Photo of Sarah Prince, Pre-Licensed Professional in King Of Prussia, PA
Sarah Prince
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
I am certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and I use an integrative approach that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance-Commitment Therapy, Person Centered, and Positive psychotherapy.
Self-compassion is an important step in the journey for self-growth, but sometimes the journey is tough, and you need support. The counseling process is a collaborative effort between the therapist and the client in a supportive and judgement-free environment. I aspire to empower and validate my clients within this supportive environment, and I believe the therapeutic relationship is of utmost importance in therapy.
I am certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and I use an integrative approach that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance-Commitment Therapy, Person Centered, and Positive psychotherapy.
Self-compassion is an important step in the journey for self-growth, but sometimes the journey is tough, and you need support. The counseling process is a collaborative effort between the therapist and the client in a supportive and judgement-free environment. I aspire to empower and validate my clients within this supportive environment, and I believe the therapeutic relationship is of utmost importance in therapy.
(610) 906-8060 View (610) 906-8060
Photo of Acacia Masso, Licensed Professional Counselor in King Of Prussia, PA
Acacia Masso
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
I utilize an integrative therapeutic approach drawing from narrative, IFS, art therapy and somatic perspectives, with some incorporation of ACT, CBT, and DBT skills.
I view clients as the experts in their own lives, and my goal is to create a warm, empathetic, and supportive partnership. I support people experiencing trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. As someone raised in Uganda, South Sudan, and Kenya, moving to the United States as a young adult, I am interested in supporting people processing cross-cultural transition and bicultural identity, as well as intergenerational, communal trauma and survivor’s guilt. As a queer therapist, I enjoy supporting LGBTQ+ clients as well.
I utilize an integrative therapeutic approach drawing from narrative, IFS, art therapy and somatic perspectives, with some incorporation of ACT, CBT, and DBT skills.
I view clients as the experts in their own lives, and my goal is to create a warm, empathetic, and supportive partnership. I support people experiencing trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. As someone raised in Uganda, South Sudan, and Kenya, moving to the United States as a young adult, I am interested in supporting people processing cross-cultural transition and bicultural identity, as well as intergenerational, communal trauma and survivor’s guilt. As a queer therapist, I enjoy supporting LGBTQ+ clients as well.
(610) 421-0542 View (610) 421-0542
Photo of Anthony Russo, Licensed Psychoanalyst in King Of Prussia, PA
Anthony Russo
Licensed Psychoanalyst, LPC
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
Anthony also employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy principles in xyr practice to support the need for change and action.
Anthony Russo is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2007. Anthony can help a client to understand that a long journey to recovery is marked by very small, but consistent steps. Xe can support change and action by recognizing a client's personal strengths and then placing a plan in action toward more goal-focused areas. Anthony's specialties are working with individuals who suffer from depression, anxiety, ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder, and various forms of addictions.
Anthony also employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy principles in xyr practice to support the need for change and action.
Anthony Russo is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2007. Anthony can help a client to understand that a long journey to recovery is marked by very small, but consistent steps. Xe can support change and action by recognizing a client's personal strengths and then placing a plan in action toward more goal-focused areas. Anthony's specialties are working with individuals who suffer from depression, anxiety, ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder, and various forms of addictions.
(484) 263-5330 View (484) 263-5330
Photo of Holistic Counseling Services LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in King Of Prussia, PA
Holistic Counseling Services LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, DBTC
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406  (Online Only)
I am certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy treatment.
Holistic Counseling Services is committed to providing quality care using a tele-mental health platform. My goal is to provide good quality care in the privacy of your home or office without the hassle of taking extra time out of your busy schedule to travel to a brick and mortar office.
I am certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy treatment.
Holistic Counseling Services is committed to providing quality care using a tele-mental health platform. My goal is to provide good quality care in the privacy of your home or office without the hassle of taking extra time out of your busy schedule to travel to a brick and mortar office.
(484) 853-4775 View (484) 853-4775
Photo of Jennifer Urbine, Counselor in King Of Prussia, PA
Jennifer Urbine
Counselor, MA, NCC, CBIS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
I utilize many different modalities depending on the individual including DBT, CBT, MI, solution focused, narrative, reality, REBT and existential.
I am a Certified Advanced Counselor by the NBCC and I am passionate about my work with those affected by alcoholism and addiction. Substance Abuse and Mental Health problems are major roadblocks in a person's life. These issues are nothing to be ashamed of and can be overcome with a proper, specialized treatment plan. I help patients struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders through many different treatment modalities that are specified to each individual. Every person is unique in their personality and life circumstances, therefore, their treatment approach will be suitable to fit their unique situation.
