DBT
Skills to Build a Life Worth Living
What is DBT?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an empirically researched, evidence-based treatment modality developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D. at the University of Washington. DBT focuses on helping those who have difficulty managing intense emotions, act impulsively, and attempt to solve problems or relieve emotional pain with ineffective means of coping which often times are self-destructive or damaging to relationships. Although Marsha Linehan originally developed DBT to treat persons with Borderline Personality Disorder, DBT has become a widespread treatment approach to help anyone who struggles with emotion regulation.
Who DBT Helps
DBT was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, but it has since been proven effective for anyone who struggles with emotional dysregulation—the feeling that your emotions are a tidal wave that knocks you off your feet.
It is exceptionally helpful for individuals experiencing:
- Intense anxiety or “emotional storms”
- Self-harming behaviors or suicidal ideation
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
- Unstable or high-conflict relationships
- Impulsivity and difficulty with self-control
Integrating DBT with EMDR
In my practice, I often use DBT combined with other grounding and resourcing skills as the foundation for trauma recovery. EMDR therapy is deep, intensive work that can sometimes be overwhelming to the nervous system. If your “window of tolerance” is narrow, you might need a stronger foundation before we begin reprocessing traumatic memories.
By learning DBT skills, you gain the ability to stay grounded and regulate your distress. This ensures that when we do step into the EMDR reprocessing, you have the skills to remain safe, present, and resilient.
DBT Skills You Will Learn
Our work focuses on concrete, practical skills that you can begin using in your very first week.
Mindfulness
Learn to be fully present in the moment without judgment or attachment to the moment
Distress
Tolerance
Learn to get through a crisis without making the situation worse
Emotion
Regulation
Learn to identify your emotions, change your emotions when you need to, and build emotional resilience
Interpersonal
Effectiveness
Learn how to ask for what you need or say “no” while maintaining your self-respect and relationships.
DBT Skills Training Group & Program
For individuals seeking a comprehensive, structured immersion into the DBT curriculum, I offer a dedicated DBT Program. This includes dedicated DBT Skills Training Group and DBT Individual Therapy – specialized resources designed for profound transformation.
Visit my dedicated program website for schedules, curriculum details, and enrollment information.