Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in 90016

Photo of Elinor Bawnik, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90016, CA
Elinor Bawnik, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90016  (Online Only)
​I work towards supporting my clients in developing insights, overcome obstacles, and uncovering the version of themselves they seek to find. I understand that in the face of challenges, this becomes an incredibly daunting task. I offer a non-judgmental and compassionate space for clients to feel heard and understood. I work with individuals, couples, and families dealing with anxiety, OCD, personality disorders, relationship issues, and life transitions. I utilize DBT, CBT and ACT along with Narrative Therapy, and Family Systems approaches, incorporating behavioral techniques as needed.
​I work towards supporting my clients in developing insights, overcome obstacles, and uncovering the version of themselves they seek to find. I understand that in the face of challenges, this becomes an incredibly daunting task. I offer a non-judgmental and compassionate space for clients to feel heard and understood. I work with individuals, couples, and families dealing with anxiety, OCD, personality disorders, relationship issues, and life transitions. I utilize DBT, CBT and ACT along with Narrative Therapy, and Family Systems approaches, incorporating behavioral techniques as needed.
(323) 765-3872 View (323) 765-3872
Photo of Brian DeOliveira, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90016, CA
Brian DeOliveira
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016
Some modalities I use include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Seeking Safety Protocol, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Motivational Interviewing.
Do you feel worried, anxious, sad, or depressed? Do you feel this way most of the time? Do your symptoms interfere with your ability to fully participate in work, school, your relationships, or life in general? Almost everyone struggles, to some degree, with emotional difficulties at some point in their life. It's part of being human! But when you feel this way, most of the time, it interferes with leading a happy, full, and balanced life. My goal is always to meet people where they are, to offer support in a judgment-free way, and to do my best to help them reach a full, happy, and satisfying life as they define it for themselves.
Some modalities I use include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Seeking Safety Protocol, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Motivational Interviewing.
Do you feel worried, anxious, sad, or depressed? Do you feel this way most of the time? Do your symptoms interfere with your ability to fully participate in work, school, your relationships, or life in general? Almost everyone struggles, to some degree, with emotional difficulties at some point in their life. It's part of being human! But when you feel this way, most of the time, it interferes with leading a happy, full, and balanced life. My goal is always to meet people where they are, to offer support in a judgment-free way, and to do my best to help them reach a full, happy, and satisfying life as they define it for themselves.
(951) 221-9473 View (951) 221-9473
Photo of Michelle Alexander, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90016, CA
Michelle Alexander
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for connecting with my clients and providing a safe place for healing, and building a happy, hopeful future. I work with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, Pre-marital, marital issues, parenting, adoption, relationship, addiction, and trauma. Although I am eclectic in my approach, my foundation is CBT, DBT, and Solution Focused Therapy.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for connecting with my clients and providing a safe place for healing, and building a happy, hopeful future. I work with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, Pre-marital, marital issues, parenting, adoption, relationship, addiction, and trauma. Although I am eclectic in my approach, my foundation is CBT, DBT, and Solution Focused Therapy.
(657) 571-2185 View (657) 571-2185
Photo of Darick N. Hendrix, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 90016, CA
Darick N. Hendrix
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016
Ready to Reset & Discover? Finding the right therapist can be daunting. While making that decision, consider this! Darick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who specializes in addiction, trauma, family systems and interpersonal relationships while meeting the client "Where they are". He utilizes understanding and compassion, while encouraging you to push your limits, learn and grow. He utilizes a variety of intervention models designed to treat you as an individual; Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Sober Coaching and being a Sober Companion, both therapy supported.
Ready to Reset & Discover? Finding the right therapist can be daunting. While making that decision, consider this! Darick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who specializes in addiction, trauma, family systems and interpersonal relationships while meeting the client "Where they are". He utilizes understanding and compassion, while encouraging you to push your limits, learn and grow. He utilizes a variety of intervention models designed to treat you as an individual; Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Sober Coaching and being a Sober Companion, both therapy supported.
