Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in San Jose, CA

Photo of Maritza Noriega, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maritza Noriega
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95124
I use different therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to treat anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma in adolescents and adults.
Hi! I’m Maritza, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I am passionate about helping others and committed to supporting, encouraging, and guiding individuals in addressing their mental health needs. As a Latina and the proud daughter of immigrants, I value and understand the importance and impact culture, family, relationships, and society play in our lives. It is for this reason, that I strive to make therapy a safe place where you can be yourself! Together we will work on helping you gain clarity, heal, and develop tools that empower you to make positive changes.
I use different therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to treat anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma in adolescents and adults.
Hi! I’m Maritza, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I am passionate about helping others and committed to supporting, encouraging, and guiding individuals in addressing their mental health needs. As a Latina and the proud daughter of immigrants, I value and understand the importance and impact culture, family, relationships, and society play in our lives. It is for this reason, that I strive to make therapy a safe place where you can be yourself! Together we will work on helping you gain clarity, heal, and develop tools that empower you to make positive changes.
(408) 539-3501 View (408) 539-3501
Photo of Abby Jones, APCC, NCC, RYT-200, Pre-Licensed Professional
Abby Jones
Pre-Licensed Professional, APCC, NCC, RYT-200
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95126
I integrate creative approaches tailored to your needs, including mindfulness, art, yoga (RYT-200), dialectical behavior (DBT) strategies, and sensory based interventions.
I prioritize creating a safe space that provides a warm and collaborative atmosphere where we can work together to explore and achieve your goals. I am passionate about supporting my clients in advocating for their needs and embracing confidence in their journey of self expression. I specialize in working with individuals and groups, with a specific focus on anxiety, trauma, body image, disordered eating, depression, and life transitions. I enjoy supporting current and retired athletes in finding balance, understanding their mental health, and feeling strong. I work with LGBTQIA+ individuals to empower them to embody authenticity.
I integrate creative approaches tailored to your needs, including mindfulness, art, yoga (RYT-200), dialectical behavior (DBT) strategies, and sensory based interventions.
I prioritize creating a safe space that provides a warm and collaborative atmosphere where we can work together to explore and achieve your goals. I am passionate about supporting my clients in advocating for their needs and embracing confidence in their journey of self expression. I specialize in working with individuals and groups, with a specific focus on anxiety, trauma, body image, disordered eating, depression, and life transitions. I enjoy supporting current and retired athletes in finding balance, understanding their mental health, and feeling strong. I work with LGBTQIA+ individuals to empower them to embody authenticity.
(408) 944-5296 View (408) 944-5296
Photo of Irit Broner, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Irit Broner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95129
I use evidence-based therapy approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), and Emotional Focus Therapy (EFT).
Welcome, I am offering you a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings and learn new ways to cope with life challenges. I am a bilingual therapist providing therapy in both English and Hebrew. I provide psychotherapy to individuals, families, and couples. My approach to therapy is humanistic based on empathy, acceptance, and collaboration.
I use evidence-based therapy approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), and Emotional Focus Therapy (EFT).
Welcome, I am offering you a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings and learn new ways to cope with life challenges. I am a bilingual therapist providing therapy in both English and Hebrew. I provide psychotherapy to individuals, families, and couples. My approach to therapy is humanistic based on empathy, acceptance, and collaboration.
(209) 340-9538 View (209) 340-9538
Photo of Navpreet Chima, APCC
Navpreet Chima
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95124  (Online Only)
Internal Family Systems Therapy, with DBT, focuses on resolving present effects of trauma, without requiring reliving painful memories.
It can be frustrating to not see any progress in talk therapy, to be told to trust the process. By providing evidence based therapy for depression, anxiety, and complex trauma, each session feels productive, like work is being done, until the client feels almost like their own therapist. If you find yourself feeling unmotivated, empty, having trouble deeply connecting with others, wanting to change but being unable to do so, reaching out to a therapist that uses a trauma informed approach is a great first step!
