Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Philadelphia, PA

Photo of Brian Mullan, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Brian Mullan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Online Only
My preferred theoretical approaches include dialectical behavior therapy ( DBT), acceptance and commitment (ACT), and solution-focused therapy, utilizing a feminist and multicultural lens.
I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, survivors of racial trauma and injustice, and members of the LGBTQIA+ communities. I use a trauma-informed perspective to meet you where you are and hold out a light for us to walk a path together.
My preferred theoretical approaches include dialectical behavior therapy ( DBT), acceptance and commitment (ACT), and solution-focused therapy, utilizing a feminist and multicultural lens.
I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, survivors of racial trauma and injustice, and members of the LGBTQIA+ communities. I use a trauma-informed perspective to meet you where you are and hold out a light for us to walk a path together.
(267) 376-8735 View (267) 376-8735
Photo of Chelsea Lightbourn - Peace, Love, & Therapy with Chelsea, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Peace, Love, & Therapy with Chelsea
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19146
If you decide to make the empowered choice to step into this safe space you'll be met with my humor, specialized treatment in ADHD/ADD, use of dialectical behavior therapy & other modalities, and care for borderline personality disorders, women's issues, and relationship issues.
As a fellow person with an ADHD brain I can understand the difficulties set before those who have similar "neurodiverse brains". I specialize in attention deficit and other neurodiverse disorders in a way that helps to both normalize unique, diverse-friendly coping and build healthy strategies to overcome the seemingly insurmountable struggles.
If you decide to make the empowered choice to step into this safe space you'll be met with my humor, specialized treatment in ADHD/ADD, use of dialectical behavior therapy & other modalities, and care for borderline personality disorders, women's issues, and relationship issues.
As a fellow person with an ADHD brain I can understand the difficulties set before those who have similar "neurodiverse brains". I specialize in attention deficit and other neurodiverse disorders in a way that helps to both normalize unique, diverse-friendly coping and build healthy strategies to overcome the seemingly insurmountable struggles.
(215) 798-7694 View (215) 798-7694
Photo of Kaylie Gilston, Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Kaylie Gilston
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19147
I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), focusing on skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Hello! I'm Kaylie (she/they). As a queer clinician, I am dedicated to providing a safe and affirming space for identity exploration, navigating coming out, and validating your queer experiences. Supporting the LGBT+ community is a central motivation for my career as a therapist. I also work with individuals experiencing anxiety and depression, and I focus on supporting neurodiverse populations, including those with autism and ADHD. My goal is to help clients develop skills to navigate their environments and offer a supportive space to address the challenges they face in a world that may not always accommodate their needs.
I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), focusing on skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Hello! I'm Kaylie (she/they). As a queer clinician, I am dedicated to providing a safe and affirming space for identity exploration, navigating coming out, and validating your queer experiences. Supporting the LGBT+ community is a central motivation for my career as a therapist. I also work with individuals experiencing anxiety and depression, and I focus on supporting neurodiverse populations, including those with autism and ADHD. My goal is to help clients develop skills to navigate their environments and offer a supportive space to address the challenges they face in a world that may not always accommodate their needs.
(267) 682-7125 View (267) 682-7125
Photo of Johanna Dwinells, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, MT-BC
Johanna Dwinells
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, MT-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I blend different therapies like DBT, CBT, Music Therapy, Yoga and more to help you overcome symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Hello and welcome! I am a licensed professional counselor based in Philadelphia. I specialized in helping clients with anxiety, but that's not all! I've helped clients with creative slumps, significant life changes and day to day issues. Let's work together to lighten your mental load and uncover self acceptance. From the smallest struggles to the large problems that life throws at us, I can be in your corner.
I blend different therapies like DBT, CBT, Music Therapy, Yoga and more to help you overcome symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Hello and welcome! I am a licensed professional counselor based in Philadelphia. I specialized in helping clients with anxiety, but that's not all! I've helped clients with creative slumps, significant life changes and day to day issues. Let's work together to lighten your mental load and uncover self acceptance. From the smallest struggles to the large problems that life throws at us, I can be in your corner.
