Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Memphis, TN

Photo of Tara J Seay, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCMHSP
Tara J Seay
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCMHSP
1 Endorsed
Memphis, TN 38120
I often use Cognitive behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior therapy and EMDR.
My goal is to work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My strategy is to get to know who you are and what has happened to your life that has gotten you to this roadblock. I am big on education and helping you to understand the dynamics affecting mind and body to equip you with the necessary tools to take the reins in controlling your response to stress and take back your life. Life, as we know it now, has come with an increase in challenges that don't care what your skin tone, income status, education.
I often use Cognitive behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior therapy and EMDR.
My goal is to work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My strategy is to get to know who you are and what has happened to your life that has gotten you to this roadblock. I am big on education and helping you to understand the dynamics affecting mind and body to equip you with the necessary tools to take the reins in controlling your response to stress and take back your life. Life, as we know it now, has come with an increase in challenges that don't care what your skin tone, income status, education.
(901) 763-6213 View (901) 763-6213
Photo of Katherine Brown, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LPC, MHSP
Katherine Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LPC, MHSP
Memphis, TN 38117
In sessions, we can use integrated therapeutic modalities of narrative therapy, somatic experiential techniques, emotion-focused therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, attachment theory and inner child work.
Hi there! I am a counselor who works with clients ages 13+ and am skilled in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, body image, self-esteem, anger management, and transition issues. I also have specialized training and experience working with older adults with dementia and other cognitive and age-related changes. Additionally, I see teenagers and adults of all ages who identify as LGBTQIA+ and am well-versed in helping clients who are questioning their identities, beginning the coming-out process, and/or transitioning. I am included as a recommended specialist for transgender mental health in the local OUTMemphis Resource Guide.
In sessions, we can use integrated therapeutic modalities of narrative therapy, somatic experiential techniques, emotion-focused therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, attachment theory and inner child work.
Hi there! I am a counselor who works with clients ages 13+ and am skilled in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, body image, self-esteem, anger management, and transition issues. I also have specialized training and experience working with older adults with dementia and other cognitive and age-related changes. Additionally, I see teenagers and adults of all ages who identify as LGBTQIA+ and am well-versed in helping clients who are questioning their identities, beginning the coming-out process, and/or transitioning. I am included as a recommended specialist for transgender mental health in the local OUTMemphis Resource Guide.
(901) 668-7624 View (901) 668-7624
Photo of Valerie Mckinney - Thriveworks Counseling & Therapy Memphis, Counselor
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
(901) 730-5923 View (901) 730-5923
Photo of Glen Matthew Stamps Jr., Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, MS
Glen Matthew Stamps Jr.
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, MS
1 Endorsed
Memphis, TN 38119
I have additional trainings in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).
Searching for someone to help when we are struggling can be difficult and uncomfortable. I want to make that process a little bit easier by employing a non-judgmental approach to meet someone where they are. My name is Matt Stamps, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I believe in an empathic approach to therapy in which I work with my clients as partners to heal and recover within our mental health issues. I utilize evidence-based approaches to help my clients in developing coping skills and new perspectives to improve day-to-day life.
I have additional trainings in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).
Searching for someone to help when we are struggling can be difficult and uncomfortable. I want to make that process a little bit easier by employing a non-judgmental approach to meet someone where they are. My name is Matt Stamps, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I believe in an empathic approach to therapy in which I work with my clients as partners to heal and recover within our mental health issues. I utilize evidence-based approaches to help my clients in developing coping skills and new perspectives to improve day-to-day life.
(901) 244-5731 View (901) 244-5731
Photo of Fredrick Gillam Jr., Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP-S, LMFT
Fredrick Gillam Jr.
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP-S, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Memphis, TN 38119
I utilize evidence based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Trauma Therapy (EMDR).
Challenges are a part of life. When challenges cause grief, trauma, excessive stress, sadness, anxiety, and or unmanaged anger, counseling can be an affective tool to help get you through it. If you are looking to improve your mood, build self esteem, strenghthen relationship(s), or work through problems in school or at work, Aesthetic Life Counseling Services is the resource for you.