Internal Family Systems Therapy, with DBT, focuses on resolving present effects of trauma, without requiring reliving painful memories.
It can be frustrating to not see any progress in talk therapy, to be told to trust the process. By providing evidence based therapy for depression, anxiety, and complex trauma, each session feels productive, like work is being done, until the client feels almost like their own therapist. If you find yourself feeling unmotivated, empty, having trouble deeply connecting with others, wanting to change but being unable to do so, reaching out to a therapist that uses a trauma informed approach is a great first step!
(415) 306-8687 View (415) 306-8687
Photo of Dr. Regina Lazarovich, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Regina Lazarovich
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95129  (Online Only)
I'm skilled in several evidence-based approaches, including CBT, ERP, ACT, I-CBT, DBT, and MSC.
If you’re tired of fear, anxiety, and insecurity running your life, I can help you take charge! I'm uniquely equipped to help with panic attacks, OCD, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, phobias, ADHD, binge eating, negative body image, and perfectionism. I create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can be yourself. My style is warm, affirming, and encouraging. Together, we'll understand how fear and self-judgment are getting in the way of the life you want. I'll equip you with tools to change unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior. As a result of our work together, you'll cultivate more peace, confidence, and joy.
I'm skilled in several evidence-based approaches, including CBT, ERP, ACT, I-CBT, DBT, and MSC.
If you’re tired of fear, anxiety, and insecurity running your life, I can help you take charge! I'm uniquely equipped to help with panic attacks, OCD, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, phobias, ADHD, binge eating, negative body image, and perfectionism. I create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can be yourself. My style is warm, affirming, and encouraging. Together, we'll understand how fear and self-judgment are getting in the way of the life you want. I'll equip you with tools to change unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior. As a result of our work together, you'll cultivate more peace, confidence, and joy.
(831) 603-0024 View (831) 603-0024
Photo of Maria Ayala, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Maria Ayala
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95128  (Online Only)
My maternal grandfather taught me at a young age the importance of helping others heal through the art of listening, empathy, and understanding. His wisdom and great influence made me gravitate toward psychology and counseling. I believe in serving clients to thrive and achieve their full potential free of stigma and prejudice. My professional areas of interest include gerontology, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, stress, burnout, depression, and grief. Most of my professional experience has been working with underserved and underrepresented populations such as the elderly, homeless, and Spanish-speaking.
My maternal grandfather taught me at a young age the importance of helping others heal through the art of listening, empathy, and understanding. His wisdom and great influence made me gravitate toward psychology and counseling. I believe in serving clients to thrive and achieve their full potential free of stigma and prejudice. My professional areas of interest include gerontology, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, stress, burnout, depression, and grief. Most of my professional experience has been working with underserved and underrepresented populations such as the elderly, homeless, and Spanish-speaking.
(510) 573-7111 View (510) 573-7111
Photo of Keila Mendez, LPCC, Counselor
Keila Mendez
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95123
Hello, my name is Keila Mendez, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and an Associate Marriage Family Therapist with over four years of experience. I have a diverse professional background specializing in crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, and many other mental health disorders. My therapeutic approach is to provide a non-judgmental, interactive safe space, where you can reach your treatment goals. My therapeutic approaches include use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral, and Solution Focused Therapist
Hello, my name is Keila Mendez, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and an Associate Marriage Family Therapist with over four years of experience. I have a diverse professional background specializing in crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, and many other mental health disorders. My therapeutic approach is to provide a non-judgmental, interactive safe space, where you can reach your treatment goals. My therapeutic approaches include use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral, and Solution Focused Therapist
(669) 202-8143 View (669) 202-8143
Photo of Chonnie Thiessen, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Chonnie Thiessen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95110
I use a variety of evidence-based techniques, such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, Solution Focus, and other talk therapies, to help my clients cope with their challenges ad achieve their goals.
I'm Chonnie Thiessen, a licensed marriage and family therapist with a passion for helping others. I have a master's degree in marriage and family counseling and over 10 years of experience in providing effective and compassionate therapy to individuals, couples, and families. I work with individuals aged 12-99 who are dealing with challenges such as depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. I also work with couples and families.
