Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Stirling, NJ

Photo of Taylor Clough, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Stirling, NJ
Taylor Clough
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Stirling, NJ 07980
I have experience in intensive outpatient, partial care, and substance use settings, employing a person-centered, trauma-informed, eclectic approach that integrates concepts from various modalities such as DBT, CBT, solutions-focused therapy, and narrative therapy. While my identity as a cisgender queer man informs my work, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community, I am acutely mindful of diverse backgrounds and intersectionality and seek to understand your perspective to support your success.
I have experience in intensive outpatient, partial care, and substance use settings, employing a person-centered, trauma-informed, eclectic approach that integrates concepts from various modalities such as DBT, CBT, solutions-focused therapy, and narrative therapy. While my identity as a cisgender queer man informs my work, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community, I am acutely mindful of diverse backgrounds and intersectionality and seek to understand your perspective to support your success.
(908) 970-8017 View (908) 970-8017
Photo of Dina Morley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Stirling, NJ
Dina Morley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PsyD
Verified Verified
Stirling, NJ 07980
Dina is a solution-focused therapist who uses the strengths perspective, the harm reduction approach and cognitive behavioral therapy to support clients in meeting and maintaining their goals. Dina earned an MSW graduate degree in clinical social work from New York University (NYU), has a doctorate degree in psychology and has experience in behavioral health settings such as inpatient, outpatient, and private practice settings. Dina has been on the American Red Cross Mental Health Disaster Relief Team since 2009. Dina provides an environment that is supportive and non-judgmental.
Dina is a solution-focused therapist who uses the strengths perspective, the harm reduction approach and cognitive behavioral therapy to support clients in meeting and maintaining their goals. Dina earned an MSW graduate degree in clinical social work from New York University (NYU), has a doctorate degree in psychology and has experience in behavioral health settings such as inpatient, outpatient, and private practice settings. Dina has been on the American Red Cross Mental Health Disaster Relief Team since 2009. Dina provides an environment that is supportive and non-judgmental.
(908) 443-9416 View (908) 443-9416

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Rita Finta, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Stirling, NJ
Rita Finta
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960  (Online Only)
I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, motivational interviewing, DBT, short-solution-focused therapy, and I also utilize other therapeutic interventions to address the unique needs of my clients.
> Taking NEW clients! < Welcome to my practice! As a person-centered clinician, I believe that the client-therapist relationship sets the foundation for successful therapy. I will create a safe and supportive space to gain valuable insights about yourself, your relationships, and your habits that will pave the way for long-lasting changes. You will learn practical skills like self-care, effective communication, and strategies to overcome unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. I also work with couples to help them reduce conflicts and strengthen their intimacy.
I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, motivational interviewing, DBT, short-solution-focused therapy, and I also utilize other therapeutic interventions to address the unique needs of my clients.
> Taking NEW clients! < Welcome to my practice! As a person-centered clinician, I believe that the client-therapist relationship sets the foundation for successful therapy. I will create a safe and supportive space to gain valuable insights about yourself, your relationships, and your habits that will pave the way for long-lasting changes. You will learn practical skills like self-care, effective communication, and strategies to overcome unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. I also work with couples to help them reduce conflicts and strengthen their intimacy.
(646) 693-3261 View (646) 693-3261
Photo of Michael Bodtmann, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Stirling, NJ
Michael Bodtmann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Morristown, NJ 07960
I have been intensively trained in DBT and the DBT-prolonged exposure for PTSD.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience providing evidence based therapy. I believe people are capable of immense personal growth and change with therapy, and work with individuals and families to collaboratively work toward behavioral change, symptom alleviation, and improved overall wellness. My experience includes mental health and substance use treatment, school based services, and clinical and LCSW supervision. In addition to my clinical work, I am a senior lecturer at the Columbia School of Social Work. I believe in evidence based treatments and the importance of the therapeutic relationship.
I have been intensively trained in DBT and the DBT-prolonged exposure for PTSD.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience providing evidence based therapy. I believe people are capable of immense personal growth and change with therapy, and work with individuals and families to collaboratively work toward behavioral change, symptom alleviation, and improved overall wellness. My experience includes mental health and substance use treatment, school based services, and clinical and LCSW supervision. In addition to my clinical work, I am a senior lecturer at the Columbia School of Social Work. I believe in evidence based treatments and the importance of the therapeutic relationship.
