Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in San Jose, CA

Amara Brook
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
San Jose, CA 95117
DBT
and CBT may help you understand and manage your thoughts, feelings, and behavior to align with your goals.
Welcome! If you're looking for collaborative, validating, effective assessment and therapy, you have found the right psychologist. I am a licensed clinical psychologist, Board Certified in Behavior and Cognitive Psychology. I specialize in collaborative and neurodiversity-affirming Psychological Assessment, and adapting
Dialectical
Behavior Therapy (
DBT
) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals.
DBT
and CBT may help you understand and manage your thoughts, feelings, and behavior to align with your goals.
Welcome! If you're looking for collaborative, validating, effective assessment and therapy, you have found the right psychologist. I am a licensed clinical psychologist, Board Certified in Behavior and Cognitive Psychology. I specialize in collaborative and neurodiversity-affirming Psychological Assessment, and adapting
Dialectical
Behavior Therapy (
DBT
) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals.

Veronica Regalado
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
San Jose, CA 95125
My treatment approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy,
Dialectical
Behavioral Therapy, and Psychodynamic.
Are you looking to begin a journey of self-exploration? Welcome, you have come to the right place. I commend you for taking an important step in creating the life that you deserve.It is not always easy to acknowledge the need for help, and I am thankful you have taken that step. I have over 6 years of experience in the field. I have worked successfully with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, interpersonal conflict, self-esteem struggles, and life transitions. I provide a compassionate and safe environment for you to share your life story,and begin to understand your thought process, emotions, and responses.
My treatment approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy,
Dialectical
Behavioral Therapy, and Psychodynamic.
Are you looking to begin a journey of self-exploration? Welcome, you have come to the right place. I commend you for taking an important step in creating the life that you deserve.It is not always easy to acknowledge the need for help, and I am thankful you have taken that step. I have over 6 years of experience in the field. I have worked successfully with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, interpersonal conflict, self-esteem struggles, and life transitions. I provide a compassionate and safe environment for you to share your life story,and begin to understand your thought process, emotions, and responses.

Antonio Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95126
Not accepting new clients
I help individuals with Jungian individuation, strength-based approaches,
DBT
, mindfulness, and the Process Model from the PTI.
I help people with low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma/complex trauma, indecision/stuckness/failure to launch, find the roots of their condition, process them and transition to resilience, personal growth and fulfilment. I help couples connect with themselves, their values and intentions, communicate authentically & safely and either experience the peace, happiness, and satisfaction they once knew and more, or recognize the truth that it is not meant to be, part on the best terms possible and begin new lives. I have lived in three countries and have deep empathy for immigrants but use mainly English for sessions.
I help individuals with Jungian individuation, strength-based approaches,
DBT
, mindfulness, and the Process Model from the PTI.
I help people with low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma/complex trauma, indecision/stuckness/failure to launch, find the roots of their condition, process them and transition to resilience, personal growth and fulfilment. I help couples connect with themselves, their values and intentions, communicate authentically & safely and either experience the peace, happiness, and satisfaction they once knew and more, or recognize the truth that it is not meant to be, part on the best terms possible and begin new lives. I have lived in three countries and have deep empathy for immigrants but use mainly English for sessions.

Melinda Carlisle Brackett
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
San Jose, CA 95126
I am a trained Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), and I am an intensively trained
Dialectical
Behavior Therapist who offers
DBT
Skills Training to Adults, Families, Couples and Parents.
Are you looking for therapy that is efficient, time-sensitive, and focused on practical strategies? I am a Behavioral Therapist whose approach includes short-term, evidence-based therapies for adults, couples, parents, adolescents and groups. My style is collaborative and includes skill-building in critical areas such as communication and relationship repair. I treat complex Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Panic, Bipolar, Depression, and Borderline Personality Disorder. I'm clear and direct- keeping our work on track so you meet your goals- while building in you the capacity for flexibility in order to have a peaceful and enjoyable life.
I am a trained Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), and I am an intensively trained
Dialectical
Behavior Therapist who offers
DBT
Skills Training to Adults, Families, Couples and Parents.
Are you looking for therapy that is efficient, time-sensitive, and focused on practical strategies? I am a Behavioral Therapist whose approach includes short-term, evidence-based therapies for adults, couples, parents, adolescents and groups. My style is collaborative and includes skill-building in critical areas such as communication and relationship repair. I treat complex Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Panic, Bipolar, Depression, and Borderline Personality Disorder. I'm clear and direct- keeping our work on track so you meet your goals- while building in you the capacity for flexibility in order to have a peaceful and enjoyable life.

