couples work through their problems and cope with life's struggles with a positive and humorous approach. My goal is to alleviate suffering due to trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. LGBTQ+, ENM, and Poly allied and supported :).
I am knowledgeable in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Client-Centered therapy, and DBT.
Therapist: Your partner has complained that you never buy her flowers, what do you say to that? Patient: To be honest, I had no idea my partner even sold flowers. :) I am passionate about helping individuals and couples work through their problems and cope with life's struggles with a positive and humorous approach. My goal is to alleviate suffering due to trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. LGBTQ+, ENM, and Poly allied and supported :).
(757) 780-1719 View (757) 780-1719
Photo of Erica Sartwell - Cova Counseling, LPC, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Erica Sartwell - Cova Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Our practice provides a comfortable, calm and private environment where we can focus on a goal driven process. Regardless of the issues you are facing, we can work toward realistic, attainable outcomes. I work with children, adolescents and adults. Please visit our website at www.coastalvacounseling.com or call us today so we can evaluate your needs, make sure we are a good fit and get the process started. I have advanced training in DBT and DBT-C, EMDR certified therapist, and I am a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and qualified supervisor in the state of Virginia.
Our practice provides a comfortable, calm and private environment where we can focus on a goal driven process. Regardless of the issues you are facing, we can work toward realistic, attainable outcomes. I work with children, adolescents and adults. Please visit our website at www.coastalvacounseling.com or call us today so we can evaluate your needs, make sure we are a good fit and get the process started. I have advanced training in DBT and DBT-C, EMDR certified therapist, and I am a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and qualified supervisor in the state of Virginia.
(757) 222-4944 View (757) 222-4944
Photo of Amelia Jacokes, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amelia Jacokes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
I became familiar with working with a wide variety of individuals in need of mental health care, from substance use disorders and postpartum PTSD to situational depression and panic disorder, drawing therapeutic interventions from a broad mix of treatment styles, from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy to Psychodrama and Mindfulness.
Do you want to learn more about yourself and how you walk through life? Do you experience difficulties in areas that others seem to have a relatively easy time managing? I’m a licensed clinical social worker in Virginia and California (license numbers: VA: 0904013582, CA: 99619). I spent my internship years working with dementia patients as well as gaining experience with the chronic pain population. By working in the intensive outpatient program environment,
I became familiar with working with a wide variety of individuals in need of mental health care, from substance use disorders and postpartum PTSD to situational depression and panic disorder, drawing therapeutic interventions from a broad mix of treatment styles, from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy to Psychodrama and Mindfulness.
Do you want to learn more about yourself and how you walk through life? Do you experience difficulties in areas that others seem to have a relatively easy time managing? I’m a licensed clinical social worker in Virginia and California (license numbers: VA: 0904013582, CA: 99619). I spent my internship years working with dementia patients as well as gaining experience with the chronic pain population. By working in the intensive outpatient program environment,
(757) 517-8409 View (757) 517-8409
Photo of Yasmeen Burnell Lcsw, CYY 200, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Yasmeen Burnell Lcsw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CYY 200
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23464  (Online Only)
My approach combines various therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, client-centered therapy, and somatic therapy.
Are you ready to explore mental health, enhance stress management skills, and cultivate healthier relationships? Perhaps you feel that mental health isn't directly relevant to you, but you're unsure about how to enhance your well-being. I specialize in empowering individuals to improve their body awareness and understand how daily choices impact mental health and relationships.
My approach combines various therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, client-centered therapy, and somatic therapy.
Are you ready to explore mental health, enhance stress management skills, and cultivate healthier relationships? Perhaps you feel that mental health isn't directly relevant to you, but you're unsure about how to enhance your well-being. I specialize in empowering individuals to improve their body awareness and understand how daily choices impact mental health and relationships.
(757) 798-7633 View (757) 798-7633
Photo of Kerry Boone-Savinsky - Beach Therapy & Consulting, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Beach Therapy & Consulting
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
We offer a fully adherent Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program.