I utilize evidence based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Trauma Therapy (EMDR).
Challenges are a part of life. When challenges cause grief, trauma, excessive stress, sadness, anxiety, and or unmanaged anger, counseling can be an affective tool to help get you through it. If you are looking to improve your mood, build self esteem, strenghthen relationship(s), or work through problems in school or at work, Aesthetic Life Counseling Services is the resource for you.
(901) 877-2469 View (901) 877-2469
Photo of Lacy Kemker, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCMHSP
Lacy Kemker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCMHSP
1 Endorsed
Memphis, TN 38119
Waitlist for new clients
I have more than 6 years experience, and I utilize therapeutic modalities of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Do you feel detached from your goals or feel like you’ve lost sight of what’s important in your life? Do you feel like you’re struggling to love yourself or separate yourself from narratives of what your life should look like? Maybe it’s time to take a step towards finding your most authentic self? Looks like you’ve come to the right place. Taking this first step can be scary, but I believe taking the leap can help you grow in ways never before realized.
I have more than 6 years experience, and I utilize therapeutic modalities of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Do you feel detached from your goals or feel like you’ve lost sight of what’s important in your life? Do you feel like you’re struggling to love yourself or separate yourself from narratives of what your life should look like? Maybe it’s time to take a step towards finding your most authentic self? Looks like you’ve come to the right place. Taking this first step can be scary, but I believe taking the leap can help you grow in ways never before realized.
(901) 617-3584 View (901) 617-3584
Photo of Andre L. Dodson Jr., Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCMHSP
Andre L. Dodson Jr.
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCMHSP
1 Endorsed
Memphis, TN 38119
Hello, glad you could make it here. Has life's challenges thrown you off course? Has the struggles of your past been affecting your present and dimming your future? Have you gotten to a point in life where you just feel stuck and not living the life that you want to live? Unfortunately, many people learn to avoid the deep rooted issues that eventually compound and manifest into unhealthy behaviors, relationship problems, anxiety, depression and addiction. This can often be tough to acknowledge and let's be real, seeking help from a professional can be a daunting and intimidating task. But it does not have to be. There is hope.
Hello, glad you could make it here. Has life's challenges thrown you off course? Has the struggles of your past been affecting your present and dimming your future? Have you gotten to a point in life where you just feel stuck and not living the life that you want to live? Unfortunately, many people learn to avoid the deep rooted issues that eventually compound and manifest into unhealthy behaviors, relationship problems, anxiety, depression and addiction. This can often be tough to acknowledge and let's be real, seeking help from a professional can be a daunting and intimidating task. But it does not have to be. There is hope.
(901) 370-8872 View (901) 370-8872
Photo of Creshaunda Lynn, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Creshaunda Lynn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
Welcome to your healing journey. Starting therapy can be a big step, and if you've made it this far, you are doing an amazing job. You have recognized that you need assistance navigating this thing called life. Let me help you make this journey a little clearer by helping you to understand yourself better. I have experience working with adults who are struggling with depression, opioid addiction, anxiety, psychosis, substance abuse, perinatal mental health, self-esteem, self-care, gender dysmorphia, ADHD, and a host of other conditions.
Welcome to your healing journey. Starting therapy can be a big step, and if you've made it this far, you are doing an amazing job. You have recognized that you need assistance navigating this thing called life. Let me help you make this journey a little clearer by helping you to understand yourself better. I have experience working with adults who are struggling with depression, opioid addiction, anxiety, psychosis, substance abuse, perinatal mental health, self-esteem, self-care, gender dysmorphia, ADHD, and a host of other conditions.
(629) 228-9578 View (629) 228-9578
Photo of Sheila Mulanax, Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, A-LPC/, MHSP
Sheila Mulanax
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, A-LPC/, MHSP
Memphis, TN 38138
I often use therapy approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy ( DBT), existential therapy, person-centered and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Hi! Perhaps you are visiting today to obtain answers to confusion, peace in the torment, clarity from the chaos, healing from the pain. Maybe you just want someone to understand your pain. The process of healing is different for everyone, and you may find yourself in need of guidance and support. Whatever your reasoning may be, I am dedicated to help you achieve hope and healing. My goal is to provide a space where you feel safe in that experience. I am bilingual (Spanish) and I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples facing challenges with trauma, self-esteem, transitions, relationship distress, anxiety and depression.
