Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Lancaster County, PA

Photo of Katherina Kapur Accepting New Clients, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lancaster County, PA
Katherina Kapur Accepting New Clients
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, CAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lancaster, PA 17603
I have backgrounds in DBT, CBT, CPT for trauma, substance abuse, and currently hold a Certified Addictions Counselor certificate.
Are you struggling with emotions, trauma, or persistent negative thoughts? Is your child struggling with their behaviors, emotions or school? Are your relationships in trouble, or need a "tune up?" You have come to the right place. Hi! My name is Katie Kapur, and I am here to help you acheive your goals, improve your relationships and increase life satisfaction. I care about my clients, and value the time I spend with each and every person I have the pleasure of working with.
I have backgrounds in DBT, CBT, CPT for trauma, substance abuse, and currently hold a Certified Addictions Counselor certificate.
Are you struggling with emotions, trauma, or persistent negative thoughts? Is your child struggling with their behaviors, emotions or school? Are your relationships in trouble, or need a "tune up?" You have come to the right place. Hi! My name is Katie Kapur, and I am here to help you acheive your goals, improve your relationships and increase life satisfaction. I care about my clients, and value the time I spend with each and every person I have the pleasure of working with.
(717) 973-6870 View (717) 973-6870
Photo of John Gordon Smith, Pastoral Counselor in Lancaster County, PA
John Gordon Smith
Pastoral Counselor, DMin, PhD, CSC
Verified Verified
Lancaster, PA 17602  (Online Only)
I utilize many therapeutic approaches in these tasks, including CBT, DBT, logotherapy, and narrative therapy.
Are you seeking help to navigate your grief journey, recover from shame, practice forgiveness, address aging concerns, strengthen your relationship, or resolve sexual desire, arousal, or orgasmic issues? By sourcing help for any of these concerns, you have taken a bold step on your path to achieving the change you seek. By choosing me to help you achieve this change, you have found a caring, compassionate, competent, and committed counselor who will work with you to achieve the change you desire and deserve.
I utilize many therapeutic approaches in these tasks, including CBT, DBT, logotherapy, and narrative therapy.
Are you seeking help to navigate your grief journey, recover from shame, practice forgiveness, address aging concerns, strengthen your relationship, or resolve sexual desire, arousal, or orgasmic issues? By sourcing help for any of these concerns, you have taken a bold step on your path to achieving the change you seek. By choosing me to help you achieve this change, you have found a caring, compassionate, competent, and committed counselor who will work with you to achieve the change you desire and deserve.
(717) 937-1866 View (717) 937-1866
Photo of Salem Longer, LPC Intern in Lancaster County, PA
Salem Longer
LPC Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salunga, PA 17538
I have a background in leading DBT skills groups, and as a result love to teach and incorporate these skills for a life worth living.
We’ve all been there - we've had challenge after challenge, and we start to feel overwhelmed, burnt out, and tired of life. Together, we will create and work through unique goals to help manage these difficulties. From children as young as 8, to older adults 65+, I'm ready to help you across the lifespan!
I have a background in leading DBT skills groups, and as a result love to teach and incorporate these skills for a life worth living.
We’ve all been there - we've had challenge after challenge, and we start to feel overwhelmed, burnt out, and tired of life. Together, we will create and work through unique goals to help manage these difficulties. From children as young as 8, to older adults 65+, I'm ready to help you across the lifespan!
(223) 217-4357 View (223) 217-4357
Photo of Advanced Counseling and Research Services, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lancaster County, PA
Advanced Counseling and Research Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC-FL, CCMHC, CCTP, CT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lancaster, PA 17603
, LPC CAADC CCTP C-DBT.
Advanced Counseling and Research Services provides a comprehensive array of professional counseling services to the greater Lancaster community. In general terms, these clinical services help clients address problematic issues in their lives that are impacting on their daily lives. Throughout the counseling experience, the counselor and client work collaboratively to address problems presented by the client. The overall purpose of counseling can be summarized in the following objectives: To identify the problematic issues facing each individual client seeking counseling. To identify secondary issues contributing to problem.
, LPC CAADC CCTP C-DBT.