I use a variety of evidence-based techniques, such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, Solution Focus, and other talk therapies, to help my clients cope with their challenges ad achieve their goals.
I'm Chonnie Thiessen, a licensed marriage and family therapist with a passion for helping others. I have a master's degree in marriage and family counseling and over 10 years of experience in providing effective and compassionate therapy to individuals, couples, and families. I work with individuals aged 12-99 who are dealing with challenges such as depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. I also work with couples and families.
(408) 465-4952 View (408) 465-4952
Photo of Melody Culhane, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melody Culhane
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95148
My name is Melody Culhane and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I have several years of experience in treating a variety of symptoms impacting individuals including anxiety, depression, PTSD, post-partum depression, and more. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, UCSD: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), EMDR (Level II), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and The Gottman Method. I work with adults who are often trying to cope with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship struggles, and job stress. I take a strengths-based, holistic approach.
My name is Melody Culhane and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I have several years of experience in treating a variety of symptoms impacting individuals including anxiety, depression, PTSD, post-partum depression, and more. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, UCSD: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), EMDR (Level II), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and The Gottman Method. I work with adults who are often trying to cope with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship struggles, and job stress. I take a strengths-based, holistic approach.
(408) 692-6742 View (408) 692-6742
Photo of Cynthia Barrios, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cynthia Barrios
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95119  (Online Only)
Cynthia has nineteen years of experience as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. In addition, she is Certified in DBT and EMDR. Her areas of expertise are in: Trauma, Depression, Anxiety and Life Transitions.
Cynthia has nineteen years of experience as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. In addition, she is Certified in DBT and EMDR. Her areas of expertise are in: Trauma, Depression, Anxiety and Life Transitions.
(408) 837-7381 View (408) 837-7381
Photo of Amara Brook, PhD, ABPP, Psychologist
Amara Brook
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95117
DBT may help you understand and manage your thoughts, feelings, and behavior to align with your goals.
Are you Autistic and/or ADHD and struggling in a world not designed for your neurotype? Or do you suspect that you may be Autistic and/or ADHD and want to work with a down-to-earth neurodivergent psychologist to find out? Are you looking for a therapist who gets the struggle? I offer collaborative and neurodiversity-affirming assessment and Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT) tailored to the needs of Autistic and ADHD clients.
DBT may help you understand and manage your thoughts, feelings, and behavior to align with your goals.
Are you Autistic and/or ADHD and struggling in a world not designed for your neurotype? Or do you suspect that you may be Autistic and/or ADHD and want to work with a down-to-earth neurodivergent psychologist to find out? Are you looking for a therapist who gets the struggle? I offer collaborative and neurodiversity-affirming assessment and Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT) tailored to the needs of Autistic and ADHD clients.
(775) 260-4455 View (775) 260-4455
Photo of Chanell Dudley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chanell Dudley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95116
I utilize various techniques and skills drawn from recognized therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, and Dialectical Behavioral therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California, with a concentration on Children, Youth, and Families I believe that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires non-judgmental caring I assist client’s in recognizing their strengths and helping them realize their potential to live happy and fulfilling lives I provide an environment of compassion, empathy, and support to help individuals overcome their obstacles.
I utilize various techniques and skills drawn from recognized therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, and Dialectical Behavioral therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California, with a concentration on Children, Youth, and Families I believe that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires non-judgmental caring I assist client’s in recognizing their strengths and helping them realize their potential to live happy and fulfilling lives I provide an environment of compassion, empathy, and support to help individuals overcome their obstacles.
(408) 692-0667 View (408) 692-0667
Photo of Christine Raco, LPCC, Counselor
Christine Raco
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95119  (Online Only)
As an eclectic therapist drawing from humanistic, person-centered, DBT , and TF-CBT approaches, I offer a comprehensive and tailored approach to healing and growth.