I utilize many different modalities depending on the individual including DBT, CBT, MI, solution focused, narrative, reality, REBT and existential.
I am a Certified Advanced Counselor by the NBCC and I am passionate about my work with those affected by alcoholism and addiction. Substance Abuse and Mental Health problems are major roadblocks in a person's life. These issues are nothing to be ashamed of and can be overcome with a proper, specialized treatment plan. I help patients struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders through many different treatment modalities that are specified to each individual. Every person is unique in their personality and life circumstances, therefore, their treatment approach will be suitable to fit their unique situation.
(267) 641-6345 View (267) 641-6345
Photo of Samantha Crean, Licensed Professional Counselor in King Of Prussia, PA
Samantha Crean
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406  (Online Only)
I'm trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
If you're here, I probably don't need to tell you that the rate of depression in college students continues to rise and college counseling centers can't keep up. You're sad. You're empty. You're filled with doom about the plight of the world and you're not even sure if there's a point in trying anymore. I specialize in working with individuals who are depressed, self-harming or having thoughts of suicide. I'll help you balance your mood, increase your self-worth and improve your relationships so that you can actually enjoy life again rather than trying to escape it.
I'm trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
If you're here, I probably don't need to tell you that the rate of depression in college students continues to rise and college counseling centers can't keep up. You're sad. You're empty. You're filled with doom about the plight of the world and you're not even sure if there's a point in trying anymore. I specialize in working with individuals who are depressed, self-harming or having thoughts of suicide. I'll help you balance your mood, increase your self-worth and improve your relationships so that you can actually enjoy life again rather than trying to escape it.
(267) 551-5835 View (267) 551-5835
Photo of Christie Birchall, Pre-Licensed Professional in King Of Prussia, PA
Christie Birchall
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, CCTS-I, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
Additionally, by drawing from various counseling techniques such as CBT, DBT, and REBT, together we can work on regulating emotions and facing uncomfortable feelings head on.
Immediate openings for in-person and virtual sessions! I have vast experience working with individuals who struggle with Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, substance abuse, criminal involvement, Bipolar, Borderline Personality Disorder, as well as other personality/mood disorders. In my work, I utilize a person-centered approach that focuses on empathizing with you as an individual trying to heal from your experiences. I feel that my solution-based approach can help guide you through your issues and facilitate a more productive lifestyle.
Additionally, by drawing from various counseling techniques such as CBT, DBT, and REBT, together we can work on regulating emotions and facing uncomfortable feelings head on.
Immediate openings for in-person and virtual sessions! I have vast experience working with individuals who struggle with Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, substance abuse, criminal involvement, Bipolar, Borderline Personality Disorder, as well as other personality/mood disorders. In my work, I utilize a person-centered approach that focuses on empathizing with you as an individual trying to heal from your experiences. I feel that my solution-based approach can help guide you through your issues and facilitate a more productive lifestyle.
(484) 897-7786 View (484) 897-7786
Photo of Nicole Urbanski in King Of Prussia, PA
Nicole Urbanski
MS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
I have a person-centered approach and incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy(DBT), Solution-focused, & Trauma informed strategies.
I truly enjoy working with adolescents and emerging young adults as they transition to adulthood. I also enjoy fostering teen-parent relationships. My specialties include: Teens/Adolescents, Emerging Adults, Anxiety/Depression, Mood Disorders, Teen-Parent Relationships, Executive Functioning, School Issues, LBGTQiA plus, Self-Esteem and Body Positivity.
I have a person-centered approach and incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy(DBT), Solution-focused, & Trauma informed strategies.
I truly enjoy working with adolescents and emerging young adults as they transition to adulthood. I also enjoy fostering teen-parent relationships. My specialties include: Teens/Adolescents, Emerging Adults, Anxiety/Depression, Mood Disorders, Teen-Parent Relationships, Executive Functioning, School Issues, LBGTQiA plus, Self-Esteem and Body Positivity.
(267) 361-1756 View (267) 361-1756
Photo of Molly Johnston, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in King Of Prussia, PA
Molly Johnston
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406  (Online Only)
Along with traditional therapeutic models such as CBT, DBT, MI, and psychodynamics, I also have experience integrating additional concepts including trauma, self-esteem and compassion, healthy relationships, kink and poly-friendly, diet culture recovery / Health At Every Size, and spirituality.
I think that therapy doesn’t have to be complicated. As a client you can expect to highlight your strengths, speak to your individual experience in a non-judgmental environment, receive unconditional support from someone you trust, and learn new ways to lessen your pain. Therapy is a wonderfully transformative venture, where two people collaborate on how to navigate the human experience. My approach is strengths-based, person-first, and multifaceted to meet your specific needs.
