Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA

Photo of Shannon Cotter, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Shannon Cotter
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA 94402  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have training in DBT, CBT, and integrative approaches.
Hello! I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor offering Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Family Therapy in the virtual setting. I work with clientele experiencing anxiety, life transitions, career changes, new health diagnoses, and those working on identity development. I enjoy getting to know each client and working collaboratively to support them as they move through their process. I am supervised by Paul Lucich, LMFT 00198 who has been in practice for over a decade and is trained in DBT and CBT practices.
I have training in DBT, CBT, and integrative approaches.
Hello! I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor offering Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Family Therapy in the virtual setting. I work with clientele experiencing anxiety, life transitions, career changes, new health diagnoses, and those working on identity development. I enjoy getting to know each client and working collaboratively to support them as they move through their process. I am supervised by Paul Lucich, LMFT 00198 who has been in practice for over a decade and is trained in DBT and CBT practices.
(650) 729-9923 View (650) 729-9923
Photo of Leslie I Nieves, Marriage & Family Therapist in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Leslie I Nieves
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA 94402
I'm certified in many evidence-based trauma-informed interventions such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Aggression Replacement Training, DBT.
I'm passionate about partnering with clients in their healing journey. I work collaboratively with my clients on embracing a new life narrative. I have experience working with couples, families that are in crisis, parenting difficulties, at-risk teens, survivors of domestic violence, individuals experiencing life transitions, as well as clients experiencing depression, anxiety, fears, anger management difficulties, and crisis. I believe you can write a new life narrative as you heal from trauma. Lastly, as you embark on this journey, I believe you can emerge whole, enlightened, and empowered on the other side.
I'm certified in many evidence-based trauma-informed interventions such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Aggression Replacement Training, DBT.
I'm passionate about partnering with clients in their healing journey. I work collaboratively with my clients on embracing a new life narrative. I have experience working with couples, families that are in crisis, parenting difficulties, at-risk teens, survivors of domestic violence, individuals experiencing life transitions, as well as clients experiencing depression, anxiety, fears, anger management difficulties, and crisis. I believe you can write a new life narrative as you heal from trauma. Lastly, as you embark on this journey, I believe you can emerge whole, enlightened, and empowered on the other side.
(650) 517-7974 View (650) 517-7974
Photo of Scott Spivack, Marriage & Family Therapist in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Scott Spivack
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA 94402
Some of the treatment approaches I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Attachment Theory.
My areas of focus are working with adults on with work related stress, anxiety, depression, self–esteem, attachment, relationships, interpersonal communication, and life transitions. I work with adults of all ages and a variety of backgrounds. One population I work a lot with are those having jobs in the technology sector (i.e. Silicon Valley), that can be stressful and demanding. We can work towards learning skills like: effective communications with coworkers, regulating emotions when work loads feel overwhelming, and having work/life balance; as well as other topics such as social, personal, relationships and mental wellness.
Some of the treatment approaches I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Attachment Theory.
My areas of focus are working with adults on with work related stress, anxiety, depression, self–esteem, attachment, relationships, interpersonal communication, and life transitions. I work with adults of all ages and a variety of backgrounds. One population I work a lot with are those having jobs in the technology sector (i.e. Silicon Valley), that can be stressful and demanding. We can work towards learning skills like: effective communications with coworkers, regulating emotions when work loads feel overwhelming, and having work/life balance; as well as other topics such as social, personal, relationships and mental wellness.
(650) 381-0277 View (650) 381-0277
Photo of Rebecca Kolker Zhang, Marriage & Family Therapist in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Rebecca Kolker Zhang
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA 94402
Are you wanting more out of life and hoping your anxiety or relationship issues will resolve? Have you found yourself feeling hopeless, frustrated or unsure about your future? Do you ever experience panic attacks or overwhelming stress? Whatever your reason for seeking help, I want you to know you're not alone and I am here to offer help. I specialize in working with adults and teenagers on issues including anxiety, panic attacks, loneliness, and relationship issues. I also offer couples therapy sessions to help improve communication, build intimacy and learn conflict resolution skills.
