Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Jackson County, OR

Marie L. Barlow
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Medford, OR 97501
My approach to therapy began with a passion for working with individuals affected by past trauma. Throughout my professional development, I have integrated a humanistic/existential approach to treatment, incorporated spirituality as appropriate, and discovered the effectiveness of applying a theoretical orientation based on client presentation rather than therapist preference. In my career I have been fortunate enough to train in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) which added a much-needed behavioral component to my approach, and I have found this treatment modality (as well as CBT) to be helpful for clients across the board.
My approach to therapy began with a passion for working with individuals affected by past trauma. Throughout my professional development, I have integrated a humanistic/existential approach to treatment, incorporated spirituality as appropriate, and discovered the effectiveness of applying a theoretical orientation based on client presentation rather than therapist preference. In my career I have been fortunate enough to train in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) which added a much-needed behavioral component to my approach, and I have found this treatment modality (as well as CBT) to be helpful for clients across the board.
(541) 209-5532 View (541) 209-5532
Photo of Jentry Holthus, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, OR
Jentry Holthus
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medford, OR 97504  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My clients present with a variety of concerns including mood concerns, needs for healthy coping tools, substance use issues, goals for improving relationships, and processing through trauma history. I offer individual, couples, and family counseling and use a variety of research-based methods including DBT, CBT, Person-Centered Therapy, Addictions Counseling, Trauma-Informed Counseling, and others in order to support those who wish to explore their strengths and weaknesses, explore potential for change, and put change plans into action. I also have a history of work with individuals dealing with psychosis and other disabilities.
My clients present with a variety of concerns including mood concerns, needs for healthy coping tools, substance use issues, goals for improving relationships, and processing through trauma history. I offer individual, couples, and family counseling and use a variety of research-based methods including DBT, CBT, Person-Centered Therapy, Addictions Counseling, Trauma-Informed Counseling, and others in order to support those who wish to explore their strengths and weaknesses, explore potential for change, and put change plans into action. I also have a history of work with individuals dealing with psychosis and other disabilities.
(458) 209-3082 View (458) 209-3082
Photo of Heather Pleasant Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, OR
Heather Pleasant Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Central Point, OR 97502
Waitlist for new clients
I have training in evidenced based practices such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT), Internal Family Systems Therapy, and more.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and work with a delightful therapy dog, Piper. With so much happening in the world and our own "backyard" it can fee overwhelming. I offer Telehealth services if indicated and most insurance providers are making this easier during this time of high stress and uncertainty. Utilizing a collaborative, client centered approach, I am here to provide support, feedback, education, and a safe environment for you to make the change you wish to achieve.
I have training in evidenced based practices such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT), Internal Family Systems Therapy, and more.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and work with a delightful therapy dog, Piper. With so much happening in the world and our own "backyard" it can fee overwhelming. I offer Telehealth services if indicated and most insurance providers are making this easier during this time of high stress and uncertainty. Utilizing a collaborative, client centered approach, I am here to provide support, feedback, education, and a safe environment for you to make the change you wish to achieve.
(541) 214-2444 View (541) 214-2444
Photo of Natalye Wise, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, OR
Natalye Wise
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medford, OR 97501  (Online Only)
I employ the EMDR theory model and technique as my basis for therapy to address the root causes of issues and rely heavily on DBT skills to address symptoms of these issues.
I believe each person is innately capable of employing their own strengths and making their own choices toward growth and fulfillment. This often requires a great level of introspection and rediscovering strengths we do not know we have, practicing new skills, and releasing ourselves from lifelong negative beliefs we have held about ourselves and others. I want therapy to empower you. If you struggle with self-confidence or self-worth, my goal is to help you realize you are capable of achieving your own goals. I particularly enjoy working with clients with a history of trauma, anxiety, disordered eating, depression, or shame.
I employ the EMDR theory model and technique as my basis for therapy to address the root causes of issues and rely heavily on DBT skills to address symptoms of these issues.
I believe each person is innately capable of employing their own strengths and making their own choices toward growth and fulfillment. This often requires a great level of introspection and rediscovering strengths we do not know we have, practicing new skills, and releasing ourselves from lifelong negative beliefs we have held about ourselves and others. I want therapy to empower you. If you struggle with self-confidence or self-worth, my goal is to help you realize you are capable of achieving your own goals. I particularly enjoy working with clients with a history of trauma, anxiety, disordered eating, depression, or shame.