Advanced Counseling and Research Services provides a comprehensive array of professional counseling services to the greater Lancaster community. In general terms, these clinical services help clients address problematic issues in their lives that are impacting on their daily lives. Throughout the counseling experience, the counselor and client work collaboratively to address problems presented by the client. The overall purpose of counseling can be summarized in the following objectives: To identify the problematic issues facing each individual client seeking counseling. To identify secondary issues contributing to problem.
(717) 964-8581 View (717) 964-8581
Photo of Cady Monasmith, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lancaster County, PA
Cady Monasmith
Licensed Professional Counselor, BFA, LPC, CDBT, CCTP
Verified Verified
Lancaster, PA 17603
I am certified in DBT and Dancing Mindfulness.
I integrate expressive arts and evidence-based therapeutic practices. I emphasize change and choice through dance and therapeutic practices, awakening the conscious, exploring the past to bridge client’s experiences to their present self. I aim to help clients reconnect to their authentic self by finding compassion, self-acceptance, and a sense of freedom and inner strength. This connection reintegrates the physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual aspects into the client’s new narrative.
I am certified in DBT and Dancing Mindfulness.
I integrate expressive arts and evidence-based therapeutic practices. I emphasize change and choice through dance and therapeutic practices, awakening the conscious, exploring the past to bridge client’s experiences to their present self. I aim to help clients reconnect to their authentic self by finding compassion, self-acceptance, and a sense of freedom and inner strength. This connection reintegrates the physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual aspects into the client’s new narrative.
(717) 699-8962 View (717) 699-8962
Photo of Anastacia Golemb-Fellows, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lancaster County, PA
Anastacia Golemb-Fellows
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Lancaster, PA 17601
I also offer traditional talk therapy and use DBT to help you build the life you want.
Hi I’m Anastacia! I work with folks from all walks of life, but I work best with people who are looking to overcome their past and with those struggling to find peace with food. I specialized in depth work of all kinds. I know it takes a lot of dedication to achieve recovery, and I find it an honor to help guide people who decide to take the journey to healing. I also love to work with clients who want to learn to cope with anxiety, phobias, depression, and relationship issues. I’m passionate about helping couples cope with traumatic pasts.
I also offer traditional talk therapy and use DBT to help you build the life you want.
Hi I’m Anastacia! I work with folks from all walks of life, but I work best with people who are looking to overcome their past and with those struggling to find peace with food. I specialized in depth work of all kinds. I know it takes a lot of dedication to achieve recovery, and I find it an honor to help guide people who decide to take the journey to healing. I also love to work with clients who want to learn to cope with anxiety, phobias, depression, and relationship issues. I’m passionate about helping couples cope with traumatic pasts.
(717) 927-7712 View (717) 927-7712
Photo of Move Forward Counseling, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lancaster County, PA
Move Forward Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCSW, LSW, PhD, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lancaster, PA 17601
We are trained to use a variety of specialties and techniques, such as CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness techniques, CAADC & EMDR.
Our locations in Lancaster, Hershey, Lehigh Valley (Emmaus), Lancaster Downtown, Lebanon, York, and Pittsburgh, offer in-person mental health therapy to people aged six+. Online therapy is available across PA. Seek our care if you are struggling with relationship issues, feeling anxiety or depression, identity/culture, trauma, or are unsure how to navigate grief, maternal struggles, LGBT+, or life transitions. Our clients often state they "feel stuck" as the reason they are starting therapy. Participating in therapy can help identify solutions and a way to move forward.
We are trained to use a variety of specialties and techniques, such as CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness techniques, CAADC & EMDR.
Our locations in Lancaster, Hershey, Lehigh Valley (Emmaus), Lancaster Downtown, Lebanon, York, and Pittsburgh, offer in-person mental health therapy to people aged six+. Online therapy is available across PA. Seek our care if you are struggling with relationship issues, feeling anxiety or depression, identity/culture, trauma, or are unsure how to navigate grief, maternal struggles, LGBT+, or life transitions. Our clients often state they "feel stuck" as the reason they are starting therapy. Participating in therapy can help identify solutions and a way to move forward.
(717) 696-0029 x1 View (717) 696-0029 x1
Photo of Emily Tangert, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lancaster County, PA
Emily Tangert
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lancaster, PA 17603
Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I help individuals understand, accept, and regulate their emotions, providing practical coping skills for immediate use.