Are you an adolescent or young adult navigating the challenges of life, relationships, social media and sense of self? Whether you may be struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, behavioral issues, anger issues, school issues or challenges in family dynamics and peer relationships, I am here to help. My specialty lies in working with adolescents and young adults who are navigating the challenges of transition, identity development, trauma, and emotional dysregulation. I offer a blend of therapeutic modalities to meet your unique needs and goals while offering a compassionate and understanding space for growth
As an eclectic therapist drawing from humanistic, person-centered, DBT , and TF-CBT approaches, I offer a comprehensive and tailored approach to healing and growth.
Are you an adolescent or young adult navigating the challenges of life, relationships, social media and sense of self? Whether you may be struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, behavioral issues, anger issues, school issues or challenges in family dynamics and peer relationships, I am here to help. My specialty lies in working with adolescents and young adults who are navigating the challenges of transition, identity development, trauma, and emotional dysregulation. I offer a blend of therapeutic modalities to meet your unique needs and goals while offering a compassionate and understanding space for growth
(408) 878-1737 View (408) 878-1737
Photo of Miatta Watkins, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Miatta Watkins
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95128
All of us need safe spaces to heal, grow and according to DBT, build a life we can experience is worth living.
I am passionate about working with college age young adults, young professionals, their families and their loved ones who are struggling with complex mental health challenges such as suicidal ideations, anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict, academic stress, work stress, post traumatic stress and substance use disorders. For the past 25 plus years, I have provided mental health treatment and services in residential treatment facilities, county mental health agencies, Intensive Outpatient Programs ( IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP).
All of us need safe spaces to heal, grow and according to DBT, build a life we can experience is worth living.
I am passionate about working with college age young adults, young professionals, their families and their loved ones who are struggling with complex mental health challenges such as suicidal ideations, anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict, academic stress, work stress, post traumatic stress and substance use disorders. For the past 25 plus years, I have provided mental health treatment and services in residential treatment facilities, county mental health agencies, Intensive Outpatient Programs ( IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP).
(669) 257-6305 View (669) 257-6305
Photo of Jessica Drobny, PhD, Psychologist
Jessica Drobny
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95125
I use a variety of evidence-based treatment approaches, including TEAM-CBT and DBT tools to set clear goals within your value set.
We all experience negative emotions to varying degrees in our lives. However, anxiety and depression can become a problem when they get in the way of us being able to manage the important things in our life--our work, our studies, or our relationships. If you or your child is struggling with feeling down or anxious, procrastinating, experiencing ADHD symptoms or having behavioral challenges, there are proven and effective ways of learning to overcome these negative emotions and behaviors while learning about yourself and what's important to you.
I use a variety of evidence-based treatment approaches, including TEAM-CBT and DBT tools to set clear goals within your value set.
We all experience negative emotions to varying degrees in our lives. However, anxiety and depression can become a problem when they get in the way of us being able to manage the important things in our life--our work, our studies, or our relationships. If you or your child is struggling with feeling down or anxious, procrastinating, experiencing ADHD symptoms or having behavioral challenges, there are proven and effective ways of learning to overcome these negative emotions and behaviors while learning about yourself and what's important to you.
(415) 360-0289 View (415) 360-0289
Photo of Thu Huong Tran, ASW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Thu Huong Tran
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ASW
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95110
As a seasoned bilingual counselor and associated therapist, Thu Tran is dedicated to guiding individuals on a transformative journey towards self-awareness, embracing reality, and leveraging strengths while acknowledging and addressing weaknesses. With a commitment to empowering her clients, Thu incorporates evidence-based approaches, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), humanistic, personal centered, psychodynamic, family systems, solution-focus, trauma-informed, and DBT to facilitate meaningful and lasting change.
As a seasoned bilingual counselor and associated therapist, Thu Tran is dedicated to guiding individuals on a transformative journey towards self-awareness, embracing reality, and leveraging strengths while acknowledging and addressing weaknesses. With a commitment to empowering her clients, Thu incorporates evidence-based approaches, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), humanistic, personal centered, psychodynamic, family systems, solution-focus, trauma-informed, and DBT to facilitate meaningful and lasting change.