Along with traditional therapeutic models such as CBT, DBT, MI, and psychodynamics, I also have experience integrating additional concepts including trauma, self-esteem and compassion, healthy relationships, kink and poly-friendly, diet culture recovery / Health At Every Size, and spirituality.
I think that therapy doesn’t have to be complicated. As a client you can expect to highlight your strengths, speak to your individual experience in a non-judgmental environment, receive unconditional support from someone you trust, and learn new ways to lessen your pain. Therapy is a wonderfully transformative venture, where two people collaborate on how to navigate the human experience. My approach is strengths-based, person-first, and multifaceted to meet your specific needs.
(412) 946-0951 View (412) 946-0951
Photo of Sofia Montgomery, Pre-Licensed Professional in King Of Prussia, PA
Sofia Montgomery
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, CTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
Waitlist for new clients
As a certified trauma professional, I aim to create a warm, inclusive, brave space in which my clients can explore their life experiences. I believe each individual is unique, as are their therapeutic needs, and I use a variety of evidence-based treatment models including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), IFS-informed, and mindfulness techniques to help guide our sessions. To that end, I also do not believe in pathologizing people, reducing them to a diagnosis or viewing them as a problem to “fix.” I believe in building a collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship, to help re-define what the therapeutic space can be.
As a certified trauma professional, I aim to create a warm, inclusive, brave space in which my clients can explore their life experiences. I believe each individual is unique, as are their therapeutic needs, and I use a variety of evidence-based treatment models including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), IFS-informed, and mindfulness techniques to help guide our sessions. To that end, I also do not believe in pathologizing people, reducing them to a diagnosis or viewing them as a problem to “fix.” I believe in building a collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship, to help re-define what the therapeutic space can be.
(484) 998-1405 View (484) 998-1405
Photo of Risa Jinunarux-Shibata, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in King Of Prussia, PA
Risa Jinunarux-Shibata
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, C-DBT
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406  (Online Only)
I am certified in dialectical behavior therapy, received certification in trauma treatment.
As an Asian psychotherapist, I bring a unique perspective to my practice that values the rich diversity of experiences. I am dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space where individuals can explore and understand the intersection of their identities and mental health. My approach integrates culturally sensitive techniques with evidence-based therapies to support clients on their journey towards healing and self-discovery.
I am certified in dialectical behavior therapy, received certification in trauma treatment.
As an Asian psychotherapist, I bring a unique perspective to my practice that values the rich diversity of experiences. I am dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space where individuals can explore and understand the intersection of their identities and mental health. My approach integrates culturally sensitive techniques with evidence-based therapies to support clients on their journey towards healing and self-discovery.
(215) 642-0011 View (215) 642-0011
Photo of Michele Chubb, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in King Of Prussia, PA
Michele Chubb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
My strengths are in dialectical behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Have you been struggling with depression, anxiety or relationship issues? Do you feel like you are stuck or in a spiral? Have you had trauma in your life? Do you feel like you have no one to talk to or that no one understands what you are going through? I can help with these issues and more. I offer a safe and accepting environment while using an eclectic approach that best fits your individual needs and strengths. I take the time to listen and understand. We will also take the time to develop the therapeutic relationship which is a key element to successful therapy.
My strengths are in dialectical behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Have you been struggling with depression, anxiety or relationship issues? Do you feel like you are stuck or in a spiral? Have you had trauma in your life? Do you feel like you have no one to talk to or that no one understands what you are going through? I can help with these issues and more. I offer a safe and accepting environment while using an eclectic approach that best fits your individual needs and strengths. I take the time to listen and understand. We will also take the time to develop the therapeutic relationship which is a key element to successful therapy.
(484) 406-3130 View (484) 406-3130
Photo of Ashley Straub Psychotherapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in King Of Prussia, PA
Ashley Straub Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused and Mindfulness.
Feeling stuck and wondering why? Or what you can do about it? Let’s work together to identify your goals and create a path towards them. Along the way we will work on self-acceptance, self-love and developing an understanding of all spheres of yourself. My ideal client struggles to find their words, has difficulties describing what’s happening to them, and often needs validation and acceptance. All stressors, regardless of intensity, can leave us feeling powerless and hopeless as they accumulate. Sometimes people fall short and are not sure why, working with a therapist can help you understand what might be getting in your way.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused and Mindfulness.