Kirsten Haney
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
San Jose, CA 95128
As LMFT I am experienced in
DBT
, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and family therapy.
"As therapists, we are public servants. We have devoted our lives to making something from nothing, to find complex solutions to complex problems. To care and hold space in the face of disaster, trauma and fear. To give assurance and strength and help others rise." - Kirsten Haney LMFT
As LMFT I am experienced in
DBT
, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and family therapy.
"As therapists, we are public servants. We have devoted our lives to making something from nothing, to find complex solutions to complex problems. To care and hold space in the face of disaster, trauma and fear. To give assurance and strength and help others rise." - Kirsten Haney LMFT

Alisa Flakes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
San Jose, CA 95111
Hello, my name is Alisa Flakes and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I work with individuals ages 13+, couples, and families in a variety of areas including addiction, anger management, anxiety, behavioral issues, coping skills, cultural stress, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief, and trauma & PTSD, amongst others. My approach is strength-based, solution focused and utilizes several modalities such as ACT, CBT,
DBT
, Family Systems, Gottman Method, Gestalt, and more.
Hello, my name is Alisa Flakes and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I work with individuals ages 13+, couples, and families in a variety of areas including addiction, anger management, anxiety, behavioral issues, coping skills, cultural stress, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief, and trauma & PTSD, amongst others. My approach is strength-based, solution focused and utilizes several modalities such as ACT, CBT,
DBT
, Family Systems, Gottman Method, Gestalt, and more.

Melody Culhane
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
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.

Jacqueline Leong-Abad
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
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.

Rachel Connett
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MSc, MA, LMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95125
Rachel's passion is to meet each client where they are in their life struggle, self, relationships, work, guide them through the process of self-actualization to achieve independence so that they can return to their full functioning. Rachel uses a tailored therapeutic approach and utilizes an evidence-based approach (CBT,
DBT
, ACT) and addresses specific problem areas - cognitive distortion, distress tolerance, acceptance, self-compassion, and behaviors that hinder people from moving forward in their lives, thus achieving positive and fulfilling outcomes, and ultimately improve functioning and imbalance.
Rachel's passion is to meet each client where they are in their life struggle, self, relationships, work, guide them through the process of self-actualization to achieve independence so that they can return to their full functioning. Rachel uses a tailored therapeutic approach and utilizes an evidence-based approach (CBT,
DBT
, ACT) and addresses specific problem areas - cognitive distortion, distress tolerance, acceptance, self-compassion, and behaviors that hinder people from moving forward in their lives, thus achieving positive and fulfilling outcomes, and ultimately improve functioning and imbalance.

Stephanie Marks
Counselor, LPC, LPCC
Verified
San Jose, CA 95126 (Online Only)
I practice cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, trauma-informed care,
dialectical
behavioral therapy, and mindfulness.
I have more than ten years of experience working with adolescents, young adults, adults, families, and couples. I most frequently help clients navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, ADHD, giftedness, self-esteem and body image issues, relationships, grief, disordered eating, and trauma. I specialize in, and especially enjoy working with, ADHD, gifted persons, high-school aged clients, and young adults.
I practice cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, trauma-informed care,
dialectical
behavioral therapy, and mindfulness.
I have more than ten years of experience working with adolescents, young adults, adults, families, and couples. I most frequently help clients navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, ADHD, giftedness, self-esteem and body image issues, relationships, grief, disordered eating, and trauma. I specialize in, and especially enjoy working with, ADHD, gifted persons, high-school aged clients, and young adults.