Are you wanting more out of life and hoping your anxiety or relationship issues will resolve? Have you found yourself feeling hopeless, frustrated or unsure about your future? Do you ever experience panic attacks or overwhelming stress? Whatever your reason for seeking help, I want you to know you're not alone and I am here to offer help. I specialize in working with adults and teenagers on issues including anxiety, panic attacks, loneliness, and relationship issues. I also offer couples therapy sessions to help improve communication, build intimacy and learn conflict resolution skills.
(650) 629-3383 View (650) 629-3383
Photo of Panayiotis Frangos, Marriage & Family Therapist in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Panayiotis Frangos
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA 94402
I am licensed from the Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Marriage Family Therapist.  I graduated from Notre Dame de Namur with a Master's in Science Clinical Psychology MFT.  I was born in Greece and moved to the United States as a child, and have been a California Bay Area native ever since.  Growing up in a Greek household, I am able to speak Greek fluently and I am proficient in Spanish.  In my spare time, I am also learning Mandarin Chinese as languages are a passion of mine.
I am licensed from the Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Marriage Family Therapist.  I graduated from Notre Dame de Namur with a Master's in Science Clinical Psychology MFT.  I was born in Greece and moved to the United States as a child, and have been a California Bay Area native ever since.  Growing up in a Greek household, I am able to speak Greek fluently and I am proficient in Spanish.  In my spare time, I am also learning Mandarin Chinese as languages are a passion of mine.
(650) 525-2494 View (650) 525-2494
Photo of Carolee Stabno, Marriage & Family Therapist in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Carolee Stabno
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA 94402
As a solution-focused, culturally sensitive therapist, my treatment approach is to provide support and feedback to clients to help them resolve current problems, and work through life transitions and issues. Additionally, I have had extensive experience in the treatment of depression, panic disorder, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and loss & grief. With sensitivity and compassion, I help clients find solutions to a wide range of life challenges and psychological issues.
As a solution-focused, culturally sensitive therapist, my treatment approach is to provide support and feedback to clients to help them resolve current problems, and work through life transitions and issues. Additionally, I have had extensive experience in the treatment of depression, panic disorder, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and loss & grief. With sensitivity and compassion, I help clients find solutions to a wide range of life challenges and psychological issues.
(650) 209-7713 View (650) 209-7713
Photo of Jessica Urzua-Jones, Marriage & Family Therapist in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Jessica Urzua-Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA 94402
About me: I was born and raised in Santiago, Chile. I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in the state of CA (LMFT 102349). I hold a MA in Counseling Psychology as well as a BA in Latin American Literature and a Minor in German. I have also lived in Lucerne, Switzerland and Munich, Germany. While in Chile, I studied opera.
About me: I was born and raised in Santiago, Chile. I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in the state of CA (LMFT 102349). I hold a MA in Counseling Psychology as well as a BA in Latin American Literature and a Minor in German. I have also lived in Lucerne, Switzerland and Munich, Germany. While in Chile, I studied opera.
(628) 600-0741 View (628) 600-0741
Photo of Lori R. Levitt, MFT #43329, Marriage & Family Therapist in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Lori R. Levitt, MFT #43329
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA 94402
Are you or your teenager in need of support, understanding and new tools to facilitate life's demands and stress? My approach is to provide a supportive, encouraging and positive environment to offer alternative ways of coping. I work with clients using CBT and problem-solving techniques to reduce depression, anxiety, and relationship issues in a supportive and positive environment. My goal is to encourage personal growth by strengthening ones' ability to resolve problems, increase communication, manage mood and anxiety as well as increase self-esteem. My style is active, supportive, collaborative and compassionate.
Are you or your teenager in need of support, understanding and new tools to facilitate life's demands and stress? My approach is to provide a supportive, encouraging and positive environment to offer alternative ways of coping. I work with clients using CBT and problem-solving techniques to reduce depression, anxiety, and relationship issues in a supportive and positive environment. My goal is to encourage personal growth by strengthening ones' ability to resolve problems, increase communication, manage mood and anxiety as well as increase self-esteem. My style is active, supportive, collaborative and compassionate.