Feeling stuck and wondering why? Or what you can do about it? Let’s work together to identify your goals and create a path towards them. Along the way we will work on self-acceptance, self-love and developing an understanding of all spheres of yourself. My ideal client struggles to find their words, has difficulties describing what’s happening to them, and often needs validation and acceptance. All stressors, regardless of intensity, can leave us feeling powerless and hopeless as they accumulate. Sometimes people fall short and are not sure why, working with a therapist can help you understand what might be getting in your way.
(267) 732-0758 View (267) 732-0758
Photo of Bayley Saffier, Pre-Licensed Professional in King Of Prussia, PA
Bayley Saffier
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSW
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406  (Online Only)
I integrate Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, attachment theory, and mindfulness in my practice.
Hello! I am a licensed Social Worker in Pennsylvania and received my Masters degree in Social Work from West Chester University. I am passionate about working with clients in making sense of their life experiences and behaviors and guide them to gain confidence in their innate wisdom. In therapy we will work to promote self-awareness, develop healthy coping skills, improve relationships, and ultimately, live with passion, purpose, and balance. I specialize in treating adults struggling with trauma, betrayal trauma for partners impacted by infidelity and compulsive sexual behavior, anxiety, depression, and emotion dysregulation.
I integrate Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, attachment theory, and mindfulness in my practice.
Hello! I am a licensed Social Worker in Pennsylvania and received my Masters degree in Social Work from West Chester University. I am passionate about working with clients in making sense of their life experiences and behaviors and guide them to gain confidence in their innate wisdom. In therapy we will work to promote self-awareness, develop healthy coping skills, improve relationships, and ultimately, live with passion, purpose, and balance. I specialize in treating adults struggling with trauma, betrayal trauma for partners impacted by infidelity and compulsive sexual behavior, anxiety, depression, and emotion dysregulation.
(484) 603-6241 View (484) 603-6241
Photo of Erica K. Cieri, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in King Of Prussia, PA
Erica K. Cieri
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406  (Online Only)
Are you concerned about how sad or anxious your child is? Are you getting frequent calls from school regarding your child's behavior? Are you having issues communicating with your teenager? As a parent, it is difficult to see your child hurting. You child may be acting out at home and at school. Your teenager may lash out at you, leaving you wondering what happened. Or it may be more serious concerns regarding your child's unhealthy eating patterns, hurting themselves, or even considering suicide. You may be frustrated that you've tried everything but it just hasn't worked.
Are you concerned about how sad or anxious your child is? Are you getting frequent calls from school regarding your child's behavior? Are you having issues communicating with your teenager? As a parent, it is difficult to see your child hurting. You child may be acting out at home and at school. Your teenager may lash out at you, leaving you wondering what happened. Or it may be more serious concerns regarding your child's unhealthy eating patterns, hurting themselves, or even considering suicide. You may be frustrated that you've tried everything but it just hasn't worked.
(484) 372-4553 View (484) 372-4553
Photo of Joanne Mayer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in King Of Prussia, PA
Joanne Mayer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
Jodi received her Master of Science from Case Western Reserve University. As a licensed clinical social worker, she works with children, families, individuals, and couples. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in treating depression, anxiety, loss, and trauma. She is a certified trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapist who also has a strong background in family therapy and working with individuals with mood disorders, adjustment issues, relationship issues, abuse issues and grief and loss.
Jodi received her Master of Science from Case Western Reserve University. As a licensed clinical social worker, she works with children, families, individuals, and couples. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in treating depression, anxiety, loss, and trauma. She is a certified trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapist who also has a strong background in family therapy and working with individuals with mood disorders, adjustment issues, relationship issues, abuse issues and grief and loss.
(267) 732-0886 View (267) 732-0886
Photo of Dr. Toni O'Planick, Psychologist in King Of Prussia, PA
Dr. Toni O'Planick
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
Overwhelmed with anxiety? Frustrated with negative thinking or persistent depression? Maybe you are stuck with sleeping or eating habits that don’t seem to change despite your best attempts. Effective therapy should help you understand exactly why these symptoms exist (likely a very valid reason!) and help you identify a different course of action that is in alignment with the way you want to live. My goal for treatment is to meaningfully reduce the impact of symptoms rather than just learn better ways to “cope” with distress. Although results-oriented, I value being compassionate, encouraging, genuine and non-judgmental.
Overwhelmed with anxiety? Frustrated with negative thinking or persistent depression? Maybe you are stuck with sleeping or eating habits that don’t seem to change despite your best attempts. Effective therapy should help you understand exactly why these symptoms exist (likely a very valid reason!) and help you identify a different course of action that is in alignment with the way you want to live. My goal for treatment is to meaningfully reduce the impact of symptoms rather than just learn better ways to “cope” with distress. Although results-oriented, I value being compassionate, encouraging, genuine and non-judgmental.
