Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Berryville, VA
Mary Jo Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berryville, VA 22611 (Online Only)
I have clinical training in DBT, solution-focused and CBT clinical modalities and I work with adolescents, couples and families in my private practice.
I am passionate about supporting individual and family's mental wellness by assisting adolescents and families with finding solutions to improve their relationships, mood and find more happiness within their lives. I specialize in supporting adolescents find solutions for next steps toward college and career success, manage their strong emotions such as anxiety, sadness and anger to have healthier relationships with their peers, teachers and within their families. In our counseling sessions we will focus on finding your goals for a more holistic health, better relationships and solutions for having peace and happiness in your life.
I have clinical training in DBT, solution-focused and CBT clinical modalities and I work with adolescents, couples and families in my private practice.
I am passionate about supporting individual and family's mental wellness by assisting adolescents and families with finding solutions to improve their relationships, mood and find more happiness within their lives. I specialize in supporting adolescents find solutions for next steps toward college and career success, manage their strong emotions such as anxiety, sadness and anger to have healthier relationships with their peers, teachers and within their families. In our counseling sessions we will focus on finding your goals for a more holistic health, better relationships and solutions for having peace and happiness in your life.
Magnolia Individual and Group Therapy Services LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berryville, VA 22611
Accepting new clients. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or just feeling overwhelmed; feeling better is possible. Getting to know you and seeking to understand your needs is my number one priority. If you've been considering therapy, now is the time.
Accepting new clients. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or just feeling overwhelmed; feeling better is possible. Getting to know you and seeking to understand your needs is my number one priority. If you've been considering therapy, now is the time.
Madilynne West
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berryville, VA 22611
Not accepting new clients
I'm so glad that you are reaching out. It's a big step to reach out for support during a difficult season of life, but a step that is so important. My goal is to make this healing process as comfortable as possible for you. I approach therapy as a partnership; you and I working together towards your goals. You are the expert of your own lived experience, and I know that you have strengths inside of you that can be used on your journey towards healing. I am here to walk with you on that journey; offering feedback, support and alternate ways of thinking along the way.
I'm so glad that you are reaching out. It's a big step to reach out for support during a difficult season of life, but a step that is so important. My goal is to make this healing process as comfortable as possible for you. I approach therapy as a partnership; you and I working together towards your goals. You are the expert of your own lived experience, and I know that you have strengths inside of you that can be used on your journey towards healing. I am here to walk with you on that journey; offering feedback, support and alternate ways of thinking along the way.
More Therapists Nearby
Giordana De Altin Popiolek
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bluemont, VA 20135 (Online Only)
Welcome to The Healing Road, LLC. Many think that therapy mainly involves talking to an empathetic person, but it is so much more. Progress should be evident and, whenever possible, measurable. Therapy is movement, is action, not endless talking. I believe healing and personal balance are possible. I like to support the people I serve reach wellness, balance and a fulfilling life while holding the role of a copilot. The pilot, the person in control, will always be you. "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." Take the Healing Road and find ways to feel better.
Welcome to The Healing Road, LLC. Many think that therapy mainly involves talking to an empathetic person, but it is so much more. Progress should be evident and, whenever possible, measurable. Therapy is movement, is action, not endless talking. I believe healing and personal balance are possible. I like to support the people I serve reach wellness, balance and a fulfilling life while holding the role of a copilot. The pilot, the person in control, will always be you. "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." Take the Healing Road and find ways to feel better.
Online Therapists
Leslie M Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSAC, MAC, CSOTP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
I use DBT skills work with clients that benefit from that style of therapy.
Are you interested in working with a creative therapist who motivates you to progress in therapy. I use active therapies as it is appropriate and requested. I want to see you reach your potential as quickly as possible to restore health and balance to your life.
I use DBT skills work with clients that benefit from that style of therapy.
Are you interested in working with a creative therapist who motivates you to progress in therapy. I use active therapies as it is appropriate and requested. I want to see you reach your potential as quickly as possible to restore health and balance to your life.