Mindful Transformative8
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95148 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Hi there! If you don’t have experience with therapy, don’t know what it is like, or where to begin, no problem. I’m glad you’re here. I appreciate your strength for seeking support. My name is Yen, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Bay Area, California. And for the ones who have done therapy before, my therapeutic approach consists of a combination of CBT,
DBT
, mindfulness, strength-based, solution focused, and client centered. There’s no one-size fits all type of deal here. I will take the time to get to know you and work with you on this journey to see what’s best fitting while working with you.
Hi there! If you don’t have experience with therapy, don’t know what it is like, or where to begin, no problem. I’m glad you’re here. I appreciate your strength for seeking support. My name is Yen, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Bay Area, California. And for the ones who have done therapy before, my therapeutic approach consists of a combination of CBT,
DBT
, mindfulness, strength-based, solution focused, and client centered. There’s no one-size fits all type of deal here. I will take the time to get to know you and work with you on this journey to see what’s best fitting while working with you.
15 Second Videos
Antonio Smith
Sanctuary Counseling & Psychotherapy
Patricia S Dolan
Regina Lazarovich
Natasha Kazmi, Trust Mental Health
Peter J Sadler
Nicole Rebecca Skeele
Renee Sanguinetti
Larissa Pasut
Kimberly de Caires
Lushi Zhang
Casler Johnston
Kitte Anderson
Jess Torrecillas
Alicia Hess
Palo Alto Therapy
Noreen Raja-Halpern
Scott Henrywestwood Licensed
Rob Grellman - Relationship And Stress Expert
Nicole Brunn
Brian J Thomason
Andrea Ferriera
Toni Ratzburg
Samantha Arreola
David S. Terry
Liz Carter
Jeanne Jacobs
Nadia Lau
Diana Samardzic
Palo Alto Therapy
Sobia Saleem Psychotherapist
Hieu Pham
Brandee Sosa
Mayra Quezada
Alice Hua
Bridget Haerr
Amanda Bautista
Lisa Macedo
Mary Deyo
Tsunami Turner
Bella Stitt Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Palo Alto Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Palo Alto Therapy
Minagrace Knox
Samantha Greenlee
Rob Martin
Daniel Smith
Jacqueline Paul
Campbell Teen & Family Therapy, Inc.
Lola Martin

Constantine Kazos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
San Jose, CA 95117
I utilizes treatment modalities such as: CBT,
DBT
, Motivational Interviewing, Solutions Focused, Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Object Relations.
"I enjoy facilitating individual healing and growth for individuals, couples and families in order to find a path to thrive through difficult life transitions and stressful times."
I utilizes treatment modalities such as: CBT,
DBT
, Motivational Interviewing, Solutions Focused, Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Object Relations.
"I enjoy facilitating individual healing and growth for individuals, couples and families in order to find a path to thrive through difficult life transitions and stressful times."

Shanna Rayyan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
San Jose, CA 95123
I utilize various therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Motivational Interviewing,
Dialectical
Behavioral Therapy and Family Therapy.
I’m Shanna Rayyan, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist who is passionate about helping my clients work through their traumas, hardships, and mental illness in order to improve their quality of life. I use an eclectic approach, implementing various evidence-based therapeutic modalities that best fit my specific client’s life story, needs, and goals.
I utilize various therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Motivational Interviewing,
Dialectical
Behavioral Therapy and Family Therapy.
I’m Shanna Rayyan, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist who is passionate about helping my clients work through their traumas, hardships, and mental illness in order to improve their quality of life. I use an eclectic approach, implementing various evidence-based therapeutic modalities that best fit my specific client’s life story, needs, and goals.

Frederick H Kuttner
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified
San Jose, CA 95125
Not accepting new clients
While I will use techniques from
Dialectical
Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Existential Therapy, my main focus is to help clients connect with their inner life so that they can live an authentic meaningful life.
Are you feeling depressed or anxious about your current life situation? Do you wonder if you can build a meaningful life, a life worth living? Are you grieving the loss of someone you love, or the loss of something you hoped to achieve? Are you in the middle of a life transition such as graduation, retirement, becoming a parent, or changing professions? I help people in these situations get in touch with what they really want so they can move forward with confidence.
While I will use techniques from
Dialectical
Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Existential Therapy, my main focus is to help clients connect with their inner life so that they can live an authentic meaningful life.
Are you feeling depressed or anxious about your current life situation? Do you wonder if you can build a meaningful life, a life worth living? Are you grieving the loss of someone you love, or the loss of something you hoped to achieve? Are you in the middle of a life transition such as graduation, retirement, becoming a parent, or changing professions? I help people in these situations get in touch with what they really want so they can move forward with confidence.