(484) 214-2736 View (484) 214-2736
Photo of Maggie Mitchell, Licensed Professional Counselor in King Of Prussia, PA
Maggie Mitchell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
Waitlist for new clients
With a belief that our inner obstacles create our outer obstacles, the goal of my practice is to help you to understand and remove those obstacles from your life. I will be there to support you as we work together to understand the relationship that you have with yourself as well as the relationship patterns that you have with other people. It is my hope that I can help you with self-discovery, self-awareness, and self-love.
With a belief that our inner obstacles create our outer obstacles, the goal of my practice is to help you to understand and remove those obstacles from your life. I will be there to support you as we work together to understand the relationship that you have with yourself as well as the relationship patterns that you have with other people. It is my hope that I can help you with self-discovery, self-awareness, and self-love.
(484) 218-5322 View (484) 218-5322
Photo of Fred Bernard, Pre-Licensed Professional in King Of Prussia, PA
Fred Bernard
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
I specialize in treating clients with depression, anxiety, autism, stress-induced medical problems, and schizophrenia. I have also worked with people with mood and personality disorders, substance use concerns, and extensive histories of trauma. My work with this wide range of clients has convinced me that all behaviors, symptoms (including many medical symptoms), thoughts, and feelings- no matter how distressing they can be or how puzzling they may appear to others and even oneself- are rich in meanings that can be explored and understood. I believe that therapy is a healing process through which such an exploration takes place.
I specialize in treating clients with depression, anxiety, autism, stress-induced medical problems, and schizophrenia. I have also worked with people with mood and personality disorders, substance use concerns, and extensive histories of trauma. My work with this wide range of clients has convinced me that all behaviors, symptoms (including many medical symptoms), thoughts, and feelings- no matter how distressing they can be or how puzzling they may appear to others and even oneself- are rich in meanings that can be explored and understood. I believe that therapy is a healing process through which such an exploration takes place.
(610) 624-8947 View (610) 624-8947
Photo of Max Sheintoch, Pre-Licensed Professional in King Of Prussia, PA
Max Sheintoch
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
No matter what background we come from life tends to bring its own suffering and difficulties. I view therapy as a place where challenges and painful emotions can be confronted in a safe and caring environment. My personality is warm and empathetic, and I aim to provide a place where clients feel heard, cared for, and listened to. I view clients as being the author of their own lives. Thus, I aim to be collaborative and to help come up with goals that are important and meaningful to you. My style is action oriented, and I try to push clients out of their comfort zones, through the use of mindfulness and behavioral changes.
No matter what background we come from life tends to bring its own suffering and difficulties. I view therapy as a place where challenges and painful emotions can be confronted in a safe and caring environment. My personality is warm and empathetic, and I aim to provide a place where clients feel heard, cared for, and listened to. I view clients as being the author of their own lives. Thus, I aim to be collaborative and to help come up with goals that are important and meaningful to you. My style is action oriented, and I try to push clients out of their comfort zones, through the use of mindfulness and behavioral changes.
(610) 995-6668 View (610) 995-6668

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Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists

Who is DBT for?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is designed for people who experience extreme emotional suffering because they lack the skills of emotion regulation and distress tolerance. The basic affliction can underlie a wide range of conditions, from borderline and other personality disorders to PTSD and treatment-resistant anxiety and depression. The therapy is helpful to those whose emotional reactivity is so intense it is disruptive to everyday functioning and leads to frequent crises.

Why do people need DBT?

The ability to regulate emotions is a core psychological skill that enables people to function in life and pay attention to the world outside themselves; it is consistently associated with well-being. DBT is designed to help people learn how to manage and regulate their emotions. Originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder whose extreme emotional suffering led to self-harming behavior and suicide attempts, the therapy is now applied to other conditions involving emotion dysregulation, particularly when other treatments have failed.

What happens in DBT?

Individuals meet weekly with their therapist to discuss their experiences relating to moods, behavior, and skills. Using checklists they maintain, they review emotional experiences and positive practices they engage in. The diaries help individuals discern what led up to a specific problem encountered, this is followed by discussion of the consequences of their actions. In addition, individuals may meet in class-like small groups to learn skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance.

How long does DBT last?

Because it is intended to establish long-lasting behavioral change among those with persistent problems, DBT is designed to last six months to a year. DBT includes both weekly sessions of individual therapy and weekly skills-training sessions conducted in small groups. Studies of DBT have documented improvement within a year of treatment, particularly in controlling self-harmful behavior; nevertheless, individuals may require therapy for several years.