(650) 794-4828 View (650) 794-4828
Photo of Michelle Leao, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Michelle Leao, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA 94402
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that works with children, couples, families, and individuals that are experiencing relational challenges in their lives and are in need of healthier emotional experiences and accompanying behaviors. My goal is to help clients navigate the complexities of life with a sense of security, peace, and learning. I have extensive history working with individuals, families and couples who are strained from challenging behaviors, unproductive familial patterns, and ongoing parent-child conflict.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that works with children, couples, families, and individuals that are experiencing relational challenges in their lives and are in need of healthier emotional experiences and accompanying behaviors. My goal is to help clients navigate the complexities of life with a sense of security, peace, and learning. I have extensive history working with individuals, families and couples who are strained from challenging behaviors, unproductive familial patterns, and ongoing parent-child conflict.
(650) 753-8347 View (650) 753-8347
Photo of Lorine Estelle Bay, Marriage & Family Therapist in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Lorine Estelle Bay
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, EXA
Verified Verified
Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA 94402
I am curious about any ways you might have been cut off from parts of your essential nature early in life. As a child perhaps you sang loudly, told jokes, danced and laughed easily and too much - but soon got the message that you should be more composed and quieter. Or perhaps you spoke your mind at the dinner table, but later you learned to keep your sharp wit and astute insights to yourself because you were encouraged to be agreeable. Maybe your independent nature got buried under 6 feet of niceness. The exiled parts emerge as dark moods, irritability, resentment, avoidant or anxious attachment. They surface as symptoms.
I am curious about any ways you might have been cut off from parts of your essential nature early in life. As a child perhaps you sang loudly, told jokes, danced and laughed easily and too much - but soon got the message that you should be more composed and quieter. Or perhaps you spoke your mind at the dinner table, but later you learned to keep your sharp wit and astute insights to yourself because you were encouraged to be agreeable. Maybe your independent nature got buried under 6 feet of niceness. The exiled parts emerge as dark moods, irritability, resentment, avoidant or anxious attachment. They surface as symptoms.
(650) 456-7753 View (650) 456-7753
Photo of Ornit Shoham, Marriage & Family Therapist in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Ornit Shoham
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA 94401
Hello and welcome! I primarily work with adults and teenagers struggling with trauma, depression, and anxiety. Often our inner beliefs have a huge impact on our lives, our sense of self, and our relationships. As your therapist, my main focus is to provide you a safe space that is free-from judgment and offers you a process-oriented approach to identify unconscious feelings and beliefs. I offer a genuine and understanding therapeutic relationship for you to feel held and seen, as we reflect together.
Hello and welcome! I primarily work with adults and teenagers struggling with trauma, depression, and anxiety. Often our inner beliefs have a huge impact on our lives, our sense of self, and our relationships. As your therapist, my main focus is to provide you a safe space that is free-from judgment and offers you a process-oriented approach to identify unconscious feelings and beliefs. I offer a genuine and understanding therapeutic relationship for you to feel held and seen, as we reflect together.
(650) 753-7025 View (650) 753-7025
Photo of Nicole Ridout, Psychologist in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Nicole Ridout
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA 94402  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Ready to break free of emotional blocks to awaken a healthier life? Therapy can help. I am a psychologist with extensive training and experience in helping individuals work through a variety of challenges. I especially enjoy working with 20 and 30 somethings struggling with relationship issues, low self worth, anxiety, perfectionism, work stress and life transitions. My clinical training includes work at several university counseling centers, residential treatment facilities, and children's hospitals. I've held psychologist positions at Stanford University and UCSF.
Ready to break free of emotional blocks to awaken a healthier life? Therapy can help. I am a psychologist with extensive training and experience in helping individuals work through a variety of challenges. I especially enjoy working with 20 and 30 somethings struggling with relationship issues, low self worth, anxiety, perfectionism, work stress and life transitions. My clinical training includes work at several university counseling centers, residential treatment facilities, and children's hospitals. I've held psychologist positions at Stanford University and UCSF.