I help individuals facing challenges in managing painful emotions, trauma, depression, anxiety, and the complexities of pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood. Navigating emotional highs and lows can be distressing, especially if influenced by trauma. Managing emotions like anxiety, sadness, shame, and anger may impact relationships, fostering feelings of inadequacy and isolation.
Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I help individuals understand, accept, and regulate their emotions, providing practical coping skills for immediate use.
I help individuals facing challenges in managing painful emotions, trauma, depression, anxiety, and the complexities of pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood. Navigating emotional highs and lows can be distressing, especially if influenced by trauma. Managing emotions like anxiety, sadness, shame, and anger may impact relationships, fostering feelings of inadequacy and isolation.
(717) 613-6687 View (717) 613-6687
Photo of Balanced Life Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lancaster County, PA
Balanced Life Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCSW, LMFT, LMT, NCHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lancaster, PA 17601
We are an evidence-based practice, working from theoretical approaches of EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Person Centered, Integrated Pain Management, Internal Family Systems and Attachment-focused Therapy.
It is our belief that we all have the capacity to change, heal and recover from all the things that life can throw at us. At Balanced Life Counseling, we strive to create a warm, welcoming, and trusting environment which allows us to work together towards your goals. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the pressures and stress of life? Has communication been difficult lately? Are you looking for support to navigate challenging situations or circumstances? Sometimes, it's about something more than change. It's about growth and we are passionate about joining with our clients in a safe and collaborative space to help empower their growth.
We are an evidence-based practice, working from theoretical approaches of EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Person Centered, Integrated Pain Management, Internal Family Systems and Attachment-focused Therapy.
It is our belief that we all have the capacity to change, heal and recover from all the things that life can throw at us. At Balanced Life Counseling, we strive to create a warm, welcoming, and trusting environment which allows us to work together towards your goals. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the pressures and stress of life? Has communication been difficult lately? Are you looking for support to navigate challenging situations or circumstances? Sometimes, it's about something more than change. It's about growth and we are passionate about joining with our clients in a safe and collaborative space to help empower their growth.
(717) 539-4178 View (717) 539-4178
Photo of Suzanne Mary Presley, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lancaster County, PA
Suzanne Mary Presley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lancaster, PA 17601
My treatment approaches are eclectic and include a variety of therapeutic modalities (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy).
I have various areas of interest and experience with treating clients; however, it is my hope to always listen closely to each person's life journey because we are individuals with different stories and different needs. In doing this, my goal, is to assist clients in discovering an approach to treatment that meets their individual needs.
My treatment approaches are eclectic and include a variety of therapeutic modalities (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy).
I have various areas of interest and experience with treating clients; however, it is my hope to always listen closely to each person's life journey because we are individuals with different stories and different needs. In doing this, my goal, is to assist clients in discovering an approach to treatment that meets their individual needs.
(717) 966-6127 View (717) 966-6127
Photo of Susan Moses, Psychologist in Lancaster County, PA
Susan Moses
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lancaster, PA 17601  (Online Only)
Hello, I’m Dr. Susan Moses, a licensed clinical Psychologist. My main specialties are helping people with anxiety disorders and depression. My treatment approach is mainly cognitive-behavioral, with some influence from dialectical behavior therapy and person-centered therapy.
Hello, I’m Dr. Susan Moses, a licensed clinical Psychologist. My main specialties are helping people with anxiety disorders and depression. My treatment approach is mainly cognitive-behavioral, with some influence from dialectical behavior therapy and person-centered therapy.
(717) 707-7048 View (717) 707-7048
Photo of Emily E Everhart, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lancaster County, PA
Emily E Everhart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Lancaster, PA 17601
I am trained in Energy Psychology (EFT) and DBT.
I believe everyone has inherent value, has purpose, and belongs in this world. A person can be greatly impacted by stress, life changes, trauma, and pain/hurt which can lead people to believe they do not have value or feel no longer worthwhile. People can heal from these things and can learn new skills to better regulate emotions. Sometimes people just need someone to show up and help guide the healing process. We can heal the hurt and find ways to move forward in life. I work to provide a calm, safe, open, non-judgmental space to allow this process to begin.
I am trained in Energy Psychology (EFT) and DBT.