(323) 701-0478 View (323) 701-0478
Photo of Hope Empowers Counseling Services , Marriage & Family Therapist in 90016, CA
Hope Empowers Counseling Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA , LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016
Throughout my career as a therapist, I have been trained in Solution Focused Therapy, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Progressive Counting.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Kern County. I have treated both adults, adolescents, and couples who have struggled with depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, bipolar, ODD, and relational stressors. I also enjoy working with transitional youth between the ages of 16-21yrs old assisting with goal setting and developing meaningful living. I further have experience working with clients on spiritual and faith matters.
Throughout my career as a therapist, I have been trained in Solution Focused Therapy, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Progressive Counting.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Kern County. I have treated both adults, adolescents, and couples who have struggled with depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, bipolar, ODD, and relational stressors. I also enjoy working with transitional youth between the ages of 16-21yrs old assisting with goal setting and developing meaningful living. I further have experience working with clients on spiritual and faith matters.
(661) 475-8072 View (661) 475-8072
Photo of Megan Quinn, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 90016, CA
Megan Quinn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016
I pull from a multitude of therapeutic approaches, most commonly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, but absolutely from a client-centered perspective.
Hi! My name is Megan Quinn, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 5 years of clinical practice and am passionate about helping my clients find a sense of self, purpose, healing, and growth. I work with clients who experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, mood disorders, as well as psychotic episodes. Symptoms that one will experience can range in severity and can fluctuate greatly from day to day and my goal is to help each client understand their own symptoms, triggers, and coping skills.
I pull from a multitude of therapeutic approaches, most commonly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, but absolutely from a client-centered perspective.
Hi! My name is Megan Quinn, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 5 years of clinical practice and am passionate about helping my clients find a sense of self, purpose, healing, and growth. I work with clients who experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, mood disorders, as well as psychotic episodes. Symptoms that one will experience can range in severity and can fluctuate greatly from day to day and my goal is to help each client understand their own symptoms, triggers, and coping skills.
(916) 892-0823 View (916) 892-0823
Photo of Sarah Robilotta, Licensed Professional Counselor in 90016, CA
Sarah Robilotta
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016
I do also have extensive experience in skills-based models such as anger management and also do Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for clients specifically looking for these services.
My name is Sarah Robilotta and I'm a LPCC with over 10 years of experience. My approach to therapy is to threat the whole person outside of the vacuum of their here and now and looking at core issues causing the member's current presenting problems. I mainly treat adults and adolescents and offer both individual and group sessions. I treat a variety of conditions including Substance Use Disorders, Mood disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder, GAD and other Anxiety Disorders, PTSD and Bipolar Disorder.
I do also have extensive experience in skills-based models such as anger management and also do Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for clients specifically looking for these services.
My name is Sarah Robilotta and I'm a LPCC with over 10 years of experience. My approach to therapy is to threat the whole person outside of the vacuum of their here and now and looking at core issues causing the member's current presenting problems. I mainly treat adults and adolescents and offer both individual and group sessions. I treat a variety of conditions including Substance Use Disorders, Mood disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder, GAD and other Anxiety Disorders, PTSD and Bipolar Disorder.
(951) 494-4094 View (951) 494-4094
Photo of Emma Crissman, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90016, CA
Emma Crissman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016
My name is Emma Crissman, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Orange County, CA and working statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents and adults and specialize in developmental trauma or trauma using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and the NeuroAffective Relational Model. I typically work with individuals who have experienced developmental trauma or went through a traumatic event in their life that later show up as symptoms of depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Individuals may be experiencing challenges in their intimate relationships or present with a poor sense of self.
My name is Emma Crissman, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Orange County, CA and working statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents and adults and specialize in developmental trauma or trauma using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and the NeuroAffective Relational Model. I typically work with individuals who have experienced developmental trauma or went through a traumatic event in their life that later show up as symptoms of depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Individuals may be experiencing challenges in their intimate relationships or present with a poor sense of self.
(323) 977-7740 View (323) 977-7740
Photo of Karen Napack, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90016, CA
Karen Napack
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016
I utilize many different therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Intergenerational Therapy, and Emotional Freedom Technique.