(267) 890-7022 View (267) 890-7022
Photo of Caroline Springhorn, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Caroline Springhorn
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I offer therapy through a DBT and CBT perspective.
My ideal client is seeking therapy to become the best version of themselves. They would be committed to treatment and be willing to put in the work in and outside of therapy.
I offer therapy through a DBT and CBT perspective.
My ideal client is seeking therapy to become the best version of themselves. They would be committed to treatment and be willing to put in the work in and outside of therapy.
(267) 692-2511 View (267) 692-2511
Photo of Katherine Fesperman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Katherine Fesperman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19147
My therapeutic approaches draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Psychodynamics, Gestalt Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Practices, and Cultural-Relational Therapy.
How do we feel, think and be present? It’s easier said than done. Yet, feeling, thinking, and simply being- though often uncomfortable, are fundamentally what make us human! During our sessions, we will explore what it means to feel, think, and be. I welcome you as you are, regardless of where you are in your journey. If you’re coming in with learned habits and thinking patterns that no longer serve you, we can work together to discover the possibilities of unlearning and relearning. By collaborating, we can understand what it means to develop insight into life’s difficult thoughts, feelings, relationships, and experiences.
My therapeutic approaches draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Psychodynamics, Gestalt Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Practices, and Cultural-Relational Therapy.
How do we feel, think and be present? It’s easier said than done. Yet, feeling, thinking, and simply being- though often uncomfortable, are fundamentally what make us human! During our sessions, we will explore what it means to feel, think, and be. I welcome you as you are, regardless of where you are in your journey. If you’re coming in with learned habits and thinking patterns that no longer serve you, we can work together to discover the possibilities of unlearning and relearning. By collaborating, we can understand what it means to develop insight into life’s difficult thoughts, feelings, relationships, and experiences.
(267) 489-2420 View (267) 489-2420
Photo of Jessica Corrar, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Jessica Corrar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
A little about me…I tend to lean toward short-term evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, and MI, although I love relational work as well.
Thinking about therapy? It can be hard to find a good fit with a therapist, there is a lot to consider. The many different approaches, some contradicting each other at times, can be overwhelming. One thing I have loved about therapy is for most situations there isn't just one right answer or direction. Let’s collaborate on what is going to work best for you to ensure you have the tools you need!
A little about me…I tend to lean toward short-term evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, and MI, although I love relational work as well.
Thinking about therapy? It can be hard to find a good fit with a therapist, there is a lot to consider. The many different approaches, some contradicting each other at times, can be overwhelming. One thing I have loved about therapy is for most situations there isn't just one right answer or direction. Let’s collaborate on what is going to work best for you to ensure you have the tools you need!
(484) 207-6273 View (484) 207-6273
Photo of Amy Keresztes, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Amy Keresztes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19125
I use a wide range of treatment modalities depending on each client’s preferences and treatment needs, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, ACT, CBT, DBT, & Cognitive Processing.
I believe that life includes suffering, and that it’s important to accept this reality while also finding healing, meaning, connection, and pleasure. I am well-versed in working with people experiencing depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, psychosis, personality disorders, grief, life transitions, relationship and communication challenges, substance use, existential dread, and the stressors of everyday life in this society. My therapeutic style is client-centered and trauma-informed, and I think of therapy as a mutual process of exploration and meaning-making, rather than something the therapist “does to you.”
I use a wide range of treatment modalities depending on each client’s preferences and treatment needs, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, ACT, CBT, DBT, & Cognitive Processing.
I believe that life includes suffering, and that it’s important to accept this reality while also finding healing, meaning, connection, and pleasure. I am well-versed in working with people experiencing depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, psychosis, personality disorders, grief, life transitions, relationship and communication challenges, substance use, existential dread, and the stressors of everyday life in this society. My therapeutic style is client-centered and trauma-informed, and I think of therapy as a mutual process of exploration and meaning-making, rather than something the therapist “does to you.”
