Photo of Clearfork Academy, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denton County, TX
Clearfork Academy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, CEO
Verified Verified
Trophy Club, TX 76262
Clearfork Academy is a Christ-centered recovery community that serves adolescent boys (13-17 years old) entangled in the physical, mental, social and spiritual bonds of chemical dependency. We offer a structured and therapeutic environment where teen boys experience freedom from addiction. From the first phone call to discharge, Clearfork Academy delivers the highest quality substance abuse treatment possible.
Clearfork Academy is a Christ-centered recovery community that serves adolescent boys (13-17 years old) entangled in the physical, mental, social and spiritual bonds of chemical dependency. We offer a structured and therapeutic environment where teen boys experience freedom from addiction. From the first phone call to discharge, Clearfork Academy delivers the highest quality substance abuse treatment possible.
(682) 277-1475 View (682) 277-1475

Online Therapists

Photo of Dr. Brandi Buckner, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denton County, TX
Dr. Brandi Buckner
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Weatherford, TX 76086
Psychological pain is real. It can motivate you to reach out for counseling, look within yourself and learn to deal with people in your life. The more you learn about yourself individually and within relationships, the more confidence and happiness you will achieve. I have been helping individuals, couples, families, and children for 25 years. I will listen and help you identify themes, patterns, and belief systems in your life that are causing you discomfort and pain. I will provide you with Information and knowledge to use outside of our sessions. Self knowledge will empower you!
Psychological pain is real. It can motivate you to reach out for counseling, look within yourself and learn to deal with people in your life. The more you learn about yourself individually and within relationships, the more confidence and happiness you will achieve. I have been helping individuals, couples, families, and children for 25 years. I will listen and help you identify themes, patterns, and belief systems in your life that are causing you discomfort and pain. I will provide you with Information and knowledge to use outside of our sessions. Self knowledge will empower you!
(817) 200-7689 View (817) 200-7689
Photo of Room for Change, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denton County, TX
Room for Change
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LCDC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Garland, TX 75043
Are you having feelings of uncertainty, fear, and emotional isolation? There is not need to do this alone. We are dedicated to providing support to the community during this time by encouraging, strategizing, and educating. By using a secure video chat, we are ensuring people are not experiencing lapses in care and have access to the help they deserve and need.
Are you having feelings of uncertainty, fear, and emotional isolation? There is not need to do this alone. We are dedicated to providing support to the community during this time by encouraging, strategizing, and educating. By using a secure video chat, we are ensuring people are not experiencing lapses in care and have access to the help they deserve and need.
(972) 449-7604 View (972) 449-7604
Photo of Jim Flip San Filippo, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denton County, TX
Jim Flip San Filippo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75206
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Texas and have been in practice for 18 years. I have earned a BA in Psychology, and a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology. Psychotherapy and Counseling are my passion, and study them unceasingly. I am inspired by both Western psychologies and Eastern philosophies. My clients are worldwide from a multitude of cultures and subcultures, ethnicities, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and emotional, psychological, and relational difficulties. The one thing that interconnects us all IS suffering. Mental health and wellbeing are practices, the more the better.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Texas and have been in practice for 18 years. I have earned a BA in Psychology, and a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology. Psychotherapy and Counseling are my passion, and study them unceasingly. I am inspired by both Western psychologies and Eastern philosophies. My clients are worldwide from a multitude of cultures and subcultures, ethnicities, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and emotional, psychological, and relational difficulties. The one thing that interconnects us all IS suffering. Mental health and wellbeing are practices, the more the better.
(214) 785-0504 View (214) 785-0504
Photo of Lifeworks Counseling Center, PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denton County, TX
Lifeworks Counseling Center, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Addison, TX 75001
Lifeworks Counseling Center, PLLC has been in business since 1992. We provide therapy for ages 4 and up. We have 9 therapists (LPC, LMFT, LCSW) who provide counseling for almost any emotional/mental/spiritual challenge people face in today's culture. We have therapists on most major insurance and EAP panels and also work with private pay clients as well.
Lifeworks Counseling Center, PLLC has been in business since 1992. We provide therapy for ages 4 and up. We have 9 therapists (LPC, LMFT, LCSW) who provide counseling for almost any emotional/mental/spiritual challenge people face in today's culture. We have therapists on most major insurance and EAP panels and also work with private pay clients as well.
(972) 435-0231 View (972) 435-0231
Photo of Jillissa Cooper, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denton County, TX
Jillissa Cooper
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75075