Johni J Spinelli
Licensed Professional Counselor, Johni, J, Spinell, LPC, MEd
Verified Verified
Herndon, VA 20170
I will assist you in a caring and professional manner to find realistic answers and solutions that make sense to you in your life, and allow you to more effectively manage each day. I bring over 20 years of experience working effectively with adults, children, families, and couples with a wide range of problems, from mild to severe in nature. My therapeutic approach is strength-based and practical. I draw from a number of different treatment approaches (including but not limited to: CBT, Humanistic, Family Systems, DBT) to most effectively address your presenting issues, reduce symptoms, and meet your goals in seeking treatment.
I will assist you in a caring and professional manner to find realistic answers and solutions that make sense to you in your life, and allow you to more effectively manage each day. I bring over 20 years of experience working effectively with adults, children, families, and couples with a wide range of problems, from mild to severe in nature. My therapeutic approach is strength-based and practical. I draw from a number of different treatment approaches (including but not limited to: CBT, Humanistic, Family Systems, DBT) to most effectively address your presenting issues, reduce symptoms, and meet your goals in seeking treatment.
Kellee Clark
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22311 (Online Only)
I utilize motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, cognitive therapy, mindfulness, and dialectical behavior therapy to help my clients achieve desired change on their journey towards wellness and recovery.
Do you want to reach me directly? Use my website. I support adults experiencing depression, anxiety, mood issues, relationship issues and difficult life transitions to find healthy ways to face their stressors and conflicts. Therapy is a collaborative process in which we will work together to identify both sustainable and meaningful ways to influence change in your life. I have both a strength-based and solution focused approach to the therapy process and I value supporting people of all backgrounds to achieve their goals in therapy.
I utilize motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, cognitive therapy, mindfulness, and dialectical behavior therapy to help my clients achieve desired change on their journey towards wellness and recovery.
Do you want to reach me directly? Use my website. I support adults experiencing depression, anxiety, mood issues, relationship issues and difficult life transitions to find healthy ways to face their stressors and conflicts. Therapy is a collaborative process in which we will work together to identify both sustainable and meaningful ways to influence change in your life. I have both a strength-based and solution focused approach to the therapy process and I value supporting people of all backgrounds to achieve their goals in therapy.
Patricia Dean
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22213
The modalities I work in are DBT, EMDR, IFS informed, CBT and TF-CBT.
During uncertain times people may experience an increase in anxiety and depression. Though we are living in isolation there is no need to "go it alone". If you need help, even short term, please reach out to a mental health professional. I am licensed in Virginia, Washington DC and Pennsylvania. Patricia Dean, LCSW, LICSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adolescents and adults using an approach tailored to the individual needs of each new client.
The modalities I work in are DBT, EMDR, IFS informed, CBT and TF-CBT.
During uncertain times people may experience an increase in anxiety and depression. Though we are living in isolation there is no need to "go it alone". If you need help, even short term, please reach out to a mental health professional. I am licensed in Virginia, Washington DC and Pennsylvania. Patricia Dean, LCSW, LICSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adolescents and adults using an approach tailored to the individual needs of each new client.
Transitions Counseling & Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Manassas, VA 20110
Transitions Counseling & Wellness creates a safe environment while demonstrating unconditional positive regard applying the counseling skills of listening, reflection, clarifying, and being present with clients while providing a safe space and the emotional support desired through the use of various therapeutic modalities which include CBT and DBT.
At Transitions Counseling & Wellness, we believe that within each person lies the ability to facilitate change in behavior that will allow them to become a fully functioning individual regardless of psychological diagnosis or life circumstances. Our goal is to assist clients in learning how to communicate unexpressed emotions in a healthy manner that will aid in developing healthy relationships beginning with being true to self. We assist individuals with a person centered approach learn how to manage ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression, Blended Families, Couples Counseling, Infidelity, Premarital Counseling, and Trauma
Transitions Counseling & Wellness creates a safe environment while demonstrating unconditional positive regard applying the counseling skills of listening, reflection, clarifying, and being present with clients while providing a safe space and the emotional support desired through the use of various therapeutic modalities which include CBT and DBT.