I believe everyone has inherent value, has purpose, and belongs in this world. A person can be greatly impacted by stress, life changes, trauma, and pain/hurt which can lead people to believe they do not have value or feel no longer worthwhile. People can heal from these things and can learn new skills to better regulate emotions. Sometimes people just need someone to show up and help guide the healing process. We can heal the hurt and find ways to move forward in life. I work to provide a calm, safe, open, non-judgmental space to allow this process to begin.
(717) 937-2203 x308 View (717) 937-2203 x308
Photo of Veronica Pilon, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lancaster County, PA
Veronica Pilon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lancaster, PA 17601  (Online Only)
I also incorporate my experience and training in CBT and DBT into my therapy sessions.
If you are struggling with the effects of depression, which also involves anxiety, low self-esteem, and feelings of isolation or inadequacy, I can help provide and teach you the skills necessary to be more successful, happy, and content in your life. We will work together to identify unhealthy thought patterns, unhealthy activities, negative choice cycles, and more so that you can live your best life.
I also incorporate my experience and training in CBT and DBT into my therapy sessions.
If you are struggling with the effects of depression, which also involves anxiety, low self-esteem, and feelings of isolation or inadequacy, I can help provide and teach you the skills necessary to be more successful, happy, and content in your life. We will work together to identify unhealthy thought patterns, unhealthy activities, negative choice cycles, and more so that you can live your best life.
(717) 936-9094 View (717) 936-9094
Photo of Laney Rapsey, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lancaster County, PA
Laney Rapsey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
My specialty has been in working with individuals who feel overwhelmed by their emotions to work towards feeling a greater sense of balance and control through the use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) strategies and mindfulness.
I love to see my clients discover and learn to empower themselves to be exactly who they are and to live the life they want for themselves. Sometimes feeling overwhelmed by certain emotions, stressful life events, or self-doubt can make it difficult to identify and utilize your strengths, to feel good about yourself, and to make the changes you want. I work with my clients to help them use the strengths they already have as well as to learn new skills to help them remember just how capable they are and to further empower them to work towards the change they want.
My specialty has been in working with individuals who feel overwhelmed by their emotions to work towards feeling a greater sense of balance and control through the use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) strategies and mindfulness.
I love to see my clients discover and learn to empower themselves to be exactly who they are and to live the life they want for themselves. Sometimes feeling overwhelmed by certain emotions, stressful life events, or self-doubt can make it difficult to identify and utilize your strengths, to feel good about yourself, and to make the changes you want. I work with my clients to help them use the strengths they already have as well as to learn new skills to help them remember just how capable they are and to further empower them to work towards the change they want.
(717) 276-4675 View (717) 276-4675
Photo of Kay Bela, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lancaster County, PA
Kay Bela
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lancaster, PA 17601
Together, we will address the mental struggles that have been keeping you stuck through EMDR and DBT and then work through practical skill building in each area of wellness (emotional, intellectual, social, financial, environmental, occupational, physical, spiritual), so you can start living the life you've wanted for so long, but never knew how to reach.
If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, trapped, or like your brain just won't stop ruminating and you're tired, but don't know how to make it stop, I'm here for you. When we're low, life can feel scary, lonely and confusing without a roadmap. I help clients find energy, mental rest, and stability in their lives. We'll take it one step at a time and walk you through mental health recovery at the pace that feels right to you, so you can gain control of your life. I’ve personally dealt with severe anxiety, depression, suicide attempts, trauma, alcohol abuse, and the loss of a brother to addiction, so I'm no stranger to the journey.
Together, we will address the mental struggles that have been keeping you stuck through EMDR and DBT and then work through practical skill building in each area of wellness (emotional, intellectual, social, financial, environmental, occupational, physical, spiritual), so you can start living the life you've wanted for so long, but never knew how to reach.
If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, trapped, or like your brain just won't stop ruminating and you're tired, but don't know how to make it stop, I'm here for you. When we're low, life can feel scary, lonely and confusing without a roadmap. I help clients find energy, mental rest, and stability in their lives. We'll take it one step at a time and walk you through mental health recovery at the pace that feels right to you, so you can gain control of your life. I’ve personally dealt with severe anxiety, depression, suicide attempts, trauma, alcohol abuse, and the loss of a brother to addiction, so I'm no stranger to the journey.
(717) 229-0116 View (717) 229-0116
Photo of Logan Day, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lancaster County, PA
Logan Day
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bird In Hand, PA 17505  (Online Only)
I have experience with many modalities- my favorites including DBT, ACT, Mindfulness-Based Play-Family Therapy, and Movement Based therapy.