I have a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and a Doctorate in Psychology, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. It is my belief that it is vital to lead life comfortably in one’s own body physically, spiritually, and emotionally. This includes exploring and learning the skills necessary to achieve good emotional and mental health. I enjoy collaborating with clients to find the right skills that will help them achieve their goals.
I utilize many different therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Intergenerational Therapy, and Emotional Freedom Technique.
I have a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and a Doctorate in Psychology, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. It is my belief that it is vital to lead life comfortably in one’s own body physically, spiritually, and emotionally. This includes exploring and learning the skills necessary to achieve good emotional and mental health. I enjoy collaborating with clients to find the right skills that will help them achieve their goals.
(805) 590-2623 View (805) 590-2623
Photo of Kristen Sherman, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90016, CA
Kristen Sherman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016
I am an intensively trained DBT therapist who has had advanced intensive DBT training along with DBT training in treating trauma with Prolonged Exposure therapy by Melanie Harned.
Hello, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist who works with adults and adolescents. I provide client centered therapy to help clients who are looking to improve their life worth living. I help those who suffer from painful emotions, dysregulating thoughts and ineffective behaviors that leads them to feel numb or avoid life. The most important part of therapy is the relationship we build together. I am passionate about helping individuals and families break the stigma of mental health issues and create a life worth living.
I am an intensively trained DBT therapist who has had advanced intensive DBT training along with DBT training in treating trauma with Prolonged Exposure therapy by Melanie Harned.
Hello, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist who works with adults and adolescents. I provide client centered therapy to help clients who are looking to improve their life worth living. I help those who suffer from painful emotions, dysregulating thoughts and ineffective behaviors that leads them to feel numb or avoid life. The most important part of therapy is the relationship we build together. I am passionate about helping individuals and families break the stigma of mental health issues and create a life worth living.
(562) 526-1430 View (562) 526-1430
Photo of Catherine Speckmann, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 90016, CA
Catherine Speckmann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016
My name is Catherine, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Psychotherapist with a solid background working with clients that are experiencing Substance Use Disorders, Mood Disorders, Anxiety, and Grief Issues. I accept clients at all stages of the lifespan from 12 and up. My approach is client-centered and focused on empowerment. I use a strength-based philosophy and feel that the therapeutic relationship is of utmost importance. I use Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies to improve coping strategies. I meet my clients where they are and assist them to get to where they want to be.
My name is Catherine, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Psychotherapist with a solid background working with clients that are experiencing Substance Use Disorders, Mood Disorders, Anxiety, and Grief Issues. I accept clients at all stages of the lifespan from 12 and up. My approach is client-centered and focused on empowerment. I use a strength-based philosophy and feel that the therapeutic relationship is of utmost importance. I use Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies to improve coping strategies. I meet my clients where they are and assist them to get to where they want to be.
(323) 529-0964 View (323) 529-0964
Photo of Believe Psychology Group, Inc., Psychologist in 90016, CA
Believe Psychology Group, Inc.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016
I am also certified as a Trauma Specialist, a DBT therapist & possess multicultural competency.
Are you seeking Healing, Personal Growth & Empowerment? Are you a teen or young adult (age 18-35). This period in your life has the potential to be filled with the best memories of youth and freedom but are often weighed down by anxiety and feelings of sadness. Have you experienced difficulties in being a student, an early career professional, a new parent/spouse or an artist (actor, musician or creative soul)? Now is the time to move past your past, embrace your present and design your future. Learn how to develop emotional safety, remove creative blocks, recapture your purpose and focus, and improve your performance skills.
I am also certified as a Trauma Specialist, a DBT therapist & possess multicultural competency.
Are you seeking Healing, Personal Growth & Empowerment? Are you a teen or young adult (age 18-35). This period in your life has the potential to be filled with the best memories of youth and freedom but are often weighed down by anxiety and feelings of sadness. Have you experienced difficulties in being a student, an early career professional, a new parent/spouse or an artist (actor, musician or creative soul)? Now is the time to move past your past, embrace your present and design your future. Learn how to develop emotional safety, remove creative blocks, recapture your purpose and focus, and improve your performance skills.