Counseling has been Jillissa's passion for years. She specializes in, but is not limited to, issues including: marriage and family, relationship dynamics, boundary issues, adolescent and children's issues, and woman's issues such as eating disorders, depression, anger, anxiety, divorce care, singleness, grief, bitterness, identity and significance issues and mood disorders. She also works with clients struggling with anxiety disorders including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Adjustment Disorders. Jillissa's philosophy of counseling is the integration of Christianity and psychology, and her counseling methods include: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Psychoeducation, and Child Play Therapy.
Counseling has been Jillissa's passion for years. She specializes in, but is not limited to, issues including: marriage and family, relationship dynamics, boundary issues, adolescent and children's issues, and woman's issues such as eating disorders, depression, anger, anxiety, divorce care, singleness, grief, bitterness, identity and significance issues and mood disorders. She also works with clients struggling with anxiety disorders including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Adjustment Disorders. Jillissa's philosophy of counseling is the integration of Christianity and psychology, and her counseling methods include: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Psychoeducation, and Child Play Therapy.
(972) 200-3409 View (972) 200-3409
Photo of Lacy Nicole Jones, Marriage & Family Therapist in Denton County, TX
Lacy Nicole Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75231
While working with couples and families, I often see this pattern of listening to respond or proclaiming an assumption before truly hearing their loved one. It’s an unfortunate habit that can create insecurity, fear, anxiety, and distrust in relationships. Sometimes, slowing down and paying closer attention to the pattern of communication will help us catch these fears, concerns, insecurities or misunderstandings. Perhaps you’re feeling tired, frustrated, judged, or worst of all, alone.
While working with couples and families, I often see this pattern of listening to respond or proclaiming an assumption before truly hearing their loved one. It’s an unfortunate habit that can create insecurity, fear, anxiety, and distrust in relationships. Sometimes, slowing down and paying closer attention to the pattern of communication will help us catch these fears, concerns, insecurities or misunderstandings. Perhaps you’re feeling tired, frustrated, judged, or worst of all, alone.
(469) 382-5940 View (469) 382-5940
Photo of ADULTs & COUPLEs @ Embrace New Life, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denton County, TX
ADULTs & COUPLEs @ Embrace New Life
Licensed Professional Counselor, DSW, PsyD, LPC, LCSW
Verified Verified
Heath, TX 75032
🅐🅒🅒🅔🅟🅣🅘🅝🅖 New Adult & Couple Clients! We are 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 & 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬 with 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 15 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆. We treat individuals & couples for anxiety, stress, depression, anger, fear, substance abuse, family relational conflict, postpartum, self-esteem, and more. Therapy at 𝙀𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝓝𝓮𝔀 𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓮 is a collaborative process that starts with providing you skills from our first session together. We help you 𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠 in your life & 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑. ➳ #𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 ✞
🅐🅒🅒🅔🅟🅣🅘🅝🅖 New Adult & Couple Clients! We are 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 & 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬 with 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 15 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆. We treat individuals & couples for anxiety, stress, depression, anger, fear, substance abuse, family relational conflict, postpartum, self-esteem, and more. Therapy at 𝙀𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝓝𝓮𝔀 𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓮 is a collaborative process that starts with providing you skills from our first session together. We help you 𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠 in your life & 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑. ➳ #𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 ✞
(469) 273-1765 View (469) 273-1765
Photo of Stephen Eldridge Atkinson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denton County, TX
Stephen Eldridge Atkinson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ThM, LPC
Not Verified Not Verified
Dallas, TX 75254
I practice what I term Integral Personal Growth Work....integrating body, mind and spirit. I embrace the belief that each of carries within us the capacity for healing, growth and the recovery of our original birthright for wholeness. My work is intended to facilitate and cooperate with what is already "wanting to happen" with-in each of us. I seek to address early damage, emotional deficits and developmental traumas that can block our capacity for full aliveness leaving us consciously and unconsciously locked into coping patterns that often inhibit our becoming all we can be and celebrating the gifts that are our true essence.
I practice what I term Integral Personal Growth Work....integrating body, mind and spirit. I embrace the belief that each of carries within us the capacity for healing, growth and the recovery of our original birthright for wholeness. My work is intended to facilitate and cooperate with what is already "wanting to happen" with-in each of us. I seek to address early damage, emotional deficits and developmental traumas that can block our capacity for full aliveness leaving us consciously and unconsciously locked into coping patterns that often inhibit our becoming all we can be and celebrating the gifts that are our true essence.
(214) 763-7342 View (214) 763-7342
Photo of Sandhya Sharma, Counselor in Denton County, TX
Sandhya Sharma
Counselor, LPC, CAC II, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Keller, TX 76248