(415) 969-3481 View (415) 969-3481

Online Therapists

Photo of Pritika Sehgal, Marriage & Family Therapist in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Pritika Sehgal
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94401  (Online Only)
My therapeutic style is grounded in non-judgment and compassion. My focus is on improving holistic well-being and growth. My roots are from India, and being from a different culture, I recognize importance of culture sensitivity and I enjoy working with people from different culture and ethnic backgrounds. I have an empathetic, respectful, and curious approach towards diversity. My background is in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) which offers a variety of coping skills to to create balance and reduce reactions to triggers that cause emotional suffering. Dialectical Behavior Therapy can be helpful in individual and group therapy.
My therapeutic style is grounded in non-judgment and compassion. My focus is on improving holistic well-being and growth. My roots are from India, and being from a different culture, I recognize importance of culture sensitivity and I enjoy working with people from different culture and ethnic backgrounds. I have an empathetic, respectful, and curious approach towards diversity. My background is in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) which offers a variety of coping skills to to create balance and reduce reactions to triggers that cause emotional suffering. Dialectical Behavior Therapy can be helpful in individual and group therapy.
(510) 281-8142 View (510) 281-8142
Photo of Jenna Khoury, Psychologist in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Jenna Khoury
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94403
Welcome and looking forward to connecting! Along with adults, I work with kids, teens, and their parents. I also have a passion for working with couples and families. I take a family systems perspective with all of my clients in order to best understand the presenting problem. I have extensive training in hospital and community mental health settings, which emphasized cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral strategies. With this training and experience, I take an integrated approach with a specific focus on cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral therapy, while also intertwining a family systems perspective.
Welcome and looking forward to connecting! Along with adults, I work with kids, teens, and their parents. I also have a passion for working with couples and families. I take a family systems perspective with all of my clients in order to best understand the presenting problem. I have extensive training in hospital and community mental health settings, which emphasized cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral strategies. With this training and experience, I take an integrated approach with a specific focus on cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral therapy, while also intertwining a family systems perspective.
(650) 718-4590 View (650) 718-4590
Photo of Carly Chan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Carly Chan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94403
I have completed training in a variety of therapy approaches, including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), and the Gottman Method.
Carly Chan takes a holistic approach toward personalized treatment for adults. She specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. She is trained in EMDR and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She will work with you to heal and process while also helping you recognize and grow your natural strengths and resilience.
I have completed training in a variety of therapy approaches, including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), and the Gottman Method.
Carly Chan takes a holistic approach toward personalized treatment for adults. She specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. She is trained in EMDR and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She will work with you to heal and process while also helping you recognize and grow your natural strengths and resilience.
(562) 479-7287 View (562) 479-7287
Photo of Peggy Kwok, Marriage & Family Therapist in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Peggy Kwok
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401  (Online Only)
My theoretical orientation includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
I provide phone and online sessions, please contact me by emails. I have 16 years of experience working with individuals and couples. To me, therapy is a form of healing that helps us find balance and psychological flexibility through a therapeutic process. Whether it is learning more coping skills or arriving to a new insight about ourselves, it is a journey of understanding our lives better. Through that journey, we will learn WHEN and WHAT to let go or to keep. Exploring what serve us purpose now, even the negative behaviors, can help us understand our past, present and future.
My theoretical orientation includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
I provide phone and online sessions, please contact me by emails. I have 16 years of experience working with individuals and couples. To me, therapy is a form of healing that helps us find balance and psychological flexibility through a therapeutic process. Whether it is learning more coping skills or arriving to a new insight about ourselves, it is a journey of understanding our lives better. Through that journey, we will learn WHEN and WHAT to let go or to keep. Exploring what serve us purpose now, even the negative behaviors, can help us understand our past, present and future.
(650) 727-5390 View (650) 727-5390
Photo of Jianan Hu, Psychologist in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Jianan Hu
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94404  (Online Only)
I have expertise in CBT, and also utilize skills from ACT, DBT, and Gottman methods for couples therapy when appropriate.
