Photo of Kendra Hadley, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Santa Rosa, CA
Kendra Hadley
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
I am a proponent of Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and borrow heavily from Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) along with healthy doses of person-centered and motivational interviewing techniques.
Hi, there! My name is Kendra Hadley, and I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of California (LPCC 14503). My areas of expertise are addiction, mental health, trauma, and couples counseling. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities and interventions to help people become the best possible versions of themselves. I work primarily with a culturally diverse population of young adults who struggle with a variety of habits and hang-ups, i.e. drug and alcohol addiction, process addiction (i.e. sex, gaming, etc.), and more.
I am a proponent of Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and borrow heavily from Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) along with healthy doses of person-centered and motivational interviewing techniques.
Hi, there! My name is Kendra Hadley, and I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of California (LPCC 14503). My areas of expertise are addiction, mental health, trauma, and couples counseling. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities and interventions to help people become the best possible versions of themselves. I work primarily with a culturally diverse population of young adults who struggle with a variety of habits and hang-ups, i.e. drug and alcohol addiction, process addiction (i.e. sex, gaming, etc.), and more.
(858) 381-9751 View (858) 381-9751
Photo of Tim Quinn, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Rosa, CA
Tim Quinn, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Rosa, CA 95403  (Online Only)
I enjoy working collaboratively with individuals and couples to resolve concerns related to work/school, relationships, and life goals, among others. To accomplish this, I utilize scientifically-validated treatments such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused, and Reality Therapy while also incorporating movies, music, books, video games, and other creative interventions to engage clients and compliment traditional treatment modalities.
I enjoy working collaboratively with individuals and couples to resolve concerns related to work/school, relationships, and life goals, among others. To accomplish this, I utilize scientifically-validated treatments such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused, and Reality Therapy while also incorporating movies, music, books, video games, and other creative interventions to engage clients and compliment traditional treatment modalities.
(209) 780-0873 View (209) 780-0873
Photo of Jacqueline Eyerly, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Rosa, CA
Jacqueline Eyerly
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
I am primarily a Person Centered/Humanistic therapist but also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as well as other modalities to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
My name is Jacqueline Eyerly, and I am a (M.S.) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) , and (M.A.) Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), and have additional education, as an Ed.D in Counseling Psychologist. I am based in Playa Vista, California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults/couples and specialize in anxiety, stress, marriage counseling, ADHD, Trauma Issues, Intimacy and sexual issues. I have also worked with LBGTQ+ community for a number of years in the West Hollywood area.
I am primarily a Person Centered/Humanistic therapist but also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as well as other modalities to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
My name is Jacqueline Eyerly, and I am a (M.S.) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) , and (M.A.) Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), and have additional education, as an Ed.D in Counseling Psychologist. I am based in Playa Vista, California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults/couples and specialize in anxiety, stress, marriage counseling, ADHD, Trauma Issues, Intimacy and sexual issues. I have also worked with LBGTQ+ community for a number of years in the West Hollywood area.
(619) 975-4255 View (619) 975-4255
Photo of Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, Psychologist in Santa Rosa, CA
Dr. Jennifer Dragonette
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
I have deep experience utilizing ACT, DBT, Trauma-Informed Care, and Mindfulness-Based treatments for anxiety, trauma recovery and depression.
As humans, it is natural to experience periods of intense difficulty, particularly when feeling overwhelmed by competing demands or relationship patterns that are no longer effective. Therapy can be a resource to help navigate healthy and authentic relationships, restore life balance, calm anxious thoughts, and regain overall wellbeing. I believe that we teach others how to treat us, and that setting effective and graceful boundaries is an attainable goal. When emotions become overpowering, our tendency is to avoid them, yet they provide important information that can be used to inform and move toward the life you want to live.
I have deep experience utilizing ACT, DBT, Trauma-Informed Care, and Mindfulness-Based treatments for anxiety, trauma recovery and depression.