(862) 800-2610 View (862) 800-2610
Photo of Robert Snyder, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Stirling, NJ
Robert Snyder
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MHS, LCADC, CCS
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
All of our clinicians are licensed Masters level clinicians that are all DBT adherent.
My ideal client is someone who really wants to get sober and change their life. Their issues are addiction, alcoholism and dually diagnosed clients that have trauma, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression that want full recovery. They want to gain freedom from active addiction and become rocketed into recovery. They want to have fun in life!
All of our clinicians are licensed Masters level clinicians that are all DBT adherent.
My ideal client is someone who really wants to get sober and change their life. Their issues are addiction, alcoholism and dually diagnosed clients that have trauma, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression that want full recovery. They want to gain freedom from active addiction and become rocketed into recovery. They want to have fun in life!
(609) 785-3113 View (609) 785-3113
Photo of Cara Cuccinello, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Stirling, NJ
Cara Cuccinello
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Morristown, NJ 07960
My practice is DBT-informed with values firmly rooted in body neutrality and intuitive eating.
Available IN-PERSON & virtual! My passion is helping you navigate eating disorder recovery, distorted body image, and ending the dysfunctional diet/food-behavior spiral. Maybe you're new to recovery, or finding your way back. Our therapeutic relationship gives you a soft place to land and a firm place to launch from. Where you see constant anxiety, relational stress, perfectionism, chronic dysregulation, and shame, I see opportunity for growth. No matter why you're here, if you want to understand yourself, balance taking control and relinquishing it, and build a life worth living, I'm here to support you through it.
My practice is DBT-informed with values firmly rooted in body neutrality and intuitive eating.
Available IN-PERSON & virtual! My passion is helping you navigate eating disorder recovery, distorted body image, and ending the dysfunctional diet/food-behavior spiral. Maybe you're new to recovery, or finding your way back. Our therapeutic relationship gives you a soft place to land and a firm place to launch from. Where you see constant anxiety, relational stress, perfectionism, chronic dysregulation, and shame, I see opportunity for growth. No matter why you're here, if you want to understand yourself, balance taking control and relinquishing it, and build a life worth living, I'm here to support you through it.
(973) 506-2837 View (973) 506-2837
Photo of Brandon Dill, Licensed Social Worker in Stirling, NJ
Brandon Dill
Licensed Social Worker, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Florham Park, NJ 07932
I employ a diverse set of treatment modalities in my approach such as CBT, DBT, and MI to empower individuals by equipping them with coping skills to navigate life's challenges effectively.
I am a Licensed Social Worker and a USMC veteran. I bring nearly a decade of experience to my role as a mental health counselor. My expertise covers a range of areas and populations, including substance abuse, trauma, veterans, first responders, and mood disorders. My objective is to support each person by acknowledging their strengths and effectively expressing their needs. I dedicate time to cultivating positive relationships, prioritizing your positive experience and sense of safety. I approach the therapeutic relationship as a collaboration with a focus on guiding you towards the life you desire based on your identified goals.
I employ a diverse set of treatment modalities in my approach such as CBT, DBT, and MI to empower individuals by equipping them with coping skills to navigate life's challenges effectively.
I am a Licensed Social Worker and a USMC veteran. I bring nearly a decade of experience to my role as a mental health counselor. My expertise covers a range of areas and populations, including substance abuse, trauma, veterans, first responders, and mood disorders. My objective is to support each person by acknowledging their strengths and effectively expressing their needs. I dedicate time to cultivating positive relationships, prioritizing your positive experience and sense of safety. I approach the therapeutic relationship as a collaboration with a focus on guiding you towards the life you desire based on your identified goals.
(201) 266-3254 View (201) 266-3254
Photo of Natalie Tarangelo, Licensed Professional Counselor in Stirling, NJ
Natalie Tarangelo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Florham Park, NJ 07932
Dialectical Therapy (DBT) techniques help clients address problems in regulating emotions, impulse control, assertiveness, and relationship conflicts. DBT balances cognitive behavioral therapy techniques with self acceptance strategies from Zen practice. Clients will be able to better identify and manage their emotions, and practice applying learned skills to improve their life in all areas.