Beach Therapy & Consulting provides specialized services tailored to the individual’s needs. We offer individual counseling, marital/couples counseling, family therapy, and group therapy for DBT. We work collaboratively with primary care providers, pediatricians, and other medical providers to ensure coordination of care. Counseling services are available to individuals starting at age 8.
We offer a fully adherent Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program.
Beach Therapy & Consulting provides specialized services tailored to the individual’s needs. We offer individual counseling, marital/couples counseling, family therapy, and group therapy for DBT. We work collaboratively with primary care providers, pediatricians, and other medical providers to ensure coordination of care. Counseling services are available to individuals starting at age 8.
(757) 340-6100 View (757) 340-6100
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Virginia Beach
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
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.
(757) 798-1282 View (757) 798-1282
Photo of Keenan Tyler, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Keenan Tyler
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23452  (Online Only)
With expertise in DBT and a caring, personalized approach, I help you turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
Begin your journey of self-discovery and transformation with me by your side. Whether you're facing anxiety, navigating life's changes, or healing from past hurts, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Together, we'll nurture your inner strength, build resilience, and create a peaceful place amidst life's challenges. Let's start this journey together and empower you to thrive.
With expertise in DBT and a caring, personalized approach, I help you turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
Begin your journey of self-discovery and transformation with me by your side. Whether you're facing anxiety, navigating life's changes, or healing from past hurts, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Together, we'll nurture your inner strength, build resilience, and create a peaceful place amidst life's challenges. Let's start this journey together and empower you to thrive.
(757) 392-7114 View (757) 392-7114
Photo of Marcia Bretas, MA, LPC, LSATP, EMDR, CSAC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Marcia Bretas
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LSATP, EMDR, CSAC
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23464  (Online Only)
I use a variety of techniques specially tailored to the individual including CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, EMDR, as well as Person-Centered and Motivational Interviewing.
I am passionate about helping others succeed in improving their mental health so they may live healthy life. I believe each stage of life brings an opportunity to grow and challenges to be faced. Due to people’s backgrounds and mental health issues, they may lack the skills or emotional stability to navigate circumstances on their own. My goal is to provide an empathetic, non-judgmental, warm, and attentive environment that produces personal growth and wholeness. A place where the individual may feel comfortable sharing pains and struggles in life as well as developing self-compassion and resilience.
I use a variety of techniques specially tailored to the individual including CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, EMDR, as well as Person-Centered and Motivational Interviewing.
I am passionate about helping others succeed in improving their mental health so they may live healthy life. I believe each stage of life brings an opportunity to grow and challenges to be faced. Due to people’s backgrounds and mental health issues, they may lack the skills or emotional stability to navigate circumstances on their own. My goal is to provide an empathetic, non-judgmental, warm, and attentive environment that produces personal growth and wholeness. A place where the individual may feel comfortable sharing pains and struggles in life as well as developing self-compassion and resilience.
(757) 210-6626 View (757) 210-6626
Photo of Megan Burgan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Megan Burgan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Virginia Beach, VA 23451  (Online Only)
I enjoy using CBT, DBT, IPT, and narrative therapy techniques in sessions to better understand and process the impacts of trauma and stress.
I am committed to supporting individuals experiencing challenges such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, self-esteem, identity exploration, and boundaries. My practice is centered on providing trans-affirming care, where I strive to create an inclusive space for all individuals. I am dedicated to decolonizing therapeutic practices, recognizing and challenging the impact of systemic oppression on mental health. Working with teenagers and adults, I aim to foster resilience, empower individuals, and guide them towards healing and self-discovery. Together, we will navigate the complexities of life.
I enjoy using CBT, DBT, IPT, and narrative therapy techniques in sessions to better understand and process the impacts of trauma and stress.
I am committed to supporting individuals experiencing challenges such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, self-esteem, identity exploration, and boundaries. My practice is centered on providing trans-affirming care, where I strive to create an inclusive space for all individuals. I am dedicated to decolonizing therapeutic practices, recognizing and challenging the impact of systemic oppression on mental health. Working with teenagers and adults, I aim to foster resilience, empower individuals, and guide them towards healing and self-discovery. Together, we will navigate the complexities of life.