As humans, it is natural to experience periods of intense difficulty, particularly when feeling overwhelmed by competing demands or relationship patterns that are no longer effective. Therapy can be a resource to help navigate healthy and authentic relationships, restore life balance, calm anxious thoughts, and regain overall wellbeing. I believe that we teach others how to treat us, and that setting effective and graceful boundaries is an attainable goal. When emotions become overpowering, our tendency is to avoid them, yet they provide important information that can be used to inform and move toward the life you want to live.
(707) 309-0851 View (707) 309-0851
Photo of Sandy Peace, Psychologist in Santa Rosa, CA
Sandy Peace
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
If you are ready for change in your life therapy is a great catalyst! I am an integrative therapist utilizing a variety of modalities tailored to individuals', partners', and groups' needs: mindfulness, somatic, CBT, DBT, EMDR, brief psychodynamic, existential, humanistic, and relational. I work with a wide range of presenting concerns such as: identity development, life transitions, relationship enhancement, empowered communication, family issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar, personality disorders, addiction, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, polyamory/open relationships.
If you are ready for change in your life therapy is a great catalyst! I am an integrative therapist utilizing a variety of modalities tailored to individuals', partners', and groups' needs: mindfulness, somatic, CBT, DBT, EMDR, brief psychodynamic, existential, humanistic, and relational. I work with a wide range of presenting concerns such as: identity development, life transitions, relationship enhancement, empowered communication, family issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar, personality disorders, addiction, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, polyamory/open relationships.
(707) 329-3338 View (707) 329-3338
Photo of Keystone Therapy & Training Services, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Rosa, CA
Keystone Therapy & Training Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
Sometimes looking for what you need is harder than you thought. Our Keystone team provides services that meet people in the different stages in their lives and goes along side you through your own self-determined growth process.
Sometimes looking for what you need is harder than you thought. Our Keystone team provides services that meet people in the different stages in their lives and goes along side you through your own self-determined growth process.
(707) 602-3812 View (707) 602-3812
Photo of Aleta Greenspan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Rosa, CA
Aleta Greenspan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
The word “heal” comes from “to make whole.” Psychotherapy, more aptly psyche-therapy, is a sacred process of tending to the soul wound and waking more fully to one’s aliveness and inherent wholeness. I am deeply passionate about supporting you in healing the fragmented and disowned parts of self that hinder you from living a life of meaningful connections, purposeful self-agency and joy. We work collaboratively to creatively transform unconscious and limiting belief structures, access your resiliencies, welcome emerging truths, skillfully navigate adversity with new tools, and integrate insights for profound and evolving change.
The word “heal” comes from “to make whole.” Psychotherapy, more aptly psyche-therapy, is a sacred process of tending to the soul wound and waking more fully to one’s aliveness and inherent wholeness. I am deeply passionate about supporting you in healing the fragmented and disowned parts of self that hinder you from living a life of meaningful connections, purposeful self-agency and joy. We work collaboratively to creatively transform unconscious and limiting belief structures, access your resiliencies, welcome emerging truths, skillfully navigate adversity with new tools, and integrate insights for profound and evolving change.
(707) 475-3119 View (707) 475-3119
Photo of Sophora Acheson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Rosa, CA
Sophora Acheson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95405  (Online Only)
We've all experienced times of confusion, anger, and sadness, wanting for a safe and accepting space to navigate life's challenges. I'm dedicated to providing that place for you, helping you heal the parts that may feel lost and overwhelmed. As a compassionate straightforward Licensed Therapist, I specialize in EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parts and Attachment Work. Together, we'll build the tool box you need for emotion regulation, fulfilling relationships, and to managing life's ups and downs with resilience.
We've all experienced times of confusion, anger, and sadness, wanting for a safe and accepting space to navigate life's challenges. I'm dedicated to providing that place for you, helping you heal the parts that may feel lost and overwhelmed. As a compassionate straightforward Licensed Therapist, I specialize in EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parts and Attachment Work. Together, we'll build the tool box you need for emotion regulation, fulfilling relationships, and to managing life's ups and downs with resilience.