(458) 232-1997 View (458) 232-1997
Photo of Kelly Birch, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, OR
Kelly Birch
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, C-IAYT
Verified Verified
Ashland, OR 97520
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in a number of modalities, including CBT-I, DBT, mindfulness, medical hypnotherapy, and yoga therapy.
Using a variety of therapeutic tools to create a client-centered, integrated approach to change, I offer a compassionate environment to help you achieve your therapy goals. I welcome diverse clients with a variety of mental health needs, including anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, insomnia, and chronic pain. I focus on your natural strengths and resilience as well as your inherent motivation for change, and working with unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. I often incorporate mindfulness and acceptance techniques, as well as guided meditation, to facilitate the therapy process and lead to more ease in meeting life's ups and downs.
I am trained in a number of modalities, including CBT-I, DBT, mindfulness, medical hypnotherapy, and yoga therapy.
Using a variety of therapeutic tools to create a client-centered, integrated approach to change, I offer a compassionate environment to help you achieve your therapy goals. I welcome diverse clients with a variety of mental health needs, including anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, insomnia, and chronic pain. I focus on your natural strengths and resilience as well as your inherent motivation for change, and working with unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. I often incorporate mindfulness and acceptance techniques, as well as guided meditation, to facilitate the therapy process and lead to more ease in meeting life's ups and downs.
(541) 204-2504 View (541) 204-2504
Photo of Rhea’s Resolution’s, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jackson County, OR
Rhea’s Resolution’s, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LAC, CADCIII, QMHP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Medford, OR 97504  (Online Only)
CBT, DBT, Biofeedback, Person Centered therapy.
Teletherapy. I work with people and their strengths to make a plan to make positive changes in their life in a way that is comfortable for them.
CBT, DBT, Biofeedback, Person Centered therapy.
Teletherapy. I work with people and their strengths to make a plan to make positive changes in their life in a way that is comfortable for them.
(541) 634-2631 View (541) 634-2631
Photo of Terra D Osborn, Professional Counselor Associate in Jackson County, OR
Terra D Osborn
Professional Counselor Associate, MEd, QMHPR
Verified Verified
Medford, OR 97501
My therapeutic approach is primarily solution-focused, strengths-based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), as well as a companion approach during grief and loss.
Are you looking for straight forward, effective, evidence-based care? I believe that every individual has the capacity to learn, grow, and be active participants in their own health and well-being. I provide a space that is affirming for all belief systems and identities and will work to support clients in developing and achieving goals that address all aspects of well-being: spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical.
My therapeutic approach is primarily solution-focused, strengths-based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), as well as a companion approach during grief and loss.
Are you looking for straight forward, effective, evidence-based care? I believe that every individual has the capacity to learn, grow, and be active participants in their own health and well-being. I provide a space that is affirming for all belief systems and identities and will work to support clients in developing and achieving goals that address all aspects of well-being: spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical.
(458) 207-2325 View (458) 207-2325
Photo of Brittania Welch, Clinical Social Work Associate in Jackson County, OR
Brittania Welch
Clinical Social Work Associate, CSWA, CADC I, CSCSOT
Verified Verified
Medford, OR 97501  (Online Only)
I integrate evidenced-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) among other modalities.
I provide clinical services to individuals who are experiencing disruption in their lives due to anxiety, depression, addiction, sexual dysfunction and trauma (complex, family or sexual). In practice, I begin by working with clients to collaboratively identify treatment goals and develop a treatment pathway to meet those goals, while considering the individual's culture, lifestyle, strengths and abilities. I believe that treatment or intervention should be individualized to meet the needs of clients in an eclectic way.
I integrate evidenced-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) among other modalities.
I provide clinical services to individuals who are experiencing disruption in their lives due to anxiety, depression, addiction, sexual dysfunction and trauma (complex, family or sexual). In practice, I begin by working with clients to collaboratively identify treatment goals and develop a treatment pathway to meet those goals, while considering the individual's culture, lifestyle, strengths and abilities. I believe that treatment or intervention should be individualized to meet the needs of clients in an eclectic way.