At Transitions Counseling & Wellness, we believe that within each person lies the ability to facilitate change in behavior that will allow them to become a fully functioning individual regardless of psychological diagnosis or life circumstances. Our goal is to assist clients in learning how to communicate unexpressed emotions in a healthy manner that will aid in developing healthy relationships beginning with being true to self. We assist individuals with a person centered approach learn how to manage ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression, Blended Families, Couples Counseling, Infidelity, Premarital Counseling, and Trauma
Teanna Diggs At Postpartum Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22201 (Online Only)
My name is Teanna and I am a licensed psychotherapist in Maryland, Virginia, and Florida. I specialize in Women’s Health by working with you to learn to cope with thoughts that plague sleepless nights, and past experiences that hold you back from the breakthrough to a better life. My techniques focus on creating a safe place to lay out all the cards and begin to rebuild a better self. I utilize several evidence-based approaches including mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Each approach is catered specifically to your needs, as I believe my clients are as unique as their needs.
My name is Teanna and I am a licensed psychotherapist in Maryland, Virginia, and Florida. I specialize in Women’s Health by working with you to learn to cope with thoughts that plague sleepless nights, and past experiences that hold you back from the breakthrough to a better life. My techniques focus on creating a safe place to lay out all the cards and begin to rebuild a better self. I utilize several evidence-based approaches including mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Each approach is catered specifically to your needs, as I believe my clients are as unique as their needs.
Maddy Pope
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manassas, VA 20110
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and other therapeutic techniques from a strengths-based, person-centered, and culturally competent approach.
Change is hard and often elicits emotions difficult to process. You are not alone! I can help you to overcome the challenges you face and to learn coping skills to overcome life’s obstacles. I provide a warm and welcoming therapeutic environment, whether virtual or in-person. I am here to listen to your needs, your emotions, and your experiences without judgment. I will partner with you to find solutions and develop the necessary skills to improve your life and help you to achieve your goals. Together, we will celebrate each of your victories, big or small.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and other therapeutic techniques from a strengths-based, person-centered, and culturally competent approach.
Change is hard and often elicits emotions difficult to process. You are not alone! I can help you to overcome the challenges you face and to learn coping skills to overcome life’s obstacles. I provide a warm and welcoming therapeutic environment, whether virtual or in-person. I am here to listen to your needs, your emotions, and your experiences without judgment. I will partner with you to find solutions and develop the necessary skills to improve your life and help you to achieve your goals. Together, we will celebrate each of your victories, big or small.
McKenna O'Shea
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Ashburn, VA 20147
Waitlist for new clients
I mainly use cognitive behavioral techniques such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment therapy, mindfulness, as well as other cognitive-behavioral techniques.
I use a warm, collaborative approach to help you achieve your goals. I enjoy helping individuals with a range of therapy goals that can include beginning recovery from trauma, learning new coping skills, or discovering your values to live a more meaningful life. I specialize in working with clients with PTSD, complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and substance use. Additionally, I have spent the majority of my training working with Veterans and college students, and am open to working with spouses of Veterans or military members.
I mainly use cognitive behavioral techniques such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment therapy, mindfulness, as well as other cognitive-behavioral techniques.
I use a warm, collaborative approach to help you achieve your goals. I enjoy helping individuals with a range of therapy goals that can include beginning recovery from trauma, learning new coping skills, or discovering your values to live a more meaningful life. I specialize in working with clients with PTSD, complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and substance use. Additionally, I have spent the majority of my training working with Veterans and college students, and am open to working with spouses of Veterans or military members.
Dr. Tierra Hereford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22304 (Online Only)
We use several approaches tailored to meet your needs that include: CBT, DBT, EFT, Psycho-dynamic and Trauma Treatment.
We believe in creating a calm environment to help guide you through the healing process. Ours goals are to use compassion and empathy. We educate and collaboratively work with you (and your loved ones) and encourage growth and motivation for long term change. We have worked with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, everyday difficulties/stressors, relationship concerns, racial/gender inequality, sexual issues, child behavioral issues, mood disorders, LBGTQ+ community, stress management, military veterans/active duty, and trauma.
We use several approaches tailored to meet your needs that include: CBT, DBT, EFT, Psycho-dynamic and Trauma Treatment.
We believe in creating a calm environment to help guide you through the healing process. Ours goals are to use compassion and empathy. We educate and collaboratively work with you (and your loved ones) and encourage growth and motivation for long term change. We have worked with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, everyday difficulties/stressors, relationship concerns, racial/gender inequality, sexual issues, child behavioral issues, mood disorders, LBGTQ+ community, stress management, military veterans/active duty, and trauma.