Dialectical Therapy (DBT) techniques help clients address problems in regulating emotions, impulse control, assertiveness, and relationship conflicts. DBT balances cognitive behavioral therapy techniques with self acceptance strategies from Zen practice. Clients will be able to better identify and manage their emotions, and practice applying learned skills to improve their life in all areas.
(201) 903-4737 View (201) 903-4737
Photo of Kathryn Barra, Licensed Professional Counselor in Stirling, NJ
Kathryn Barra
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LPAT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927  (Online Only)
I utilize dialectical behavioral therapy, along with other therapeutic modalities tailored to meet your needs and goals.
Reaching out for help takes courage and is the first step. I am a licensed professional counselor and board certified art therapist and can assist to help you take that step to facilitate change. I work with those struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship stressors, perinatal issues, and infertility. I work to create an empathetic and trusting environment, so that you can discover areas of yourself that need healing.
I utilize dialectical behavioral therapy, along with other therapeutic modalities tailored to meet your needs and goals.
Reaching out for help takes courage and is the first step. I am a licensed professional counselor and board certified art therapist and can assist to help you take that step to facilitate change. I work with those struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship stressors, perinatal issues, and infertility. I work to create an empathetic and trusting environment, so that you can discover areas of yourself that need healing.
(973) 771-5458 View (973) 771-5458
Photo of Tori Maidenberg, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Stirling, NJ
Tori Maidenberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
Tori has extensive training in a diverse range of therapeutic modalities proven to be highly effective, including DBT, CBT, Exposure Therapy, and Couples/Family Therapy. She was a fellow in Columbia University’s DBT Training Program and trained by the renowned Behavioral Tech Institute. Working with adolescents through adulthood, Tori has cultivated a wealth of experience and expertise in addressing a wide range of therapeutic needs across the lifespan. Her focus lies in the treatment of emotional and interpersonal dysregulation, OCD, anxiety-related disorders, social anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and couples/family issues.
Tori has extensive training in a diverse range of therapeutic modalities proven to be highly effective, including DBT, CBT, Exposure Therapy, and Couples/Family Therapy. She was a fellow in Columbia University’s DBT Training Program and trained by the renowned Behavioral Tech Institute. Working with adolescents through adulthood, Tori has cultivated a wealth of experience and expertise in addressing a wide range of therapeutic needs across the lifespan. Her focus lies in the treatment of emotional and interpersonal dysregulation, OCD, anxiety-related disorders, social anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and couples/family issues.
View
Photo of Heather Hahn, Licensed Professional Counselor in Stirling, NJ
Heather Hahn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCADC, CCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Florham Park, NJ 07932
Thus, why I utilize different types of treatment modalities and techniques (including CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, etc.
Sometimes we need a little extra support to help us navigate the ups and downs of life. I hope you give yourself credit for taking this first step of reaching out. Counseling may not be able to change some of your external stressors, however it can be a safe non-judgmental place to share about what you are dealing with and perhaps equip you with tools to better manage situations. I believe it is important to direct our focus and energy toward what is within our control so that we are able to move forward and make progress. Change can be a challenging process, but it is possible and accomplished one step at a time.
Thus, why I utilize different types of treatment modalities and techniques (including CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, etc.
Sometimes we need a little extra support to help us navigate the ups and downs of life. I hope you give yourself credit for taking this first step of reaching out. Counseling may not be able to change some of your external stressors, however it can be a safe non-judgmental place to share about what you are dealing with and perhaps equip you with tools to better manage situations. I believe it is important to direct our focus and energy toward what is within our control so that we are able to move forward and make progress. Change can be a challenging process, but it is possible and accomplished one step at a time.
(973) 315-6539 View (973) 315-6539
Photo of Samantha Powell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Stirling, NJ
Samantha Powell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
I utilize evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, trauma-focused, solution-focused, and psychotherapy.
A client who is continuously present physically and mentally for treatment is ideal. Despite setbacks and stressors, they still move forward, only taking a moment. Their issues can be environmental, situational, or psychological.
I utilize evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, trauma-focused, solution-focused, and psychotherapy.
A client who is continuously present physically and mentally for treatment is ideal. Despite setbacks and stressors, they still move forward, only taking a moment. Their issues can be environmental, situational, or psychological.