(458) 235-4467 View (458) 235-4467
Photo of Rogue Therapy, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, OR
Rogue Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Medford, OR 97504
My work centers around helping people heal from trauma, grief, and other life circumstances that have caused difficulty in one's life. I help my clients explore behavior, thoughts and feelings, relationships, values, and strengths. I am trained in CBT, DBT and have experience in various other modalities.
My work centers around helping people heal from trauma, grief, and other life circumstances that have caused difficulty in one's life. I help my clients explore behavior, thoughts and feelings, relationships, values, and strengths. I am trained in CBT, DBT and have experience in various other modalities.
(458) 220-5933 View (458) 220-5933
Photo of Alaska Online & Adventure Therapy Northwest, LLC, Counselor in Jackson County, OR
Alaska Online & Adventure Therapy Northwest, LLC
Counselor, EdD, LPC-S, LMHC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Jacksonville, OR 97530
DBT, CBT, Existential, Psychodynamic, Family, & Christian Counseling.
Adventure Therapy Northwest LLC for clients in Southern Oregon, active/outdoor therapy. For those not in Southern Oregon, you can still book me via Telehealth if you're presently located in Colorado, Alaska, Louisiana, Oregon, Utah, & Washington. You’re not necessarily looking for long-term therapy, but you know that you could benefit from someone to check-in with on a regular basis… a counselor who is solution-oriented and future-focused. If you're a firearm owner, 2A advocate, a practicing Christian, unvaccinated, a first responder or military member... I will support you and your freedom to choose your path in life.
DBT, CBT, Existential, Psychodynamic, Family, & Christian Counseling.
Adventure Therapy Northwest LLC for clients in Southern Oregon, active/outdoor therapy. For those not in Southern Oregon, you can still book me via Telehealth if you're presently located in Colorado, Alaska, Louisiana, Oregon, Utah, & Washington. You’re not necessarily looking for long-term therapy, but you know that you could benefit from someone to check-in with on a regular basis… a counselor who is solution-oriented and future-focused. If you're a firearm owner, 2A advocate, a practicing Christian, unvaccinated, a first responder or military member... I will support you and your freedom to choose your path in life.
(541) 230-3954 View (541) 230-3954
Photo of Portland DBT Institute of Southern Oregon in Jackson County, OR
Portland DBT Institute of Southern Oregon
Verified Verified
Medford, OR 97504
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment used to treat complex, multi-diagnostic individuals with a wide range of behavioral health concerns such as suicidality, self-harm, and difficulties in emotion regulation. We offer three levels of treatment, all run by highly trained clinicians who take part in a weekly treatment consultation team and are part our board certified adherent program. Standard Outpatient DBT: Weekly DBT skills groups, weekly individual therapy, and access to 24/7 phone coaching.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment used to treat complex, multi-diagnostic individuals with a wide range of behavioral health concerns such as suicidality, self-harm, and difficulties in emotion regulation. We offer three levels of treatment, all run by highly trained clinicians who take part in a weekly treatment consultation team and are part our board certified adherent program. Standard Outpatient DBT: Weekly DBT skills groups, weekly individual therapy, and access to 24/7 phone coaching.
(541) 807-0603 View (541) 807-0603
Photo of Silvia Stanton, Pre-Licensed Professional in Jackson County, OR
Silvia Stanton
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, CSWA, MSEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Medford, OR 97504
CBT/DBT, TFCBT, ACT, and Mindfulness in my practice, however, I do not believe that one size fits all.
My goal is to help others through their "normal" and overcome any life challenges they may be facing at this point in their lives. I am straightforward and non-judgmental in my approach. I will always collaborate and use evidenced-based tools to support my clients growth, but also my own growth. I believe we all struggle in one way or another and it can range from everyday anxiety to long-term compounded trauma. This is where I come in; to help you gain the skills to navigate it with confidence.
CBT/DBT, TFCBT, ACT, and Mindfulness in my practice, however, I do not believe that one size fits all.
My goal is to help others through their "normal" and overcome any life challenges they may be facing at this point in their lives. I am straightforward and non-judgmental in my approach. I will always collaborate and use evidenced-based tools to support my clients growth, but also my own growth. I believe we all struggle in one way or another and it can range from everyday anxiety to long-term compounded trauma. This is where I come in; to help you gain the skills to navigate it with confidence.