(408) 668-3635 View (408) 668-3635
Photo of Sharzad Kaviani, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sharzad Kaviani
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95124
Sharzad Kaviani is a marriage and family therapist with 15 years of experience working with teens, adults, and families. She works closely with clients to mold treatment to the individual’s needs and works collaboratively with clients based on their personal and treatment goals. She is extensively trained in DBT, CBT, and solution-focused therapy.
Sharzad Kaviani is a marriage and family therapist with 15 years of experience working with teens, adults, and families. She works closely with clients to mold treatment to the individual’s needs and works collaboratively with clients based on their personal and treatment goals. She is extensively trained in DBT, CBT, and solution-focused therapy.
(408) 898-4303 View (408) 898-4303
Photo of Jacqueline Leong-Abad, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jacqueline Leong-Abad
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95128
I specialize in collaborating with adolescents, young adults, adults, and families on their goals for growth from a framework of understanding the impact of early attachments, generational trauma, power & privilege, and systems of oppression in one’s life and empowering folx towards their goals using Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills.
Therapy is a sacred space to talk, create, play and reflect on your past, present and future. I believe everyone has the innate need for agency and connection and given our lived experiences, we can get stuck at different points in life. My name is Jacqueline Leong-Abad and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Supervisor. I have been providing therapy since 2009. I have worked with clinical areas of focus, such as: depression; anxiety; ADHD; trauma; abuse; psychosis; suicide and self-harm; grief & loss; stage of life transitions; communication skills ; stress; and family issues.
I specialize in collaborating with adolescents, young adults, adults, and families on their goals for growth from a framework of understanding the impact of early attachments, generational trauma, power & privilege, and systems of oppression in one’s life and empowering folx towards their goals using Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills.
Therapy is a sacred space to talk, create, play and reflect on your past, present and future. I believe everyone has the innate need for agency and connection and given our lived experiences, we can get stuck at different points in life. My name is Jacqueline Leong-Abad and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Supervisor. I have been providing therapy since 2009. I have worked with clinical areas of focus, such as: depression; anxiety; ADHD; trauma; abuse; psychosis; suicide and self-harm; grief & loss; stage of life transitions; communication skills ; stress; and family issues.
(669) 304-2262 View (669) 304-2262
Photo of Natasha Najmi-Kazmi - Natasha Kazmi, Trust Mental Health, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natasha Kazmi, Trust Mental Health
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95138
Our team specialize in CBT, DBT, Trauma-focused CBT as well as Psychodynamic approach.
We are able to meet our clients via video as well as phone, this way making it easier for them to have access to therapy. We offer a non-judgmental, safe space for our clients to express themselves freely and grow from the experience.
Our team specialize in CBT, DBT, Trauma-focused CBT as well as Psychodynamic approach.
We are able to meet our clients via video as well as phone, this way making it easier for them to have access to therapy. We offer a non-judgmental, safe space for our clients to express themselves freely and grow from the experience.
(408) 583-5692 View (408) 583-5692
Photo of Taneesha Chambers, LPCC, Counselor
Taneesha Chambers
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95125
I am versed in CBT and DBT approaches and many others.
Hello, I'm Taneesha! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about assisting people while on their journey toward healing and growth in the face of the challenges they may be currently experiencing and/or past traumas that may be causing distress. I have experience with ages 18-97 and have worked with clients with many different experiences and diagnoses including Anxiety, Depression, PTSD/Trauma, Substance Abuse, Bipolar Disorder, Suicidal Ideation, and more.
I am versed in CBT and DBT approaches and many others.
Hello, I'm Taneesha! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about assisting people while on their journey toward healing and growth in the face of the challenges they may be currently experiencing and/or past traumas that may be causing distress. I have experience with ages 18-97 and have worked with clients with many different experiences and diagnoses including Anxiety, Depression, PTSD/Trauma, Substance Abuse, Bipolar Disorder, Suicidal Ideation, and more.
(408) 763-4866 View (408) 763-4866
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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.