What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, short-term approach to therapy to treat individuals with various mental health concerns, such as self-destructive behaviors, emotional regulation difficulties, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and other trauma-related disorders.

DBT helps you accept yourself as you are, despite negative patterns of thinking you may have due to various life experiences. This acceptance makes more room for you to change negative thinking that may harm your mental health.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy teaches you tolerance to more adequately cope with negative or difficult emotions and strategies to change behavior and reduce negative thoughts.

Your therapist will help you recognize and name your feelings as they arise without judging them or shaming yourself for experiencing them. You will also practice distress tolerance by finding ways to cope with destructive urges more positively. Your therapist might also include mindfulness techniques, which teach you to be present in the moment.

DBT can be used individually or in a group setting. Group settings for DBT help practice skills and work on interpersonal communication, as another goal of DBT is to improve relationship skills.

Therapists Who Specialize in Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy 

Alyssa Kushner

New York

New York

Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or a parent of a child or teen who is struggling with anxiety or depression? Searching for the best person to turn to for help can very well be another source of stress. I am passionate about working with children, teens, adults and their families. I fully understand how important developing a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust and...
I have experience working with a diverse group of individuals ranging in age from early childhood to late adulthood to treat a wide variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Conduct Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Eating Disorders, PTSD, Family Conflict, Marital Discord, Premarital Counseling, and Substance Abuse/Dependence. I am skilled in the following...

Julia Davis

Tampa

Florida

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working with children 5+, teens, adults, couples and families. In addition to my education I've gained life experience having grown up in a military family and traveling all over the United States as well as throughout Europe, South Africa, and Mexico. I thoroughly enjoy helping people and have a broad base of therapy...
I am a skilled clinician with experience working with clients ranging from children & adolescence through adulthood. I have over 18 years experience in outpatient and inpatient settings seeing clients with a wide range of mental health diagnosis. I seek to help clients' negotiate difficulties and optimize their functioning using validation, a person-centered approach, as well as various evidenc...

Jordan McCann

Spokane

Washington

My experience is primarily with children, young adults and couples. I also work with depression, anxiety and traumatic experiences. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy and have extensive training in couples counseling techniques. I enjoy humor and like to use it in therapy when appropriate. I take a holistic approach to therapy and work with a group tha...
Through my 15 years of being a foster/adopt parent, I have experienced how trauma, attachment, anxiety, learning disorders, Autism, ADHD, and mood disorders, affect daily functioning and the ability to enjoy life. I have come to appreciate how important it is to feel a sense of safety and belonging. We are biologically wired to need connections/relationships for optimal growth and development....

Jocelyn Ivy

Knoxville

Tennessee

I have always been interested in understanding the world from other people's points of view. I realize that every person sees the world from their own unique perspective and that we are all shaped by the lives we have lived and how we chose to tell our stories. Sometimes we experience things in life that we don't know how to handle on our own--or that we would like to handle differently. It is...
While the counseling process can be both scary and beautiful, I seek to provide compassionate, enthusiastic, and dedicated counseling services. I strive to create a non-judgmental, safe, and empathetic environment. My hope is this environment and our therapeutic alliance is conducive to one’s exploration of his or her own experience in which I will explore WITH you. Also, my therapy dog *in...
With over 40 years experience Ross believes that therapy is a contract developed by the client and therapist focused on the goals of the client which are observable and measurable. As a veteran Ross feels a special connection in treating veterans. Ross comes to Livingston Psychological Services with extensive experience in treating a vast array of issues and problems encountered by individuals....
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Ohio with certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I received my MSSA from Case Western Reserve University. I have experience working with at-risk adults who are living with severe mental illness in both agency and community settings. My areas of expertise include: moderate to severe mood and behavioral disorders, trauma-related disorders,...

Shelise Decal

San Diego

California

Humans have a biological need to feel safe and worthy of love. In a world that repeatedly invalidates sensitivity and vulnerability, it’s not surprising that many of us struggle to feel happy, attain goals and find fulfilling romantic relationships. Some of us turn to substances, while others over function. If we are parents, we may find that we accidently repeat hurtful dynamics with our own...
Life has more than enough obstacles, challenges and events that leave us with wounds. And, while we have family and friends that try to be of help, often we don't get the best, unbiased advice. Counselors are the friendly ear, the non-judgmental person, with a broad perspective to help you get through those times when life gets difficult. Transitions such as marriage or divorce, or the loss of...
I believe in meeting the client where they are at with evidence-based approaches. I am here to help you through whatever challenges life has thrown your way. My approach is client centered, and I will work with you to meet your goals. I have experience working with life transition, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, personality disorders and more. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Seekin...
Hi there! My name is Libbie Henrie, and I am a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) under the supervision of Terri Roman, LPC. My passion is working with teens and women struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, domestic violence and abuse trauma, and other traumatic events. I utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness to help my...

Johanna Cooke

Fresno

California

The therapy experience is a unique and dynamic process for each individual toward self realization. From a client-centered strengths-based orientation, it is my goal to create a safe environment with unconditional positive regard, in which each person can feel welcomed, understood, and accepted as their true self. I specialize in working with children, adolescents and families. I also provide...