Sandhya Sharma is a South Asian Indian LPC and certified addictions specialist who works with: Adults, Teens, LGBTQ community, and International Communities. Sandhya will help create a safe and supportive therapy environment and work with you collaboratively to both accurately assess your strengths as well as areas of struggle. She will develop a treatment plan with you to help you facilitate behavioral changes that more successfully meet your goals. Sandhya will help you look at the ways you have been currently coping with life’s problems and help you to develop new strategies from a strengths-based perspective. 
Sandhya Sharma is a South Asian Indian LPC and certified addictions specialist who works with: Adults, Teens, LGBTQ community, and International Communities. Sandhya will help create a safe and supportive therapy environment and work with you collaboratively to both accurately assess your strengths as well as areas of struggle. She will develop a treatment plan with you to help you facilitate behavioral changes that more successfully meet your goals. Sandhya will help you look at the ways you have been currently coping with life’s problems and help you to develop new strategies from a strengths-based perspective. 
(703) 828-0647 View (703) 828-0647
Photo of Tracy Dianne Newton, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denton County, TX
Tracy Dianne Newton
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75254
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS. TELEHEALTH AND FACE TO FACE. My approach to counseling focuses on how the influences of the past affect the decisions and interactions you are having today. Throughout our therapy, together, you and I will look at the different aspects of your personality, how you were raised, and the messages you received from you parent(s), and how you functioned in the family system. In addition, both of us will work on counseling goals, which will govern the direction of your counseling process.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS. TELEHEALTH AND FACE TO FACE. My approach to counseling focuses on how the influences of the past affect the decisions and interactions you are having today. Throughout our therapy, together, you and I will look at the different aspects of your personality, how you were raised, and the messages you received from you parent(s), and how you functioned in the family system. In addition, both of us will work on counseling goals, which will govern the direction of your counseling process.
(214) 692-2167 View (214) 692-2167
Photo of Dr. C. Scott Wood, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denton County, TX
Dr. C. Scott Wood
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75231
"Be caring, curious, and then compassionate." I practice these three steps just as I teach them. I studied psychology, counseling, and family therapy for 12 years to become the best therapist I could be and to know how best to help someone work through depression or anxiety. I especially enjoy working with couples to help create their healthiest relationship. My speciality is working with parents and their children even if they are grown.
"Be caring, curious, and then compassionate." I practice these three steps just as I teach them. I studied psychology, counseling, and family therapy for 12 years to become the best therapist I could be and to know how best to help someone work through depression or anxiety. I especially enjoy working with couples to help create their healthiest relationship. My speciality is working with parents and their children even if they are grown.
(469) 848-4627 View (469) 848-4627
Photo of Marta Otero, Psychologist in Denton County, TX
Marta Otero
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76102
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.
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 Shannon Purtell, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denton County, TX
Shannon Purtell
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC-S, CART
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75287
I have a passion for helping clients through difficult life circumstances and transitions. Helping clients improve their health and well-being is my one of my greatest joys and the reason I became a therapist. I have over 20 years experience helping clients with mood disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma and problematic anger.
I have a passion for helping clients through difficult life circumstances and transitions. Helping clients improve their health and well-being is my one of my greatest joys and the reason I became a therapist. I have over 20 years experience helping clients with mood disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma and problematic anger.
(972) 316-7325 View (972) 316-7325
Photo of Penne Schulz, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denton County, TX
Penne Schulz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Burleson, TX 76028
Hi! I'm Penne Schulz. I am a relationship specialist working with couples -- I have over 16 years experience. And, I also specialize in trauma, working with individuals in trauma recovery and a variety of issues that can cause people to get stuck. I work as a guide looking back to see what may have been fractured and what needs mending... working in the "here and now" finding out how relief and happiness can happen NOW; and looking towards the future to see what we are aiming for - creating mile markers helping us know we are heading in the right direction.
Hi! I'm Penne Schulz. I am a relationship specialist working with couples -- I have over 16 years experience. And, I also specialize in trauma, working with individuals in trauma recovery and a variety of issues that can cause people to get stuck. I work as a guide looking back to see what may have been fractured and what needs mending... working in the "here and now" finding out how relief and happiness can happen NOW; and looking towards the future to see what we are aiming for - creating mile markers helping us know we are heading in the right direction.
(817) 962-2548 View (817) 962-2548
Photo of Connie M. Siciliano Avila, Psychologist in Denton County, TX
Connie M. Siciliano Avila