(213) 297-3921 View (213) 297-3921
Photo of Sarah McGrew, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 90016, CA
Sarah McGrew
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016  (Online Only)
You are the expert on your life and I believe that therapy is most helpful when it provides a safe space for you to be vulnerable and gain insight into what is not working for you and how to change it. I am transparent and warm and will approach you with compassion, humor, and openness. I'm an expert in trauma treatment with over 10 years working with people in all stages of the life cycle who have experienced traumatic events as well as anxiety, depression, anger, interpersonal and relational issues, life transitions, and parent-child and family conflict.
You are the expert on your life and I believe that therapy is most helpful when it provides a safe space for you to be vulnerable and gain insight into what is not working for you and how to change it. I am transparent and warm and will approach you with compassion, humor, and openness. I'm an expert in trauma treatment with over 10 years working with people in all stages of the life cycle who have experienced traumatic events as well as anxiety, depression, anger, interpersonal and relational issues, life transitions, and parent-child and family conflict.
(310) 818-7156 View (310) 818-7156
Photo of Eden Marchant, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 90016, CA
Eden Marchant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016
Hello, my name is Eden Marchant. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I have over 20 years of experience working with youth, families, and adults. I am passionate about helping people meet their desired goals, heal, and transform. I offer a variety of therapeutic approaches based on the needs of the client. These approaches include Psychodynamic, CBT, Mindfulness, Strength Based, and Future Focused. In collaboration with the client these approaches reduce or alleviate mental health symptoms, resolve personal issues, and positive changes in their life.
Hello, my name is Eden Marchant. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I have over 20 years of experience working with youth, families, and adults. I am passionate about helping people meet their desired goals, heal, and transform. I offer a variety of therapeutic approaches based on the needs of the client. These approaches include Psychodynamic, CBT, Mindfulness, Strength Based, and Future Focused. In collaboration with the client these approaches reduce or alleviate mental health symptoms, resolve personal issues, and positive changes in their life.
(424) 588-6820 View (424) 588-6820
Photo of Megan Stanley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 90016, CA
Megan Stanley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016  (Online Only)
Do you find yourself trying to make everyone around you happy, even if that means you go unseen? You worry people won’t like you if you don’t get everything just right and even still you never feel appreciated for everything you do. And when someone does recognize your efforts? You hide from the spotlight, protesting that it wasn’t a big deal anyway. Everytime you put the work in or try something new, that nagging voice says “not good enough, try harder”, so you stay in your comfort zone. Turns out, the comfort zone isn’t very comfortable. Other people say you seem so put together, but when you look around, all you see is failure.
Do you find yourself trying to make everyone around you happy, even if that means you go unseen? You worry people won’t like you if you don’t get everything just right and even still you never feel appreciated for everything you do. And when someone does recognize your efforts? You hide from the spotlight, protesting that it wasn’t a big deal anyway. Everytime you put the work in or try something new, that nagging voice says “not good enough, try harder”, so you stay in your comfort zone. Turns out, the comfort zone isn’t very comfortable. Other people say you seem so put together, but when you look around, all you see is failure.
(424) 370-1749 View (424) 370-1749
Photo of Stephanie J Hubbard, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90016, CA
Stephanie J Hubbard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90016
I offer in person, outdoor eco-garden sessions (w/ indoor & phone when needed.) I laugh a lot with my clients and though the work of healing can be painful, my clients usually begin to feel better and keep coming. I work well with creative people, BIPOC, and across the spectrums of straight to queer and mono to poly. I have specializations in Psychoanalytic psychotherapy, Mindfulness, Buddhist and Existential psychotherapy and a background in philosophy. I collaborate with your highest functioning self to support your confused, critical, scared young parts. The psyche is resilient and thrives on love and therapeutic attention.
I offer in person, outdoor eco-garden sessions (w/ indoor & phone when needed.) I laugh a lot with my clients and though the work of healing can be painful, my clients usually begin to feel better and keep coming. I work well with creative people, BIPOC, and across the spectrums of straight to queer and mono to poly. I have specializations in Psychoanalytic psychotherapy, Mindfulness, Buddhist and Existential psychotherapy and a background in philosophy. I collaborate with your highest functioning self to support your confused, critical, scared young parts. The psyche is resilient and thrives on love and therapeutic attention.