I often use therapy approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy ( DBT), existential therapy, person-centered and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Hi! Perhaps you are visiting today to obtain answers to confusion, peace in the torment, clarity from the chaos, healing from the pain. Maybe you just want someone to understand your pain. The process of healing is different for everyone, and you may find yourself in need of guidance and support. Whatever your reasoning may be, I am dedicated to help you achieve hope and healing. My goal is to provide a space where you feel safe in that experience. I am bilingual (Spanish) and I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples facing challenges with trauma, self-esteem, transitions, relationship distress, anxiety and depression.
(901) 668-8324 View (901) 668-8324
Photo of Dr. Shandria Carter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Dr. Shandria Carter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Online Only
I specialize in depression, anxiety, stress related issues, life transitions, and assisting my clients overcome repressed and/or unresolved trauma. Life happens and it happens quickly. As such, we don’t always have the tools and/or perspective to present as our best selves due to trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, and a host of other reasons. I partner with my clients to help them take a hold of the pen of their lives to create and develop their own narrative. You are an expert on yourself, and I am here to help you apply clinical practices to enhance your day to day happiness via your mental health success.
I specialize in depression, anxiety, stress related issues, life transitions, and assisting my clients overcome repressed and/or unresolved trauma. Life happens and it happens quickly. As such, we don’t always have the tools and/or perspective to present as our best selves due to trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, and a host of other reasons. I partner with my clients to help them take a hold of the pen of their lives to create and develop their own narrative. You are an expert on yourself, and I am here to help you apply clinical practices to enhance your day to day happiness via your mental health success.
(901) 657-3813 View (901) 657-3813
Photo of Olivia Warfield, Pre-Licensed Professional, tLPC, MHSP, MS, MA
Olivia Warfield
Pre-Licensed Professional, tLPC, MHSP, MS, MA
2 Endorsed
Memphis, TN 38119
I use existential exploration, systems-thinking, parts work, and a blend of skills from ACT and DBT to support you in making sense of your inner world.
Life can feel heavy when you’re carrying around invisible burdens: unspoken fears, lingering shame, or that constant inner voice telling you you’re not enough. You might be moving through a big change, stuck in the same old patterns, or just feeling lost. I offer a compassionate, psychologically safe environment to explore what’s holding you back and help you build toward a life that feels more aligned, connected, and meaningful. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. My approach is collaborative and attuned to your full context - who you are, where you’ve been, and what you're moving toward.
I use existential exploration, systems-thinking, parts work, and a blend of skills from ACT and DBT to support you in making sense of your inner world.
Life can feel heavy when you’re carrying around invisible burdens: unspoken fears, lingering shame, or that constant inner voice telling you you’re not enough. You might be moving through a big change, stuck in the same old patterns, or just feeling lost. I offer a compassionate, psychologically safe environment to explore what’s holding you back and help you build toward a life that feels more aligned, connected, and meaningful. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. My approach is collaborative and attuned to your full context - who you are, where you’ve been, and what you're moving toward.
(901) 657-4507 View (901) 657-4507
Photo of Lisa A. Maners, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Lisa A. Maners
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Anxiety and depression can hold you back because fear can stop you from making the positive change needed for creating harmony and peace in your life. I provide a confidential, non-judgmental, and accepting environment to process the influences of family patterns, personal history, and social expectations that may or may not match your authentic inner self. Together, we will find effective strategies to manage the causes of your anxiety so that you may experience inner peace, harmony, and self-confidence. I use a mindfulness-based approach to empower people as they engage in self-discovery or work through interpersonal conflict.