Psychologist, PhD, LP, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Rockwall, TX 75087
My focus is on trauma, addiction, and relationships. Do you want to get control of your life, emotions or lack of emotions, stop problem behaviors, improve self-esteem, improve relationships, cope, and stop harmful thoughts? I have extensive experience in clinical and nonclinical settings with issues, such as abuse, relationships, addictions, depression, anxiety, dissociation, PTSD, alcohol abuse, and bipolar disorders. Also, past client concerns included: personality disorders, grief, anger, divorce, parenting, codependency, GLBTQ, multicultural, spiritual, DID, and men/women issues. Call for a free consultation.
My focus is on trauma, addiction, and relationships. Do you want to get control of your life, emotions or lack of emotions, stop problem behaviors, improve self-esteem, improve relationships, cope, and stop harmful thoughts? I have extensive experience in clinical and nonclinical settings with issues, such as abuse, relationships, addictions, depression, anxiety, dissociation, PTSD, alcohol abuse, and bipolar disorders. Also, past client concerns included: personality disorders, grief, anger, divorce, parenting, codependency, GLBTQ, multicultural, spiritual, DID, and men/women issues. Call for a free consultation.
(214) 830-9879 View (214) 830-9879
Photo of Thuraya Alameri, Pre-Licensed Professional in Denton County, TX
Thuraya Alameri
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
It is essential that you as the client feel guarded & at ease throughout the counseling process & I take honor in offering a setting that encourages growth+safety. I think the therapeutic process is a journey, and I'm willing to go on this journey of healing with you. I am here to help you reach goals & develop into a better version of yourself progressively. My therapy approach is tailored to meet the needs of each client based on the singular case. Although the therapeutic process is unique per the client, my role as your guide & advocate remains constant. I look forward to hearing from you, even if you are unsure of therapy.
It is essential that you as the client feel guarded & at ease throughout the counseling process & I take honor in offering a setting that encourages growth+safety. I think the therapeutic process is a journey, and I'm willing to go on this journey of healing with you. I am here to help you reach goals & develop into a better version of yourself progressively. My therapy approach is tailored to meet the needs of each client based on the singular case. Although the therapeutic process is unique per the client, my role as your guide & advocate remains constant. I look forward to hearing from you, even if you are unsure of therapy.
(469) 966-2351 View (469) 966-2351
Photo of Sewell Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denton County, TX
Sewell Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, DMT
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75243
Counseling is best when it's personalized. There is no such things as a "one-size-fits-all" method to therapy. I have found that many of us have a combination of trauma and maladaptive behaviors that once explored and processed can dramatically improve the quality of life. I implement four cornerstone treatment approaches: EMDR, Mindful Movement, DBT(Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and expressive arts to calm the nervous system, resolve trauma and incorporate new behaviors.
Counseling is best when it's personalized. There is no such things as a "one-size-fits-all" method to therapy. I have found that many of us have a combination of trauma and maladaptive behaviors that once explored and processed can dramatically improve the quality of life. I implement four cornerstone treatment approaches: EMDR, Mindful Movement, DBT(Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and expressive arts to calm the nervous system, resolve trauma and incorporate new behaviors.
(214) 833-0564 View (214) 833-0564
Photo of Melanie A Burman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Denton County, TX
Melanie A Burman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Southlake, TX 76092
I have been in private practice in the Grapevine area for over 30 years. I treat adults, adolescents and couples in both individual and group therapy. I address issues such as anxiety, depression, parent/teen relationships, family relations, alcohol and drug abuse recovery and marital counseling.
I have been in private practice in the Grapevine area for over 30 years. I treat adults, adolescents and couples in both individual and group therapy. I address issues such as anxiety, depression, parent/teen relationships, family relations, alcohol and drug abuse recovery and marital counseling.
(817) 382-6866 View (817) 382-6866
Photo of Karen S Tyndall, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denton County, TX
Karen S Tyndall
Licensed Professional Counselor, BA, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75075
As a professional counselor, I focus my clinical practice on Cognitive, Behavioral, and Solution-focus Therapy working with families, couples and individuals of all ages. Clients discover how to stop self-sabotage and create their personal goals. Professional feedback is given to provide direction, education and guidance for the client. My Professional expertise covers multiple types of issues such as: Anger, Stress, Relationship, Grief & Loss, Marital issues, Family issues, Parenting, Life Skills Training, Sports Performance and Mastering Life Success Coaching.
As a professional counselor, I focus my clinical practice on Cognitive, Behavioral, and Solution-focus Therapy working with families, couples and individuals of all ages. Clients discover how to stop self-sabotage and create their personal goals. Professional feedback is given to provide direction, education and guidance for the client. My Professional expertise covers multiple types of issues such as: Anger, Stress, Relationship, Grief & Loss, Marital issues, Family issues, Parenting, Life Skills Training, Sports Performance and Mastering Life Success Coaching.
(972) 360-8866 View (972) 360-8866

