Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

As an adjunctive supplement to therapy, I can provide Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills training.  It is a type of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors, rather than deeply examining feelings. DBT aims to help people change their behaviors, regulate their moods, and tolerate uncomfortable feelings by teaching specific skills for coping with problems.  It is a hands-on approach to therapy that will give you a sense of control by offering you practical tools for managing intense emotional pain. DBT can be used as part of a treatment plan for people struggling with behaviors that they can’t control such as drug and alcohol abuse, anger management, sexual addiction, and eating disorders.  It can also be helpful for those who struggle with less “dangerous” but more insidious behaviors caused by depression and anxiety such as isolation, rumination, procrastination, and avoidance.  

The areas of focus are:

Mindfulness - skills that help people learn to “just notice” thoughts and feelings rather than to react to them

Interpersonal effectiveness - skills that help people to effectively communicate wants, needs, and boundaries in relationships, while also maintaining calmness and concern for the other person

Emotion regulation - skills that aid in reducing vulnerability to overwhelming emotions and help in coping with intense emotions

Distress tolerance - skills that help people survive crisis situations and help people manage short and long term pain

*NOTE:  If you are seeking a DBT individual therapist or a DBT coach, I unfortunately am not the right therapist for you.  I offer adjunctive DBT skills training as part of the therapeutic process (when needed), but not as my primary method of working with clients.  If you need a referral for a DBT therapist or group, please contact me and I can provide you with one.