(215) 398-4008 View (215) 398-4008
Photo of Elisabeth Henriques, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Elisabeth Henriques
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Throughout treatment, I utilize different approaches and skills such as dialectical and cognitive behavioral interventions, parts work, feminist theory in relation to marginalized identities, and narrative techniques to ensure that you feel empowered to tell your story and hold agency over its meaning.
My name is Liz Henriques, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 4 years of experience in a variety of mental health settings. My role as your therapist is joining you on your journey to self-improvement and understanding while being fully present and actively listening to ensure you feel heard and understood. First and foremost, my work is always person-centered; empathy and collaboration are the core of my therapeutic approach. My communication style is direct, but warm. I also enjoy bringing some light humor into the therapy room.
Throughout treatment, I utilize different approaches and skills such as dialectical and cognitive behavioral interventions, parts work, feminist theory in relation to marginalized identities, and narrative techniques to ensure that you feel empowered to tell your story and hold agency over its meaning.
My name is Liz Henriques, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 4 years of experience in a variety of mental health settings. My role as your therapist is joining you on your journey to self-improvement and understanding while being fully present and actively listening to ensure you feel heard and understood. First and foremost, my work is always person-centered; empathy and collaboration are the core of my therapeutic approach. My communication style is direct, but warm. I also enjoy bringing some light humor into the therapy room.
(717) 402-8972 View (717) 402-8972
Photo of Elizabeth Polovina, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Elizabeth Polovina
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Online Only
I draw from various therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, IFS, EMDR, mindfulness, and humanistic approaches to tailor our sessions to your specific needs.
Hello! My name is Elizabeth Polovina, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. My approach to therapy is centered around creating a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. I believe in the power of collaboration, and I aim to work together with you to identify your goals and challenges. My practice focuses on a holistic understanding of each individual, recognizing that everyone has unique experiences and perspectives.
I draw from various therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, IFS, EMDR, mindfulness, and humanistic approaches to tailor our sessions to your specific needs.
Hello! My name is Elizabeth Polovina, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. My approach to therapy is centered around creating a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. I believe in the power of collaboration, and I aim to work together with you to identify your goals and challenges. My practice focuses on a holistic understanding of each individual, recognizing that everyone has unique experiences and perspectives.
(267) 412-2093 View (267) 412-2093
Photo of Elena Gutierrez, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Elena Gutierrez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19147
I may utilize techniques from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT) to help you manage intense emotions and develop healthier ways of coping.
I am a genuine and interactive therapist passionate about supporting individuals navigating life's inevitable transitions and losses. Loss is a universal human experience, yet deeply personal in its impact. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a career shift, a relationship ending, a decline in independence, these experiences can leave us feeling stuck and unsettled. My approach to therapy is designed to empower you to not only weather these storms but also emerge with a deeper sense of self-awareness, acceptance, and resilience.
I may utilize techniques from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT) to help you manage intense emotions and develop healthier ways of coping.
I am a genuine and interactive therapist passionate about supporting individuals navigating life's inevitable transitions and losses. Loss is a universal human experience, yet deeply personal in its impact. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a career shift, a relationship ending, a decline in independence, these experiences can leave us feeling stuck and unsettled. My approach to therapy is designed to empower you to not only weather these storms but also emerge with a deeper sense of self-awareness, acceptance, and resilience.
(267) 494-6632 View (267) 494-6632
Photo of Constance Cosby - Mindful Essence Therapeutic Services, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, OSW-C, CCTP
Mindful Essence Therapeutic Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, OSW-C, CCTP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19133
As Trauma Informed Therapist, we combine Mindfulness Based approaches such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Somatic, and Acceptance to Commitment Therapy.