I love working with all ages. I especially enjoy working with teens to navigate the transitional period of life! I utilize both a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to ensure that my client feels autonomy as well as authenticity throughout our time together.
I have experience with many modalities- my favorites including DBT, ACT, Mindfulness-Based Play-Family Therapy, and Movement Based therapy.
I love working with all ages. I especially enjoy working with teens to navigate the transitional period of life! I utilize both a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to ensure that my client feels autonomy as well as authenticity throughout our time together.
(717) 794-8443 View (717) 794-8443
Photo of Laura Alleva, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lancaster County, PA
Laura Alleva
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lancaster, PA 17603
My approach is primarily strengths based and client centered, with techniques derived from various modalities including CBT, DBT and mindfulness.
Hi there! Whether you’re dealing with everyday school or work stress, navigating a major life change or challenging relationship dynamic, processing the death of a loved one, coping with feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, or anxiety, readjusting to a post-pandemic world, or anything in between - you’ve come to the right place and I’m so glad you’re here. I am a License Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and have been practicing in the field for 6 years. I specialize in adolescents ages 12+ and adults.
My approach is primarily strengths based and client centered, with techniques derived from various modalities including CBT, DBT and mindfulness.
Hi there! Whether you’re dealing with everyday school or work stress, navigating a major life change or challenging relationship dynamic, processing the death of a loved one, coping with feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, or anxiety, readjusting to a post-pandemic world, or anything in between - you’ve come to the right place and I’m so glad you’re here. I am a License Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and have been practicing in the field for 6 years. I specialize in adolescents ages 12+ and adults.
(717) 535-8093 View (717) 535-8093
Photo of Kayla Lynch, Pre-Licensed Professional in Lancaster County, PA
Kayla Lynch
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Lititz, PA 17543
My goal is to help my clients find their life worth living, process emotions, and learn coping skills. My Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is from Walden University. I have been certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors and am working on my Perinatal Mental Health Certification, which focuses on loss, post-partum mood/anxiety, and more. I have training in DBT, which focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. Besides just coping skills, DBT also works on looking at dialectics and acceptance versus change.
My goal is to help my clients find their life worth living, process emotions, and learn coping skills. My Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is from Walden University. I have been certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors and am working on my Perinatal Mental Health Certification, which focuses on loss, post-partum mood/anxiety, and more. I have training in DBT, which focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. Besides just coping skills, DBT also works on looking at dialectics and acceptance versus change.
(717) 402-8889 View (717) 402-8889
Photo of Natalia Vergara-Berenda, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lancaster County, PA
Natalia Vergara-Berenda
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lancaster, PA 17603  (Online Only)
I utilize variations of CBT and DBT with my clients to help promote a sense of independence and acceptance.
Hi there! I am so glad you're here taking this big step! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Pennsylvania. I graduated from Binghamton University with my undergrad in Human Development and Masters in Social Work. I have been working as a therapist in the healthcare system for six years working along side psychiatrists and providers in primary care sites. My focus is primarily rooted in relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and generalized anxiety disorder.
I utilize variations of CBT and DBT with my clients to help promote a sense of independence and acceptance.
Hi there! I am so glad you're here taking this big step! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Pennsylvania. I graduated from Binghamton University with my undergrad in Human Development and Masters in Social Work. I have been working as a therapist in the healthcare system for six years working along side psychiatrists and providers in primary care sites. My focus is primarily rooted in relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and generalized anxiety disorder.
(484) 739-9250 View (484) 739-9250
Photo of Darlene Oliver, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lancaster County, PA
Darlene Oliver
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CAADC
Verified Verified
Lancaster, PA 17601  (Online Only)
I often include techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
I have 25 years of experience providing therapy in multiple settings, including inpatient mental health, outpatient day programs, and outpatient drug and alcohol settings. I enjoy working with people living with anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, Addiction issues, and religious trauma/deconstruction, to name a few.
I often include techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
I have 25 years of experience providing therapy in multiple settings, including inpatient mental health, outpatient day programs, and outpatient drug and alcohol settings. I enjoy working with people living with anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, Addiction issues, and religious trauma/deconstruction, to name a few.
(717) 802-8139 x1 View (717) 802-8139 x1

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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.