(541) 920-0614 View (541) 920-0614
Photo of Heidi Dirkse-Graw, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, OR
Heidi Dirkse-Graw
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Medford, OR 97501
Waitlist for new clients
Everyone needs a little help sometimes. Counseling can be that help. I am passionate about providing caring and skilled services to help individuals, couples and families find a way forward. Whether you need short-term counseling or more intensive treatment, I will collaborate with you to meet your goals. As a professional counselor and certified brain health professional, I am experienced and trained in a number of evidenced based practices, including EMDR, CBT and DBT. As a counselor who is also a Christian, I also offer a faith-based approach to services upon request.
Everyone needs a little help sometimes. Counseling can be that help. I am passionate about providing caring and skilled services to help individuals, couples and families find a way forward. Whether you need short-term counseling or more intensive treatment, I will collaborate with you to meet your goals. As a professional counselor and certified brain health professional, I am experienced and trained in a number of evidenced based practices, including EMDR, CBT and DBT. As a counselor who is also a Christian, I also offer a faith-based approach to services upon request.
(541) 325-7690 View (541) 325-7690
Photo of Karen McCoy, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, OR
Karen McCoy
Licensed Professional Counselor, (LPC), MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medford, OR 97504
Waitlist for new clients
I offer assistance in mindful self-exploration and my training in Attachment-focused EMDR and Hakomi (somatic psychotherapy); and have been teaching and utilizing DBT skills as a part of counseling since 2014.
Do you wish to find greater ease of mind and heart? Do you wish to change your relationship with a harsh inner critic or painful emotions? Or bring clarity to confusion? With therapy, I believe you can find a way to make sense of your inner world and behaviors, heal from childhood and adult wounds, heal from trauma, and increase your sense of a healthier and happy life.
I offer assistance in mindful self-exploration and my training in Attachment-focused EMDR and Hakomi (somatic psychotherapy); and have been teaching and utilizing DBT skills as a part of counseling since 2014.
Do you wish to find greater ease of mind and heart? Do you wish to change your relationship with a harsh inner critic or painful emotions? Or bring clarity to confusion? With therapy, I believe you can find a way to make sense of your inner world and behaviors, heal from childhood and adult wounds, heal from trauma, and increase your sense of a healthier and happy life.
(541) 722-2829 View (541) 722-2829
Photo of Autumn Mulcahy, Pre-Licensed Professional in Jackson County, OR
Autumn Mulcahy
Pre-Licensed Professional, NCC, QMHP, MS
Verified Verified
Phoenix, OR 97535  (Online Only)
I employ an eclectic approach with a strong reliance on dialectical-behavioral therapy.
I offer therapy services for individuals ages 1-25. I love to walk with a client and grow together. I like to set obtainable goals that we can meet as a team. I work well with people who do not know what they want out of therapy as well. Therapy is really scary if you've never been, so i'm here to help work through that. I like to add humor and sarcasm to sessions when it fits, so fair warning. I work with all types of clients and will continue to do so. The session is led by you so if you want to learn skills, be completely serious, have fun while still working, that is all doable - though I will ask what you want to work on. :)
I employ an eclectic approach with a strong reliance on dialectical-behavioral therapy.
I offer therapy services for individuals ages 1-25. I love to walk with a client and grow together. I like to set obtainable goals that we can meet as a team. I work well with people who do not know what they want out of therapy as well. Therapy is really scary if you've never been, so i'm here to help work through that. I like to add humor and sarcasm to sessions when it fits, so fair warning. I work with all types of clients and will continue to do so. The session is led by you so if you want to learn skills, be completely serious, have fun while still working, that is all doable - though I will ask what you want to work on. :)
(458) 235-4422 x9429 View (458) 235-4422 x9429
Photo of Inner Peace Counseling Inc, Marriage & Family Therapist in Jackson County, OR
Inner Peace Counseling Inc
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Medford, OR 97501
Our team is trained in modalities such as EMDR, DBT, CBT, and play-therapy.
Our mission at Inner Peace Counseling Inc. is to provide compassionate, evidence-based, and holistic mental health care to individuals, families, couples, and communities. We are committed to fostering a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive environment where individuals can heal, grow, and thrive. We believe in the power of collaboration and interdisciplinary care, working together with clients and their support networks to address their unique mental health needs.