Anxiety and depression can hold you back because fear can stop you from making the positive change needed for creating harmony and peace in your life. I provide a confidential, non-judgmental, and accepting environment to process the influences of family patterns, personal history, and social expectations that may or may not match your authentic inner self. Together, we will find effective strategies to manage the causes of your anxiety so that you may experience inner peace, harmony, and self-confidence. I use a mindfulness-based approach to empower people as they engage in self-discovery or work through interpersonal conflict.
(901) 245-5403 View (901) 245-5403
Photo of Jamil E Matthews, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MBA
Jamil E Matthews
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MBA
1 Endorsed
Memphis, TN 38119
Multi-State licensed Clinical Social worker with 15 + years of experience in the field. Dedicated to serving patients and people in a meaningful way, listening to their concerns, and helping them learn how to approach their mental, emotional, and behavioral problems. Excel at providing children, adolescents, adults, couples with individual psychotherapy to help them facilitate social, vocational, and personal adjustment to allow them to lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Multi-State licensed Clinical Social worker with 15 + years of experience in the field. Dedicated to serving patients and people in a meaningful way, listening to their concerns, and helping them learn how to approach their mental, emotional, and behavioral problems. Excel at providing children, adolescents, adults, couples with individual psychotherapy to help them facilitate social, vocational, and personal adjustment to allow them to lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives.
(901) 676-6495 View (901) 676-6495
Photo of Logan Dimitri Golden - Logan Golden- Golden Elevation Counseling, LPC, MHSP
Greetings! My name is Logan, and it is a pleasure for me to assist you along your therapeutic journey. As a compassionate and dedicated therapist, I specialize in providing a safe and supportive space for individuals seeking to navigate life's challenges and cultivate personal growth. With a client-centered approach, I tailor my therapeutic techniques to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking self-exploration, I am here to offer guidance, encouragement, and practical tools to help you thrive. Let’s get it!
Greetings! My name is Logan, and it is a pleasure for me to assist you along your therapeutic journey. As a compassionate and dedicated therapist, I specialize in providing a safe and supportive space for individuals seeking to navigate life's challenges and cultivate personal growth. With a client-centered approach, I tailor my therapeutic techniques to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking self-exploration, I am here to offer guidance, encouragement, and practical tools to help you thrive. Let’s get it!
(901) 460-3577 View (901) 460-3577
Photo of Hannah Maust, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, PhD, LPC, MHSP
Hannah Maust
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, PhD, LPC, MHSP
3 Endorsed
Memphis, TN 38119
Waitlist for new clients
My ideal client is ready to discover, change, and grow. They are willing to work towards the life they want to live and who they want to be.
My ideal client is ready to discover, change, and grow. They are willing to work towards the life they want to live and who they want to be.
(901) 657-2605 View (901) 657-2605
Photo of Molly K. Fleming, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, YT
Molly K. Fleming
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, YT
Memphis, TN 38112
Authentic interaction, compassion, and curiosity are central to my work as a relational and experiential therapist. I believe that human development, personality, and mental health are primarily shaped by where we come from: interpersonal relationships (namely our earliest attachments) and the culture and social values that shape our lives. Building more secure connections with others is required to break repetitive cycles in life and to heal from trauma. Therapy can be that secure base. I prioritize a whole-person approach: thoughts, emotions, body awareness, breath, nervous system, choices. We are all of this.
Authentic interaction, compassion, and curiosity are central to my work as a relational and experiential therapist. I believe that human development, personality, and mental health are primarily shaped by where we come from: interpersonal relationships (namely our earliest attachments) and the culture and social values that shape our lives. Building more secure connections with others is required to break repetitive cycles in life and to heal from trauma. Therapy can be that secure base. I prioritize a whole-person approach: thoughts, emotions, body awareness, breath, nervous system, choices. We are all of this.
View
Photo of Daniel W Church, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Daniel W Church
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
1 Endorsed
Memphis, TN 38119
Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and a DBT-informed approach, I help adolescents develop healthier coping skills, increase emotional flexibility, strengthen supportive relationships, and build resilience.