(973) 251-5764 View (973) 251-5764
Photo of Samuel Parton, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Stirling, NJ
Samuel Parton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Madison, NJ 07940
Working in schools and foster care settings for years, Sam is an expert in child and adolescent therapy. He utilizes two of the leading therapies, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). With CBT, Sam helps clients change unhelpful thought processes and behavioral patterns and aids clients in bravely facing their fears. While with DBT, he helps clients learn better emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. He is passionate about building connections and assists clients in finding strengths and skills within themselves to work through any struggles they might be experiencing.
Working in schools and foster care settings for years, Sam is an expert in child and adolescent therapy. He utilizes two of the leading therapies, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). With CBT, Sam helps clients change unhelpful thought processes and behavioral patterns and aids clients in bravely facing their fears. While with DBT, he helps clients learn better emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. He is passionate about building connections and assists clients in finding strengths and skills within themselves to work through any struggles they might be experiencing.
View
Photo of Jane Alice Coyle, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Stirling, NJ
Jane Alice Coyle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCADC, CCS
Verified Verified
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
I have a psychodynamic approach and have experience with CBT and DBT.
Are life’s stressors impacting your sense of well-being, your family life or other relationships? Anxiety and depression can immobilize us, leaving us feeling a loss of control and sometimes we just can't make things better on our own. Together we can identify which obstacles are preventing you from achieving your personal goals and then determine how to help you overcome those obstacles. By understanding our past and how we have come to our current situations, we can better prepare and take charge of our lives. Understanding and accepting ourselves is the pathway to freedom and happiness.
I have a psychodynamic approach and have experience with CBT and DBT.
Are life’s stressors impacting your sense of well-being, your family life or other relationships? Anxiety and depression can immobilize us, leaving us feeling a loss of control and sometimes we just can't make things better on our own. Together we can identify which obstacles are preventing you from achieving your personal goals and then determine how to help you overcome those obstacles. By understanding our past and how we have come to our current situations, we can better prepare and take charge of our lives. Understanding and accepting ourselves is the pathway to freedom and happiness.
(973) 490-4882 View (973) 490-4882
Photo of Abby Sarrett-Cooper, Licensed Professional Counselor in Stirling, NJ
Abby Sarrett-Cooper
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Florham Park, NJ 07932
I use treatments that work: DBT, CBT, Maudsley/FBT, etc - you deserve no less.
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in eating disorders, borderline PD, parenting, adolescents, and depression/anxiety. I work with individuals, couples and families in an active, caring, strengths based approach. I have advanced training in research based treatment methods such as DBT,and FBT that are proven to be effective! I combine compassion with evidenced based cognitive/behavioral interventions. I work to build collaboration with my clients and change lives by empowering individuals and families. I'm a speaker/group leader with the Eating Disorder Assoc of NJ and have appeared on CN8, WLTW-FM radio, News12 NJ.
I use treatments that work: DBT, CBT, Maudsley/FBT, etc - you deserve no less.
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in eating disorders, borderline PD, parenting, adolescents, and depression/anxiety. I work with individuals, couples and families in an active, caring, strengths based approach. I have advanced training in research based treatment methods such as DBT,and FBT that are proven to be effective! I combine compassion with evidenced based cognitive/behavioral interventions. I work to build collaboration with my clients and change lives by empowering individuals and families. I'm a speaker/group leader with the Eating Disorder Assoc of NJ and have appeared on CN8, WLTW-FM radio, News12 NJ.
(973) 568-0647 View (973) 568-0647
Photo of Alessandre Singher, Licensed Professional Counselor in Stirling, NJ
Alessandre Singher
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MS, LPC, LCADC, ACS
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
I skillfully combine cognitive-behavioral techniques, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing to empower my clients on their journey towards recovery.
I am a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a specialization in dual diagnosis. With a profound understanding of the intricate interplay between mental health and substance abuse, I bring a unique blend of expertise and empathy to my sessions.
I skillfully combine cognitive-behavioral techniques, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing to empower my clients on their journey towards recovery.
I am a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a specialization in dual diagnosis. With a profound understanding of the intricate interplay between mental health and substance abuse, I bring a unique blend of expertise and empathy to my sessions.
(732) 641-4409 View (732) 641-4409
Photo of Lyndsi Bodtmann, Psychologist in Stirling, NJ
Lyndsi Bodtmann
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Morristown, NJ 07960  (Online Only)
I have been intensively trained in DBT and have completed advanced training in DBT, including the DBT PE protocol for PTSD.