Mindful Innovations
Counselor, MA, LPC, CSOTP
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22903 (Online Only)
I utilize dialectical behavioral therapy skills to assist in managing life stressors, cope more effectively with obstacles, and to overcome barriers that hold you back in your life.
I support a broad range of individuals, such as those with self regulation and impulse control, that impact their functioning and stability. I want to help you or your loved one in stabilization of mood, thinking, and behavior to live more freely without the burdens of past experiences. I believe strongly in one's motivation to change, and I will support you while you build belief in yourself and your goals. I can help you work through barriers that may inhibit your success or hold you back from taking the steps forward in your life. While the treatment journey can be a challenging one, I can help guide your path to stability.
I utilize dialectical behavioral therapy skills to assist in managing life stressors, cope more effectively with obstacles, and to overcome barriers that hold you back in your life.
I support a broad range of individuals, such as those with self regulation and impulse control, that impact their functioning and stability. I want to help you or your loved one in stabilization of mood, thinking, and behavior to live more freely without the burdens of past experiences. I believe strongly in one's motivation to change, and I will support you while you build belief in yourself and your goals. I can help you work through barriers that may inhibit your success or hold you back from taking the steps forward in your life. While the treatment journey can be a challenging one, I can help guide your path to stability.
Angela Van Berkel
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Vienna, VA 22182
I have specialized training in these evidence-based approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Motivational Interviewing, and Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS).
I think of psychotherapy as a creative partnership between client and therapist, accepting the client, just as they are, while also working with them towards lasting change. I strive to create a warm, safe environment, using culturally relevant, evidence-based approaches that foster collaboration and trust. We'll work to improve self-efficacy, develop healthier relationships with self and others, and practice skills to regulate emotions that have interfered with your quality of life. My orientation is trauma-informed and theoretically integrative, using cognitive-behavioral, biosocial, interpersonal process and attachment theories.
I have specialized training in these evidence-based approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Motivational Interviewing, and Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS).
I think of psychotherapy as a creative partnership between client and therapist, accepting the client, just as they are, while also working with them towards lasting change. I strive to create a warm, safe environment, using culturally relevant, evidence-based approaches that foster collaboration and trust. We'll work to improve self-efficacy, develop healthier relationships with self and others, and practice skills to regulate emotions that have interfered with your quality of life. My orientation is trauma-informed and theoretically integrative, using cognitive-behavioral, biosocial, interpersonal process and attachment theories.
Kara Sprinkle
Resident in Counseling, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dumfries, VA 22026
Kara is very passionate about using her experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which have proven to be in particular very effective in helping clients access their own inner strengths to address a wide spectrum of issues.
Kara Sprinkle is a licensed Mental Health Counselor with 10+ years of proven experience in working with adolescents and families facing high mental, physical, and emotional issues. Additionally, her experiences as a military spouse have coincided with her career path and continue to foster not only who she is as an individual, but also as a professional, which is why she chooses to become a licensed professional counselor. Kara’s therapeutic interests continue to be working with adolescents, veterans, and military families through utilizing an integrative counseling approach tailored to the specific needs of her individual clients.
Kara is very passionate about using her experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which have proven to be in particular very effective in helping clients access their own inner strengths to address a wide spectrum of issues.
Kara Sprinkle is a licensed Mental Health Counselor with 10+ years of proven experience in working with adolescents and families facing high mental, physical, and emotional issues. Additionally, her experiences as a military spouse have coincided with her career path and continue to foster not only who she is as an individual, but also as a professional, which is why she chooses to become a licensed professional counselor. Kara’s therapeutic interests continue to be working with adolescents, veterans, and military families through utilizing an integrative counseling approach tailored to the specific needs of her individual clients.
Julie Sutliff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Springfield, VA 22151 (Online Only)
I have an eclectic therapeutic approach using a variety of evidence based practice techniques including dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), motivational interviewing (MI) which are primarily focused around a person centered, analytical and cognitive behavioral approach (CBT).