Our team is trained in modalities such as EMDR, DBT, CBT, and play-therapy.
Our mission at Inner Peace Counseling Inc. is to provide compassionate, evidence-based, and holistic mental health care to individuals, families, couples, and communities. We are committed to fostering a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive environment where individuals can heal, grow, and thrive. We believe in the power of collaboration and interdisciplinary care, working together with clients and their support networks to address their unique mental health needs.
(458) 217-6484 View (458) 217-6484
Photo of Sarah DeMulder, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jackson County, OR
Sarah DeMulder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ashland, OR 97520  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
The modalities I pull from include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Pyschotherapy, Attachment Based, Solution Focused, Crisis Intervention, Motivational Interviewing and DBT.
I believe that you are the greatest expert on your life. I am merely here to help you unpack the layers to meet maximum potential and lead a life of meaning.
The modalities I pull from include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Pyschotherapy, Attachment Based, Solution Focused, Crisis Intervention, Motivational Interviewing and DBT.
I believe that you are the greatest expert on your life. I am merely here to help you unpack the layers to meet maximum potential and lead a life of meaning.
(541) 425-7382 View (541) 425-7382
Photo of Pete Bell, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jackson County, OR
Pete Bell, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Jacksonville, OR 97530  (Online Only)
Look forward to skills from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and other modern-day must-haves for a good mental health toolbox.
My clients enjoy a variety of experiences in sessions from being deeply heard, felt and validated to being accompanied as they remember and explore issues of concern and curiosity. We bond as they get to know themselves better through these experiences of self. They begin to heal childhood wounds and finish developing in ways they might not have thought possible.
Look forward to skills from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and other modern-day must-haves for a good mental health toolbox.
My clients enjoy a variety of experiences in sessions from being deeply heard, felt and validated to being accompanied as they remember and explore issues of concern and curiosity. We bond as they get to know themselves better through these experiences of self. They begin to heal childhood wounds and finish developing in ways they might not have thought possible.
(404) 334-5626 View (404) 334-5626
Photo of Bryan Lee Hathaway, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, OR
Bryan Lee Hathaway
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medford, OR 97501  (Online Only)
My approach is influenced by but not limited to Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Play Therapy practices.
Are you looking to thrive in your relationships and daily life and goals? I believe that the quality of our relationships with those closest to us is critical for fostering a working support system, a place for healing, regular satisfaction, and maintaining our overall wellbeing and goals. I enjoy working with people to help bring relief and empowerment surrounding relational/family issues, sexual abuse, anxiety, emotional stress, and depression. I work with adults individually and their family members in gaining control of situations that dramatically interfere with their daily life. I welcome you in exploring your needs in a consultation and potentially a therapeutic relationship.
My approach is influenced by but not limited to Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Play Therapy practices.
Are you looking to thrive in your relationships and daily life and goals? I believe that the quality of our relationships with those closest to us is critical for fostering a working support system, a place for healing, regular satisfaction, and maintaining our overall wellbeing and goals. I enjoy working with people to help bring relief and empowerment surrounding relational/family issues, sexual abuse, anxiety, emotional stress, and depression. I work with adults individually and their family members in gaining control of situations that dramatically interfere with their daily life. I welcome you in exploring your needs in a consultation and potentially a therapeutic relationship.
(541) 612-4255 View (541) 612-4255
Photo of Jenny Leitson-Grabelsky, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jackson County, OR
Jenny Leitson-Grabelsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ashland, OR 97520  (Online Only)
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I help adults in NY, OR, CT, and FL who are struggling with depression, anxiety, relationships, and life transitions. I provide a compassionate and nonjudgmental space in which my clients feel “held,” heard, and helped. My therapeutic approach is personalized, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. My practice is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and utilizes a range of techniques including awareness of sensations in the body, narrative interventions, cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapies, and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I help adults in NY, OR, CT, and FL who are struggling with depression, anxiety, relationships, and life transitions. I provide a compassionate and nonjudgmental space in which my clients feel “held,” heard, and helped. My therapeutic approach is personalized, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. My practice is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and utilizes a range of techniques including awareness of sensations in the body, narrative interventions, cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapies, and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy.
(914) 627-1822 View (914) 627-1822

See more therapy options for Jackson County

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.