I am a licensed psychologist, receiving my doctoral degree in School Psychology from Rutgers University. My clinical experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I have a passion for providing clients with evidence-based treatments and have focused on treating mental health and behavioral difficulties throughout the lifespan. I believe in my client’s ability to change and grow throughout the treatment process and to be a collaborative partner in their treatment. I love what I do because I have seen it work and help those I treat make significant changes and strides toward their goals.
I have been intensively trained in DBT and have completed advanced training in DBT, including the DBT PE protocol for PTSD.
I am a licensed psychologist, receiving my doctoral degree in School Psychology from Rutgers University. My clinical experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I have a passion for providing clients with evidence-based treatments and have focused on treating mental health and behavioral difficulties throughout the lifespan. I believe in my client’s ability to change and grow throughout the treatment process and to be a collaborative partner in their treatment. I love what I do because I have seen it work and help those I treat make significant changes and strides toward their goals.
(862) 272-3915 View (862) 272-3915
Photo of Kristen Frees, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Stirling, NJ
Kristen Frees
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Morristown, NJ 07960  (Online Only)
My therapy style is grounded in aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness based approaches.
Change and healing can be a difficult journey to endure alone, and finding a therapist to help you through is often the hardest step that you can take. I want to make that first step as comfortable as possible by offering a supportive, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach. I believe in the importance of building trust within the therapeutic relationship to provide you a safe space to nurture hope and gain insight into your own struggles. Our work together will help you learn creative and realistic coping strategies to assist in managing tough emotions, improve communication, reduce stress, and increase self-acceptance.
My therapy style is grounded in aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness based approaches.
Change and healing can be a difficult journey to endure alone, and finding a therapist to help you through is often the hardest step that you can take. I want to make that first step as comfortable as possible by offering a supportive, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach. I believe in the importance of building trust within the therapeutic relationship to provide you a safe space to nurture hope and gain insight into your own struggles. Our work together will help you learn creative and realistic coping strategies to assist in managing tough emotions, improve communication, reduce stress, and increase self-acceptance.
(732) 253-4256 View (732) 253-4256
Photo of Emily B Hall, Counselor in Stirling, NJ
Emily B Hall
Counselor, DMin, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Morristown, NJ 07960
I am a companion, a mid wife, and a guide into your deepest darkness… I use a combination of gestalt, DBT, holistic reflection and mindfulness to walk with you in learning how to live into the beauty and hope that is available to all who want to find it.
When you have forgotten to stop and smell the flowers and your unaware of your surroundings and you know there is hope but it’s just not happening… I’d like to walk tin you in your recovery…
I am a companion, a mid wife, and a guide into your deepest darkness… I use a combination of gestalt, DBT, holistic reflection and mindfulness to walk with you in learning how to live into the beauty and hope that is available to all who want to find it.
When you have forgotten to stop and smell the flowers and your unaware of your surroundings and you know there is hope but it’s just not happening… I’d like to walk tin you in your recovery…
(973) 381-8243 View (973) 381-8243
Photo of Linda Karcher, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Stirling, NJ
Linda Karcher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CYT, C-DBT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Vernon, NJ 07976
I am Certified in DBT, utilize CBT, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing and Energy Psychology.
Hamster wheel spinning in your head? I help adults going through life challenges find a sense of peace and productivity, moving from surviving to thriving. We often take the responsibility of the world on our shoulders. Put on your oxygen mask first. Selfish doesn't have to be a bad word. We will work collaboratively to determine your goals. Do you need time to process? Problem-solve? Learn emotional regulation & distress tolerance? Support & guidance? You want to be heard and feel comfortable and not judged. You will find compassion, validation & a positive/strength based approach with a good dose of humor.
I am Certified in DBT, utilize CBT, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing and Energy Psychology.
Hamster wheel spinning in your head? I help adults going through life challenges find a sense of peace and productivity, moving from surviving to thriving. We often take the responsibility of the world on our shoulders. Put on your oxygen mask first. Selfish doesn't have to be a bad word. We will work collaboratively to determine your goals. Do you need time to process? Problem-solve? Learn emotional regulation & distress tolerance? Support & guidance? You want to be heard and feel comfortable and not judged. You will find compassion, validation & a positive/strength based approach with a good dose of humor.
(919) 504-9173 View (919) 504-9173

See more therapy options for Stirling

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.