See more therapy options for Denton County

Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists

What is the most successful approach to treating borderline personality disorder?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is considered the gold standard of treatment for borderline personality disorder. An evidence-based treatment, it addresses the extreme emotional reactivity, the relationship difficulties, and the acts of self-harm that create so much distress for BPD patients. DBT is a comprehensive program that includes both regular individual psychotherapy sessions and weekly group sessions of skills training.

What happens in treatment of borderline personality disorder?

Treatment typically consists of weekly individual therapy sessions that last an hour and group skill-focused instructional sessions that may last up to two hours. Patients are typically given homework “assignments” in which they are asked to practice in their daily life the skills they acquire in therapy. Patients also keep a diary tracking their emotions and impulses as a way to know which situations are most problematic and to help them gain control over their own behavior. Difficult situations and feelings are typically reviewed in therapy sessions and more constructive solutions found.

What kinds of problems does BPD treatment help with?

DBT was initially developed to dampen the self-destructive impulses of chronically suicidal patients. It is now the treatment of choice for borderline personality disorder, a serious condition marked by extreme emotional reactivity, relationship instability, and self-injurious behaviors. Treatment of BPD helps patients tolerate the flux of emotions without acting on them, often with a specific focus on tolerating negative emotions. DBT addresses the core problems of BPD—fear of abandonment, low self-esteem, and impulsivity.

What is the goal of treatment in borderline personality disorder?

The goal of treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) is to relieve the extreme emotional distress that patients experience—to curb their emotional reactivity, to minimize their inclination to self-harm, and to reduce their impulsivity. Toward these ends, patients are not only taught an array of new coping skills and techniques for emotional regulation, they are given opportunities to practice them. Another major goal of treatment is interpersonal effectiveness; patients learn and problem-solve ways to effectively communicate in relationships, especially how to ask for what they need as a way to minimize hurt feelings.