Miatta Watkins
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95128
I am highly competent in upholding individual growth and development with an emphasis on evidence-based treatments and practices such as
Dialectical
Behavior Therapy (
DBT
) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT).
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).
I am highly competent in upholding individual growth and development with an emphasis on evidence-based treatments and practices such as
Dialectical
Behavior Therapy (
DBT
) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT).
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).

Jessica Drobny
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
1 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. Parenting struggles, ADHD, and behavioral problems can have an immense impact on a family system, as well. If you or your child is struggling with feeling down or anxious, or having behavioral challenges, there are proven ways of learning to overcome these negative emotions while also learning a great deal 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. Parenting struggles, ADHD, and behavioral problems can have an immense impact on a family system, as well. If you or your child is struggling with feeling down or anxious, or having behavioral challenges, there are proven ways of learning to overcome these negative emotions while also learning a great deal about yourself, and what's important to you.

Wai Wai Vicky Chan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
San Jose, CA 95118 (Online Only)
I have extensive experiences using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and
Dialectical
Behavioral Therapy to work with individuals who have issues including mood disorders, complex traumas and problem gambling.
I believe being in an equilibrium state is one of the keys to maintain a healthy well being, however, we often face many challenges that could easily lead to a disequilibrium. My role as a therapist is to work with you collaboratively in order to address your needs, to guide you in understanding how your past experiences shape your present self; to help you in identifying your thought patterns and emotions that affect your behaviors; and to coach you so that you are equipped when dealing with different life challenges. By working as a team, you will eventually be able to restore the balance and maintain a healthy well being.
I have extensive experiences using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and
Dialectical
Behavioral Therapy to work with individuals who have issues including mood disorders, complex traumas and problem gambling.
I believe being in an equilibrium state is one of the keys to maintain a healthy well being, however, we often face many challenges that could easily lead to a disequilibrium. My role as a therapist is to work with you collaboratively in order to address your needs, to guide you in understanding how your past experiences shape your present self; to help you in identifying your thought patterns and emotions that affect your behaviors; and to coach you so that you are equipped when dealing with different life challenges. By working as a team, you will eventually be able to restore the balance and maintain a healthy well being.

Meng-Ju (MJ) Yang
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95134 (Online Only)
Welcome to my page! Dealing with challenges in life is never easy; nor is deciding to seek professional support with a therapist. As a therapist, I strive to provide a safe and supportive space for you to heal and grow. I am looking forward to working with you together to increase awareness, explore your strengths/identities, and develop new ways to live your life. Witnessing my clients to better connect to themselves, their loved ones, and grow new potential is the most fulfilling part of my work. My approach is integrative, evidence/strength-based with an emphasis on relational, Jungian psychology principles, and CBT/
DBT
skills.
Welcome to my page! Dealing with challenges in life is never easy; nor is deciding to seek professional support with a therapist. As a therapist, I strive to provide a safe and supportive space for you to heal and grow. I am looking forward to working with you together to increase awareness, explore your strengths/identities, and develop new ways to live your life. Witnessing my clients to better connect to themselves, their loved ones, and grow new potential is the most fulfilling part of my work. My approach is integrative, evidence/strength-based with an emphasis on relational, Jungian psychology principles, and CBT/
DBT
skills.

Irit Broner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
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, couples, and children. 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, couples, and children. My approach to therapy is humanistic based on empathy, acceptance, and collaboration.

Sanctuary Counseling & Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCM
Verified
San Jose, CA 95124 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I utilize a variety of modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,
Dialectical
Behavior Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness Based therapies to effect change.
Depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, addictions and emotional challenges can disrupt our lives and everything we hold dear. I will work with you to develop a plan and set reachable goals to improve your quality of life.
I utilize a variety of modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,
Dialectical
Behavior Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness Based therapies to effect change.
Depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, addictions and emotional challenges can disrupt our lives and everything we hold dear. I will work with you to develop a plan and set reachable goals to improve your quality of life.
See more therapy options for San Jose
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.