My name is Julie Sutliff and I am a LCSW in Maryland, New York, and Virginia and owner of JES Counseling, LLC providing telehealth services. I have 10+ years of experience providing mental and emotional health services in both inpatient and outpatient settings, individual and group therapy with young adults, adults, athletes, veterans, and first responders. My passion is to help individuals learn how to cope and understand latent symptoms (below the surface) which can be helpful in improving mental and emotional health to improve quality of life, strengthen the ability to function, learn resilience, and gain empowerment.
I have an eclectic therapeutic approach using a variety of evidence based practice techniques including dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), motivational interviewing (MI) which are primarily focused around a person centered, analytical and cognitive behavioral approach (CBT).
My name is Julie Sutliff and I am a LCSW in Maryland, New York, and Virginia and owner of JES Counseling, LLC providing telehealth services. I have 10+ years of experience providing mental and emotional health services in both inpatient and outpatient settings, individual and group therapy with young adults, adults, athletes, veterans, and first responders. My passion is to help individuals learn how to cope and understand latent symptoms (below the surface) which can be helpful in improving mental and emotional health to improve quality of life, strengthen the ability to function, learn resilience, and gain empowerment.
Laura Grandy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030
Whether you are seeking therapy to find concrete solutions to problems that feel unmanageable, heal from past experiences, explore gender and sexuality issues, or better understand yourself and your story, Laura would be honored to be a part of your process. Laura believes every client is unique, and therefore, has an eclectic person-centered approach in working with clients. Laura uses dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, creative art therapies, and mindfulness strategies to help those in her care meet their needs, reach their treatment goals, and create change.
Whether you are seeking therapy to find concrete solutions to problems that feel unmanageable, heal from past experiences, explore gender and sexuality issues, or better understand yourself and your story, Laura would be honored to be a part of your process. Laura believes every client is unique, and therefore, has an eclectic person-centered approach in working with clients. Laura uses dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, creative art therapies, and mindfulness strategies to help those in her care meet their needs, reach their treatment goals, and create change.
Kara Clough
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
McLean, VA 22101 (Online Only)
Kara L. Clough, LCSW, provides psychotherapy to individuals of all ages. DBT Certified. She has experience in providing therapy at a variety of settings to include: outpatient, a partial hospitalization program, county-level services, and schools years for over 10 years. Providing therapy for the following concerns: symptoms of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, exposure to trauma, emotional dysregulation, personal crises, and life transitions.
Kara L. Clough, LCSW, provides psychotherapy to individuals of all ages. DBT Certified. She has experience in providing therapy at a variety of settings to include: outpatient, a partial hospitalization program, county-level services, and schools years for over 10 years. Providing therapy for the following concerns: symptoms of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, exposure to trauma, emotional dysregulation, personal crises, and life transitions.
Christine L Rassa
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LPC-S, PCMH
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22041
I integrate therapeutic approaches, such as CBT, DBT, talk therapy with emotionally focused therapy to allow a client to self observe how emotions affect responses.
I practice in VA and DE. Supportive reflection with compassionate listening and understanding are the hallmarks of my practice as I work collaboratively to achieve my client's treatment goals. Attending therapy is a time not only to address immediate concerns but to understand how past experiences impact present behaviors and responses. I enjoy working with young adults, adults, and couples to enhance their relationship with themselves and others. In therapy we will build a therapeutic relationship based on trust and respect. As a clinical supervisor for resident in counseling, I encourage residents to practice with these values.
I integrate therapeutic approaches, such as CBT, DBT, talk therapy with emotionally focused therapy to allow a client to self observe how emotions affect responses.
I practice in VA and DE. Supportive reflection with compassionate listening and understanding are the hallmarks of my practice as I work collaboratively to achieve my client's treatment goals. Attending therapy is a time not only to address immediate concerns but to understand how past experiences impact present behaviors and responses. I enjoy working with young adults, adults, and couples to enhance their relationship with themselves and others. In therapy we will build a therapeutic relationship based on trust and respect. As a clinical supervisor for resident in counseling, I encourage residents to practice with these values.
See more therapy options for Berryville
Nearby Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists Searches for Berryville
- Aldie
- Dulles
- Front Royal
- Hamilton
- Lansdowne
- Leesburg
- Middleburg
- Paeonian Springs
- Purcellville
- Round Hill
- Stephens City
- Winchester
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.