Welcome to my practice. Are you struggling in your life? Feeling stuck? Unhappy? Unsure of what to change? It's common to experience these things at various points in life. I can help. I always aim to strike a balance between being warm and empathetic, and yet gently challenging clients to bring about necessary changes. I use evidence based practices while remembering that everyone is unique and different. I love learning about people and helping them connect the dots in their lives to understand their past, their triggers or traumas, and how to work towards future goals.
I have expertise in CBT, and also utilize skills from ACT, DBT, and Gottman methods for couples therapy when appropriate.
Welcome to my practice. Are you struggling in your life? Feeling stuck? Unhappy? Unsure of what to change? It's common to experience these things at various points in life. I can help. I always aim to strike a balance between being warm and empathetic, and yet gently challenging clients to bring about necessary changes. I use evidence based practices while remembering that everyone is unique and different. I love learning about people and helping them connect the dots in their lives to understand their past, their triggers or traumas, and how to work towards future goals.
(650) 376-7388 View (650) 376-7388
Photo of Eric Pierson, Psychologist in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Eric Pierson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94401  (Online Only)
I use a number of orientations, from Gestalt and Narrative Therapy, to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral therapy, to build a relationship based on trust, communication, and my knowledge and expertise, to facilitate change.
Therapy can be uncomfortable, and challenging for folks, because it causes them to confront unpleasant emotions or memories. Therapy can be helpful because those unpleasant things are often making people's lives difficult, and therapy can help create a place to better understand and deal with those uncomfortable things. I find that I work best with clients that want to address things that make them uncomfortable, but don't know how to do so, or are reluctant to do it alone.
I use a number of orientations, from Gestalt and Narrative Therapy, to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral therapy, to build a relationship based on trust, communication, and my knowledge and expertise, to facilitate change.
Therapy can be uncomfortable, and challenging for folks, because it causes them to confront unpleasant emotions or memories. Therapy can be helpful because those unpleasant things are often making people's lives difficult, and therapy can help create a place to better understand and deal with those uncomfortable things. I find that I work best with clients that want to address things that make them uncomfortable, but don't know how to do so, or are reluctant to do it alone.
(650) 420-4619 View (650) 420-4619
Photo of Alexis Abbott, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Alexis Abbott
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94402  (Online Only)
I value a strengths-based, humanistic approach and am rooted in ACT, CBT, DBT and mindfulness techniques.
I often work with mid to late teens and adults. I will bring a compassionate, nonjudgmental and empathetic energy into our sessions while understanding that we all may need encouragement sometimes. My hope is that together, we can create the change you wish to see in your life.
I value a strengths-based, humanistic approach and am rooted in ACT, CBT, DBT and mindfulness techniques.
I often work with mid to late teens and adults. I will bring a compassionate, nonjudgmental and empathetic energy into our sessions while understanding that we all may need encouragement sometimes. My hope is that together, we can create the change you wish to see in your life.
(650) 414-4280 View (650) 414-4280
Photo of Ali Nazir, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Haywood Park, San Mateo, CA
Ali Nazir
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401  (Online Only)
These include: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Emigrated from England in 2010, I have over 13 years of clinical experience in the Bay Area. During this time, I have honed skills, therapeutic tools, developed a unique style of engagement to facilitate positive change. I adopt humor, present authentically, and challenge those seeking support appropriately. I offer a therapeutic relationship built on collaboration, respect, accountability, and a safe environment conducive to personal growth. You will be supported to identify the root causes of challenges faced and helped to find effective pathways to achieve individualized goals.
These include: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Emigrated from England in 2010, I have over 13 years of clinical experience in the Bay Area. During this time, I have honed skills, therapeutic tools, developed a unique style of engagement to facilitate positive change. I adopt humor, present authentically, and challenge those seeking support appropriately. I offer a therapeutic relationship built on collaboration, respect, accountability, and a safe environment conducive to personal growth. You will be supported to identify the root causes of challenges faced and helped to find effective pathways to achieve individualized goals.
(650) 910-2131 View (650) 910-2131

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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.