(916) 432-2626 View (916) 432-2626
Photo of Michael H Kreitsek in Santa Rosa, CA
Michael H Kreitsek
MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Clients often come to me during a deep life transition of some kind. They are looking for clarity and deeper meaning. They are motivated, and sometimes afraid to change. Issues of grief and death, relationship, career change, loss or aging often show up; a sense of "Who am I? What next? Where am I going? Where have I been?" Many times clients are looking for deeper spiritual awareness, either wanting to renew abandoned practices, or looking for something beyond their past experience. In each case they are looking to connect more directly with life and find methods to do so. They are looking for greater balance, peace and stability.
Clients often come to me during a deep life transition of some kind. They are looking for clarity and deeper meaning. They are motivated, and sometimes afraid to change. Issues of grief and death, relationship, career change, loss or aging often show up; a sense of "Who am I? What next? Where am I going? Where have I been?" Many times clients are looking for deeper spiritual awareness, either wanting to renew abandoned practices, or looking for something beyond their past experience. In each case they are looking to connect more directly with life and find methods to do so. They are looking for greater balance, peace and stability.
(805) 608-3408 View (805) 608-3408
Photo of Lisa Marie Tannehill, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Rosa, CA
Lisa Marie Tannehill
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Hi! I'm so glad you're here. Welcome to my profile. Many of the clients I've worked with have experienced a sense of feeling stuck in some area of their life whether it's in their relationships with themselves or with others. They desire for their life to look different, but are at a loss of how to create the change they're longing for and only end up feeling anxious, depressed, or attempting to fill the void or distract from the feelings of overwhelm that a different way of life is possible.
Hi! I'm so glad you're here. Welcome to my profile. Many of the clients I've worked with have experienced a sense of feeling stuck in some area of their life whether it's in their relationships with themselves or with others. They desire for their life to look different, but are at a loss of how to create the change they're longing for and only end up feeling anxious, depressed, or attempting to fill the void or distract from the feelings of overwhelm that a different way of life is possible.
(626) 247-3306 View (626) 247-3306
Photo of Christina Trindade, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Rosa, CA
Christina Trindade
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
My name is Christina Trindade and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Modesto, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with couples and individuals specializing in anxiety, stress, phase of life adjustments, and relational distress utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Strategic Therapy, and Gottman theories to help my clients make progress, heal relationships, and start feeling better.
My name is Christina Trindade and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Modesto, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with couples and individuals specializing in anxiety, stress, phase of life adjustments, and relational distress utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Strategic Therapy, and Gottman theories to help my clients make progress, heal relationships, and start feeling better.
(559) 702-5122 View (559) 702-5122
Photo of Rhizome Wellness Collective , Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Rosa, CA
Rhizome Wellness Collective
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Are you a queer or trans person feeling the weight of the world right now? Are you a radical fighting The System, but also fighting yourself? Maybe you are just an all-around misfit who hasn't felt comfortable in therapy offices in the past. Our group practice is for you! We are a team of dynamic and active therapists who meet you where you are at. Our therapists can support a wide range of issues including difficult life transitions (work, school, relationships, new baby), processing deeper emotional wounds/trauma, and day-to-day anxiety/depression. We also specialize in supporting our trans siblings in their gender transitions.
Are you a queer or trans person feeling the weight of the world right now? Are you a radical fighting The System, but also fighting yourself? Maybe you are just an all-around misfit who hasn't felt comfortable in therapy offices in the past. Our group practice is for you! We are a team of dynamic and active therapists who meet you where you are at. Our therapists can support a wide range of issues including difficult life transitions (work, school, relationships, new baby), processing deeper emotional wounds/trauma, and day-to-day anxiety/depression. We also specialize in supporting our trans siblings in their gender transitions.