Are you finding that life just seems a little more difficult to manage? Do you feel parts of you have been lost or forgotten but not sure why? Would you like to understand how and why you're mental well-being might be impacted right now? There is no shame in seeking help with this...Constance is a highly trained and experienced licensed clinical social worker, certified clinical trauma professional and certified oncology social worker. In her past experiences, she has worked in various settings with diverse individuals. Her passion and purpose are helping women reconnect with themselves lovingly and healthily.
As Trauma Informed Therapist, we combine Mindfulness Based approaches such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Somatic, and Acceptance to Commitment Therapy.
Are you finding that life just seems a little more difficult to manage? Do you feel parts of you have been lost or forgotten but not sure why? Would you like to understand how and why you're mental well-being might be impacted right now? There is no shame in seeking help with this...Constance is a highly trained and experienced licensed clinical social worker, certified clinical trauma professional and certified oncology social worker. In her past experiences, she has worked in various settings with diverse individuals. Her passion and purpose are helping women reconnect with themselves lovingly and healthily.
(215) 839-3262 View (215) 839-3262
Photo of Loretta Gephart, Psychologist, LCP
Loretta Gephart
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Online Only
These include primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic, Mindfulness-Based, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
I am here to help you on your journey to feel happy and healthy, cope with stress, and become the best version of yourself. I provide a safe place for you to explore issues, identify goals, develop new tools and coping strategies, enhance self-awareness, and achieve personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
These include primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic, Mindfulness-Based, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
I am here to help you on your journey to feel happy and healthy, cope with stress, and become the best version of yourself. I provide a safe place for you to explore issues, identify goals, develop new tools and coping strategies, enhance self-awareness, and achieve personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
(267) 651-0143 View (267) 651-0143
Photo of Matthew James McCool, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Matthew James McCool
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103
My therapy philosophy incorporates elements of exposure therapy (such as CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), and other mindfulness based elements to match what might resonate best with your needs and style.
My specialty is in working with eating disorders, trauma, substance abuse, LGBTQIA+ issues, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder. I aim to empower my clients to examine themselves and their environments, develop healthier relationships and coping mechanisms, build resilience, and embrace their identities fully, while addressing the emotional and psychological factors that contribute to their struggles.
My therapy philosophy incorporates elements of exposure therapy (such as CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), and other mindfulness based elements to match what might resonate best with your needs and style.
My specialty is in working with eating disorders, trauma, substance abuse, LGBTQIA+ issues, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder. I aim to empower my clients to examine themselves and their environments, develop healthier relationships and coping mechanisms, build resilience, and embrace their identities fully, while addressing the emotional and psychological factors that contribute to their struggles.
(484) 669-8068 View (484) 669-8068
Photo of Loretta Gephart, Psychologist, LCP
Loretta Gephart
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Online Only
These include primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic, Mindfulness-Based and Psychodynamic Therapy.
I am here to help you on your journey to feel happy and healthy, cope with stress, and become the best version of yourself. I provide a safe place for you to explore issues, identify goals, develop new tools and coping strategies, enhance, self-awareness and achieve personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
These include primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic, Mindfulness-Based and Psychodynamic Therapy.
I am here to help you on your journey to feel happy and healthy, cope with stress, and become the best version of yourself. I provide a safe place for you to explore issues, identify goals, develop new tools and coping strategies, enhance, self-awareness and achieve personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
(267) 704-8609 View (267) 704-8609
Photo of Melisa O. Furman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Melisa O. Furman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
This include CBT, DBT, Emotionally focused therapy, executive function skill building for ADHD and neurodiversity, and trauma focused CBT and narrative therapy .
Many find themselves at a point in their lives where external support is necessary to navigate life's challenges. My role as a clinician includes supporting my clients through providing a safe space to explore emotions, develop a plan, learn healthy coping strategies and increase self-confidence. I am experienced in facilitating conversations around divorce and separation with children and teenagers. I specialize in behavioral change and healing inter-personal relationships. I work with many individuals, families and youth experiencing ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction and PTSD. I am trained in EMDR therapy.