I work with adolescents who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and overwhelming emotions. I believe that having a safe, supportive space to talk openly about life’s challenges is an essential part of healing and growth. I view therapy as a collaborative process where understanding and connection can develop, helping young people build confidence, resilience, hope, and a stronger sense of well-being.
Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and a DBT-informed approach, I help adolescents develop healthier coping skills, increase emotional flexibility, strengthen supportive relationships, and build resilience.
I work with adolescents who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and overwhelming emotions. I believe that having a safe, supportive space to talk openly about life’s challenges is an essential part of healing and growth. I view therapy as a collaborative process where understanding and connection can develop, helping young people build confidence, resilience, hope, and a stronger sense of well-being.
(901) 519-2241 View (901) 519-2241
Photo of Jacqueline Paul, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Jacqueline Paul
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I specifically use Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Supportive therapy, and Solution-focused strategies in my therapeutic approach.
My goal is to offer tangible skills you can use outside of session to help feel empowered and manage symptoms that are present,
I specifically use Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Supportive therapy, and Solution-focused strategies in my therapeutic approach.
My goal is to offer tangible skills you can use outside of session to help feel empowered and manage symptoms that are present,
(901) 657-6118 View (901) 657-6118
Photo of Jasmine A Sullivan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Jasmine A Sullivan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
1 Endorsed
Memphis, TN 38117
Waitlist for new clients
I use a mix of Internal Family Systems/Parts Work, EMDR, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Ecotherapy, Yoga, Somatic Processing, and DBT to help them find peace with the hard stuff
Sometimes life just gets overwhelming. I enjoy supporting both minors and adults in finding self compassion and growth while experiencing the uncomfortable. In sessions together, we can learn to do this by navigating trauma responses, depression, anxiety, life transitions, suicidal thoughts, relationships, body-image challanges, disordered eating, behavioral issues, and stress. Through both doing my own work and spending time with clients, I wholeheartedly feel we can find so much healing by getting curious about our emotions and greeting whatever arises with kindness, respect, and a bit of humor
I use a mix of Internal Family Systems/Parts Work, EMDR, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Ecotherapy, Yoga, Somatic Processing, and DBT to help them find peace with the hard stuff
Sometimes life just gets overwhelming. I enjoy supporting both minors and adults in finding self compassion and growth while experiencing the uncomfortable. In sessions together, we can learn to do this by navigating trauma responses, depression, anxiety, life transitions, suicidal thoughts, relationships, body-image challanges, disordered eating, behavioral issues, and stress. Through both doing my own work and spending time with clients, I wholeheartedly feel we can find so much healing by getting curious about our emotions and greeting whatever arises with kindness, respect, and a bit of humor
View
Photo of Peggy Love-Clark, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Peggy Love-Clark
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Memphis, TN 38119
CBT, DBT, solution-focused therapy, and TIC are my preferred methodologies.
You are brave even if you don’t think you are. How do I know this? Because you’re here seeking help, asking questions of yourself, wondering if things could be better, or will they always remain the same. Is it anxiety, depression, stress, substance abuse, trauma, or feelings of being overwhelmed with challenges and transitions? A combination of them all? Let’s face it, and be honest, therapy is not easy, seeking and making changes are not easy. However, we are better together. Hello, my name is Peggy Love-Clark, and it is my pleasure to meet you. Thank you for taking the time to invest in yourself, and your mental well-being.
CBT, DBT, solution-focused therapy, and TIC are my preferred methodologies.
You are brave even if you don’t think you are. How do I know this? Because you’re here seeking help, asking questions of yourself, wondering if things could be better, or will they always remain the same. Is it anxiety, depression, stress, substance abuse, trauma, or feelings of being overwhelmed with challenges and transitions? A combination of them all? Let’s face it, and be honest, therapy is not easy, seeking and making changes are not easy. However, we are better together. Hello, my name is Peggy Love-Clark, and it is my pleasure to meet you. Thank you for taking the time to invest in yourself, and your mental well-being.
(901) 673-9425 View (901) 673-9425

See more therapy options for Memphis

Nearby Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists Searches for Memphis

See More Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists
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.