Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

At Learning to Achieve Wellness, we offer Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a highly effective and evidence-based form of psychotherapy designed for individuals who experience emotions with great intensity. Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, DBT is a specialized type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps you build a life worth living by teaching practical skills to manage painful emotions and navigate challenging life situations.
The core principle of DBT is to find a balance between acceptance and change. This “dialectical” approach means we help you accept the reality of your life and your current experiences while also providing you with the tools to create positive, lasting change. Our compassionate DBT-trained therapists provide a validating and supportive environment where you can learn to build self-awareness, improve your relationships, and gain control over your emotional well-being.

Who Can Benefit from DBT?

While originally created to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), research has shown that DBT is highly effective for a wide range of mental health conditions. The skills-based approach can help anyone who struggles with overwhelming emotions and unhelpful behavioral patterns.

DBT may be the right choice for you if you are struggling with:

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Self-harm and chronic suicidal ideation
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Substance Use Disorders
Eating Disorders (such as binge eating and bulimia)
Depression and Anxiety Disorders
Intense anger and emotion regulation difficulties
Chaotic or unstable interpersonal relationships

DBT is effective for both adolescents and adults, providing a structured path to recovery and resilience.

The Four Core Skills of DBT

DBT is a practical, skills-based therapy that focuses on teaching four key modules. These skills are taught in a structured format, often in a group setting, and then reinforced during individual therapy sessions. This comprehensive approach ensures you can apply what you learn to your daily life.

DBT Skill Module	Description
Mindfulness	This is the foundational skill of DBT. You will learn to be fully present and aware of the current moment without judgment. Mindfulness helps you slow down, observe your thoughts and feelings without being controlled by them, and make more conscious decisions.
Distress Tolerance	Life is full of painful and stressful situations. Distress tolerance skills teach you how to survive crisis moments without resorting to impulsive or harmful behaviors. You will learn how to accept reality as it is and manage difficult emotions effectively.
Interpersonal Effectiveness	This module focuses on improving your relationships. You will learn how to assert your needs, say no, and manage conflict in a way that maintains self-respect and strengthens your connections with others.
Emotion Regulation	For those who experience intense emotions, this module is life-changing. You will learn to identify and understand your emotions, reduce your emotional vulnerability, and change unwanted emotions in a healthy way.

What to Expect from DBT at Learning to Achieve Wellness

Our comprehensive DBT program is designed to provide you with the structure and support you need to succeed. A full DBT program typically includes:

Individual Therapy: Weekly one-on-one sessions with your therapist to address personal goals and challenges.
DBT Skills Training Group: A weekly group session where you will learn and practice the four core DBT skills in a classroom-like setting.
In-the-Moment Coaching: The ability to contact your therapist between sessions for guidance on how to apply DBT skills during real-life crises.

This structured approach has been proven to reduce self-harm, decrease hospitalizations, and significantly improve quality of life for individuals with a wide range of mental health conditions.

Take the First Step Towards Emotional Wellness

If you are ready to break free from the cycle of intense emotions and build a more stable, fulfilling life, our DBT program can help. Our team is here to provide you with the skills and support you need to thrive.