(707) 985-7336 View (707) 985-7336

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Lucia C Cargill in Santa Rosa, CA
Lucia C Cargill
PhD, MSN, MA, PHN, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Sebastopol, CA 95473
Greetings! Welcome to our multidisciplinary, holistic, integrative mental health coaching practice. We are open to new ideas from Integrative/Functional Medicine, supportive care for your psychiatric needs, drug free care, and nutritional support. We believe whole body health is the best way to good brain health. Good brain health impacts mental health. We invite you to a different approach to brain health and mental health through coaching and support for referrals to the best functional medicine providers sourcing balance, resolution of inflammation & for all your whole body-mind-spirit healing. We invite you to join us for care.
Greetings! Welcome to our multidisciplinary, holistic, integrative mental health coaching practice. We are open to new ideas from Integrative/Functional Medicine, supportive care for your psychiatric needs, drug free care, and nutritional support. We believe whole body health is the best way to good brain health. Good brain health impacts mental health. We invite you to a different approach to brain health and mental health through coaching and support for referrals to the best functional medicine providers sourcing balance, resolution of inflammation & for all your whole body-mind-spirit healing. We invite you to join us for care.
View

Online Therapists

Photo of Chantel Lockridge Weigel, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Rosa, CA
Chantel Lockridge Weigel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lodi, CA 95240
My name is Chantel Weigel, licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I believe in a client-centered, evidenced based approach to therapy. I love helping people find effective methods to improve overall feelings of wellness in their life in addition to helping move past temporary stressors. I work with people of all ages, children through adults. I specialize in anxiety disorders, life transitions, and depression. I utilize solution-focused, client centered therapy sessions. This often includes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and motivational interviewing.
My name is Chantel Weigel, licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I believe in a client-centered, evidenced based approach to therapy. I love helping people find effective methods to improve overall feelings of wellness in their life in addition to helping move past temporary stressors. I work with people of all ages, children through adults. I specialize in anxiety disorders, life transitions, and depression. I utilize solution-focused, client centered therapy sessions. This often includes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and motivational interviewing.
(209) 375-4508 View (209) 375-4508
Photo of Ashley Bascherini, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Rosa, CA
Ashley Bascherini
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I have been intensively trained in DBT and Gottman Couples Method and have been using that practice to train, consult, and provide therapy services for diverse populations.
Thank you for your interest in my practice! I offer my support to people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations. I have a focus on clients who are going through large transitions or grief, deal with anxiety and depression, who have experienced trauma and PTSD, and are over all looking to discover their life’s course. A genuine relationship is at the root of my practice. My hope is that my clients feel they can enter the therapy room as their authentic selves and that they feel an authentic person is also sitting in front of them.
I have been intensively trained in DBT and Gottman Couples Method and have been using that practice to train, consult, and provide therapy services for diverse populations.
Thank you for your interest in my practice! I offer my support to people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations. I have a focus on clients who are going through large transitions or grief, deal with anxiety and depression, who have experienced trauma and PTSD, and are over all looking to discover their life’s course. A genuine relationship is at the root of my practice. My hope is that my clients feel they can enter the therapy room as their authentic selves and that they feel an authentic person is also sitting in front of them.
(510) 201-5583 View (510) 201-5583
Photo of Raven Westhoelter, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Rosa, CA
Raven Westhoelter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94520  (Online Only)
These include: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, Exposure Therapy, Attachment Theory and Mindfulness.
I specialize in treating Complex PTSD, Panic, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, gender and sexuality exploration, monogamous and poly relationships, and sexual difficulties. I help people explore and discover who they want to be, what kind of life they want to live, and what they can do to make it their reality. I enjoy helping clients discover who they are and how to find and engage with community.
These include: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, Exposure Therapy, Attachment Theory and Mindfulness.
I specialize in treating Complex PTSD, Panic, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, gender and sexuality exploration, monogamous and poly relationships, and sexual difficulties. I help people explore and discover who they want to be, what kind of life they want to live, and what they can do to make it their reality. I enjoy helping clients discover who they are and how to find and engage with community.