(757) 997-6316 View (757) 997-6316
Photo of Menzo Faassen, LPC , Licensed Professional Counselor
Menzo Faassen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
My name is Menzo Faassen. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Virginia, Tennessee, and New Mexico. I am eclectic in my approach to therapy including techniques from Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Reality, and Motivational Interviewing just to name a few. My primary focus is what you want to get out of the therapy process. With most clients, I like to incorporate some techniques from Psychodrama. Psychodrama was developed by J.L.
My name is Menzo Faassen. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Virginia, Tennessee, and New Mexico. I am eclectic in my approach to therapy including techniques from Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Reality, and Motivational Interviewing just to name a few. My primary focus is what you want to get out of the therapy process. With most clients, I like to incorporate some techniques from Psychodrama. Psychodrama was developed by J.L.
(757) 797-8622 View (757) 797-8622
Photo of Jessica Oszman, MS
Jessica Oszman
Resident in Counseling, MS
Verified Verified
I use evidence-based approaches including ACT, EMDR, DBT, and mindfulness.
I’m glad you’re here. Whether you’re looking to heal from trauma, experiencing difficult emotions or thoughts, navigating major life events, or just needing support, I am here to meet you where you're at and help you see your potential. I believe that each person I have the privilege of meeting is unique, unlike any other client, and deserves to see their strengths. Our sessions will be collaborative, honest, and specifically tailored to you.
I use evidence-based approaches including ACT, EMDR, DBT, and mindfulness.
I’m glad you’re here. Whether you’re looking to heal from trauma, experiencing difficult emotions or thoughts, navigating major life events, or just needing support, I am here to meet you where you're at and help you see your potential. I believe that each person I have the privilege of meeting is unique, unlike any other client, and deserves to see their strengths. Our sessions will be collaborative, honest, and specifically tailored to you.
(757) 908-6317 x704 View (757) 908-6317 x704
Photo of Margaret Davis, MA,  LRC
Margaret Davis
Resident in Counseling, MA, LRC
Verified Verified
She uses Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior (DBT) therapies to help others in their healing journeys both in person and via telehealth.
Maggie Davis is a Resident in Counseling in Virginia who has been practicing since 2022. She holds her Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and her Bachelors in Business-Human Resource Management from Strayer University. Maggie meets clients where they are at, with an approach that focuses on progress, not perfection. She strives to create that safe, non-judgmental space where you can speak your truth in order to work together to help you build skills and reach your counseling goals.
She uses Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior (DBT) therapies to help others in their healing journeys both in person and via telehealth.
Maggie Davis is a Resident in Counseling in Virginia who has been practicing since 2022. She holds her Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and her Bachelors in Business-Human Resource Management from Strayer University. Maggie meets clients where they are at, with an approach that focuses on progress, not perfection. She strives to create that safe, non-judgmental space where you can speak your truth in order to work together to help you build skills and reach your counseling goals.
(757) 797-9303 View (757) 797-9303
Photo of Rachel Townes, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rachel Townes
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rachel Townes, MA, LPC, ACS, CCTP. Counseling is building relationships that produce strength based behaviors for healing and recovery. My preferred modalities are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy, and other therapies for addictions counseling, trauma-informed care, and family relational matters. I have an extensive experience in addressing matters of addiction, familial discord, trauma, serious mental illness, crisis intervention, and life stage conflicts.
Rachel Townes, MA, LPC, ACS, CCTP. Counseling is building relationships that produce strength based behaviors for healing and recovery. My preferred modalities are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy, and other therapies for addictions counseling, trauma-informed care, and family relational matters. I have an extensive experience in addressing matters of addiction, familial discord, trauma, serious mental illness, crisis intervention, and life stage conflicts.
(703) 936-7441 View (703) 936-7441
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See more therapy options for Virginia Beach City County

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.