(323) 999-5341 View (323) 999-5341
Photo of Dorise H Hebenstreit, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 90016, CA
Dorise H Hebenstreit
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA/AMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016  (Online Only)
Hello, welcome, and thank you for this opportunity to introduce myself. My focus is to help individuals and families heal from challenging life situations. I specialize in children, adolescents, individuals, families, and couples. As the therapeutic area of concern is introduced we can begin to work together in developing empowerment of self as we set up together healthy and achievable goals. As we establish our therapeutic relationship in empathy, communication, safety, and trust I will work alongside you to develop specific coping tools in a positive direction and further your strengths and resilience for your areas of concern.
Hello, welcome, and thank you for this opportunity to introduce myself. My focus is to help individuals and families heal from challenging life situations. I specialize in children, adolescents, individuals, families, and couples. As the therapeutic area of concern is introduced we can begin to work together in developing empowerment of self as we set up together healthy and achievable goals. As we establish our therapeutic relationship in empathy, communication, safety, and trust I will work alongside you to develop specific coping tools in a positive direction and further your strengths and resilience for your areas of concern.
(657) 223-8006 View (657) 223-8006
Photo of Jean Lundquist, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 90016, CA
Jean Lundquist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016  (Online Only)
My work emphasizes a nonjudgmental and accepting approach towards mental health as it takes immense courage to begin to ask for the support that most of us need at least one point in our life. I work with individuals that experience sudden shifts in their mood, have difficulty regulating their emotions, anxiety, depression, obsessions and compulsions, addiction, body image issues, trauma, and the natural difficulties that arise with living life in our busy modern day society. I start from a trauma informed lens that utilizes multiple evidence based practices including ACT, CBT, and somatic based interventions.
My work emphasizes a nonjudgmental and accepting approach towards mental health as it takes immense courage to begin to ask for the support that most of us need at least one point in our life. I work with individuals that experience sudden shifts in their mood, have difficulty regulating their emotions, anxiety, depression, obsessions and compulsions, addiction, body image issues, trauma, and the natural difficulties that arise with living life in our busy modern day society. I start from a trauma informed lens that utilizes multiple evidence based practices including ACT, CBT, and somatic based interventions.
(323) 675-2729 View (323) 675-2729
Photo of Jerron Tatum, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 90016, CA
Jerron Tatum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016
Jerron Tatum is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California who has been practicing since 2012. Do you feel pulled in a million directions, unable to fit it all in? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work, and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? Jerron helps high performers manage anxiety and avoid burnout. Together, you can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. Together you'll use a whole self-approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body, and spirit.
Jerron Tatum is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California who has been practicing since 2012. Do you feel pulled in a million directions, unable to fit it all in? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work, and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? Jerron helps high performers manage anxiety and avoid burnout. Together, you can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. Together you'll use a whole self-approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body, and spirit.
(628) 313-5683 View (628) 313-5683
Photo of Claudia Villierme, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90016, CA
Claudia Villierme
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016
My name is, Claudia Villierme, M.Ed., MFT, & APCC. I extend a comfortable and warm approach to therapeutic session work. While topics within our session may be complex, I believe the process of building rapport, listening, reflecting, and brainstorming our options can be simple. By offering a combination of therapies (depending on your needs), I approach most clients with a trauma-informed approach (understanding that most of us have had trauma and adversities in our past). I intend to build a rapport and a safe space where we can find a therapeutic approach for your care- as an individual.
My name is, Claudia Villierme, M.Ed., MFT, & APCC. I extend a comfortable and warm approach to therapeutic session work. While topics within our session may be complex, I believe the process of building rapport, listening, reflecting, and brainstorming our options can be simple. By offering a combination of therapies (depending on your needs), I approach most clients with a trauma-informed approach (understanding that most of us have had trauma and adversities in our past). I intend to build a rapport and a safe space where we can find a therapeutic approach for your care- as an individual.
(619) 914-6576 View (619) 914-6576
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.