This include CBT, DBT, Emotionally focused therapy, executive function skill building for ADHD and neurodiversity, and trauma focused CBT and narrative therapy .
Many find themselves at a point in their lives where external support is necessary to navigate life's challenges. My role as a clinician includes supporting my clients through providing a safe space to explore emotions, develop a plan, learn healthy coping strategies and increase self-confidence. I am experienced in facilitating conversations around divorce and separation with children and teenagers. I specialize in behavioral change and healing inter-personal relationships. I work with many individuals, families and youth experiencing ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction and PTSD. I am trained in EMDR therapy.
(484) 464-0296 View (484) 464-0296
Photo of Stephanie Lunt, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Stephanie Lunt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
I have trained extensively in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and EMDR.
People often come to me when they feel stuck in old patterns, exhausted from trying to go at it alone, or have had limited success with other clinicians. Generally, individuals who come to see me experience anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship tension, and challenges with balance in their lives.
I have trained extensively in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and EMDR.
People often come to me when they feel stuck in old patterns, exhausted from trying to go at it alone, or have had limited success with other clinicians. Generally, individuals who come to see me experience anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship tension, and challenges with balance in their lives.
(717) 837-5518 View (717) 837-5518
Photo of Emily Seidle, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Emily Seidle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
I integrate mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and elements of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, amongst other modalities to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself.
Hello and welcome! Do you feel pulled in a million directions, unable to fit it all in? Are you struggling with your relationships, work, and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? As your therapist, I can help you manage anxiety, and depression, avoid burnout and learn how to develop more meaningful relationships with others and yourself. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a whole-self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body, and spirit.
I integrate mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and elements of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, amongst other modalities to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself.
Hello and welcome! Do you feel pulled in a million directions, unable to fit it all in? Are you struggling with your relationships, work, and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? As your therapist, I can help you manage anxiety, and depression, avoid burnout and learn how to develop more meaningful relationships with others and yourself. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a whole-self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body, and spirit.
(215) 770-1673 View (215) 770-1673
Photo of Kim Woynowskie, Psychologist, PsyD
Kim Woynowskie
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19130
I am trained in a number of treatment modalities, including CBT, DBT, ACT, and psychodynamic therapies.
Welcome. I am a licensed therapist with 8 years of professional experience. Therapy is a journey tailored to your needs and goals. My pragmatic, evidence-based approach combines compassion and candor to facilitate meaningful progress. Together, we will explore old patterns, discover new perspectives, and engage in exercises to enhance your well-being.
I am trained in a number of treatment modalities, including CBT, DBT, ACT, and psychodynamic therapies.
Welcome. I am a licensed therapist with 8 years of professional experience. Therapy is a journey tailored to your needs and goals. My pragmatic, evidence-based approach combines compassion and candor to facilitate meaningful progress. Together, we will explore old patterns, discover new perspectives, and engage in exercises to enhance your well-being.
(215) 770-9021 View (215) 770-9021
Photo of Hannah Heffner, Licensed Professional Counselor, ATR-BC, LPCC, DBT-LBC
Hannah Heffner
Licensed Professional Counselor, ATR-BC, LPCC, DBT-LBC
Verified Verified
Online Only
I take a Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), person-centered, and trauma informed approach to support clients.
I am Linehan Board Certified in DBT, and practice DBT- Prolonged Exposure and Trauma Focused CBT, and Unified Protocol. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Art Therapist, and hold an advanced post graduate training in Affirmative Therapy for Transgender Communities and (TGNCNB) folk.
I take a Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), person-centered, and trauma informed approach to support clients.
I am Linehan Board Certified in DBT, and practice DBT- Prolonged Exposure and Trauma Focused CBT, and Unified Protocol. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Art Therapist, and hold an advanced post graduate training in Affirmative Therapy for Transgender Communities and (TGNCNB) folk.
(484) 549-9434 View (484) 549-9434
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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.