(510) 768-8044 View (510) 768-8044
Photo of Sofia Collins, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Rosa, CA
Sofia Collins
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
I am certified in Gottman Level One Couples Therapy, Mental Health First Aid, & Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with over half a decade of experience, I have had the great pleasure in serving individuals, couples, families, and therapy groups in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. I have provided therapy services for folks aged 5 to 65, couples, families, trauma survivors, students, and LGBTQIA individuals and couples, supporting them in navigating difficult developmental milestones, career and life stressors, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance dependency, and much more.
I am certified in Gottman Level One Couples Therapy, Mental Health First Aid, & Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with over half a decade of experience, I have had the great pleasure in serving individuals, couples, families, and therapy groups in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. I have provided therapy services for folks aged 5 to 65, couples, families, trauma survivors, students, and LGBTQIA individuals and couples, supporting them in navigating difficult developmental milestones, career and life stressors, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance dependency, and much more.
(707) 395-6532 View (707) 395-6532
Photo of Marli Diniz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Rosa, CA
Marli Diniz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
Campbell, CA 95008  (Online Only)
Are you feeling depressed, anxious or having relationship issues? You don't have to feel that way. I'm a compassionate therapist who can help you have a joyful life. For 15 years, I've used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in English, Spanish and Portuguese to help adults, couples and teens. I primarily use CBT, but depending upon what's best for you, I use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Positive Psychology. I treat depression, anxiety, relationship issues, PTSD, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sexual issues, and victims of sexual and physical abuse.
Are you feeling depressed, anxious or having relationship issues? You don't have to feel that way. I'm a compassionate therapist who can help you have a joyful life. For 15 years, I've used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in English, Spanish and Portuguese to help adults, couples and teens. I primarily use CBT, but depending upon what's best for you, I use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Positive Psychology. I treat depression, anxiety, relationship issues, PTSD, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sexual issues, and victims of sexual and physical abuse.
(408) 217-0937 View (408) 217-0937
Photo of Ron Austin MS, LMFT 925-949-6349, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Rosa, CA
Ron Austin MS, LMFT 925-949-6349
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117  (Online Only)
25 plus years of experience in all areas of counseling. - Clinical Director Substance Abuse - Directed County Mental Health Teams , including Crisis and Children's Mental Health - Adjunct faculty at two Universities totaling 20 years - Juvenile Justice experience I enjoy working with couples and adults as they sort through the challenges of life. I make every attempt to help develop change for a healthy lifestyles. I am skilled in CBT, DBT, and Solution Focused treatments.
25 plus years of experience in all areas of counseling. - Clinical Director Substance Abuse - Directed County Mental Health Teams , including Crisis and Children's Mental Health - Adjunct faculty at two Universities totaling 20 years - Juvenile Justice experience I enjoy working with couples and adults as they sort through the challenges of life. I make every attempt to help develop change for a healthy lifestyles. I am skilled in CBT, DBT, and Solution Focused treatments.
(925) 478-2536 View (925) 478-2536
Photo of Michelle Cherry, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Rosa, CA
Michelle Cherry
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95032
In Person Sessions Available. I provide Couples Therapy, including; Marital, Infidelity, relationship sexual concerns, and Individual Therapy for Anxiety, PMDD and PME. I help couples deepen their intimacy, improve communication, and resolve long standing conflicts. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman, Sex Therapy Informed, and 3rd wave Behavioral Approaches (DBT, ACT).
In Person Sessions Available. I provide Couples Therapy, including; Marital, Infidelity, relationship sexual concerns, and Individual Therapy for Anxiety, PMDD and PME. I help couples deepen their intimacy, improve communication, and resolve long standing conflicts. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman, Sex Therapy Informed, and 3rd wave Behavioral Approaches (DBT, ACT).
(408) 539-7634 View (408) 539-7634
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.