Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Surfers resting on their boards in calm ocean water

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), is a therapy supported by four key pillars: Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation, Distress Tolerance and Interpersonal Effectiveness.

The goal of DBT is to adopt dialectical thinking, meaning two things can be true at once. We work toward accepting yourself as you are while also making changes that support the life you want.

Understanding DBT

Therapist Natalie Adey smiling outdoors in a headshot

Common Areas of Support

Common Experiences People Seek DBT For:

  • Big mood swings

  • Impulsive behavior

  • Fights with friends and family members

  • Difficulty coping with intense emotions

Conditions DBT Can Treat:

  • Borderline Personality Disorder

  • Self-harm

  • Suicidal Ideation

  • Bipolar Disorders

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

DBT Framework

  • Mindfulness

    Increase awareness of emotions and thoughts, without judgement.

  • Distress Tolerance

    Cope with difficult circumstances and the emotions that arise from them, with confidence and resiliency.

  • Emotional Regulation

    Learn to label emotions as helpful vs unhelpful, and change the intensity of the emotion, or the emotion entirely.

  • Interpersonal Effectiveness

    Increase confidence in relationships by learning clear communication and boundary setting skills.

What to Expect

DBT is very structured, we will go through the four modules together, often looking over worksheets, doing role play and processing how to use these skills.

❋ Intentional Structure

In DBT, you’ll become an expert at identifying a “fact” from an emotion, assumption or interpretation. Though it might feel awkward or uncomfortable at first, you’ll be able to identify the difference, and handle conflict more effectively.

❋ Discernment

❋ Increasing Self-Awareness

Part of our work together will be what you do outside of session. You will be asked to track your emotions and identify any skills that you use to cope with negative emotions.

Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

  • To go through the entire DBT program, meeting once weekly, the curriculum is typically completed in 6 months.

  • The traditional DBT structure often includes coaching calls, in which clients are able to talk to their therapist when experiencing emotional spikes. Depending on our work together, you and I will create a plan that will or will not include coaching calls. This is dependent on your needs!

    Coaching calls can be scheduled to happen during business hours, they will not happen after hours, and are not a replacement for emergencies.

Still have questions? Visit the full FAQ page or reach out directly.