Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Kitchener, ON
Vitality Counselling Services with Barb Shannon
Registered Social Worker, MSW, BSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2H
I am trained in a variety of modalities, including CBT, DBT, ACT and Mediation.
Accepting New Clients.... I meet individuals where they’re at and help them get to where they want to go! Whether you're grappling to navigate difficult life situations, managing anxiety and/or depression, stress, relationship issues, parenting or blended family challenges or anxiety-based school avoidance, I offer a down-to-earth, compassionate approach to counselling to youth (11+), adults, couples and families. I am also a trained Mediator and offer parent adolescent mediation services and parent coordination. I am passionate about helping you by offering insight, support, and skill building in a relaxed counselling environment.
I am trained in a variety of modalities, including CBT, DBT, ACT and Mediation.
Accepting New Clients.... I meet individuals where they’re at and help them get to where they want to go! Whether you're grappling to navigate difficult life situations, managing anxiety and/or depression, stress, relationship issues, parenting or blended family challenges or anxiety-based school avoidance, I offer a down-to-earth, compassionate approach to counselling to youth (11+), adults, couples and families. I am also a trained Mediator and offer parent adolescent mediation services and parent coordination. I am passionate about helping you by offering insight, support, and skill building in a relaxed counselling environment.
I am a psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. I am accepting new therapy and assessment clients. I work with adults with a range of challenges (e.g., depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, trauma/PTSD, obsession-compulsions, and executive dysfunction) impacting their relationships, academics, work, and general life functioning. Primarily from a CBT perspective, and drawing upon other approaches (MBCT, DBT, ACT, etc.) as needed, I aim to provide you with support, help you build skills to make meaningful changes in your life, and help you build skills to maintain your wellbeing over time.
I am a psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. I am accepting new therapy and assessment clients. I work with adults with a range of challenges (e.g., depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, trauma/PTSD, obsession-compulsions, and executive dysfunction) impacting their relationships, academics, work, and general life functioning. Primarily from a CBT perspective, and drawing upon other approaches (MBCT, DBT, ACT, etc.) as needed, I aim to provide you with support, help you build skills to make meaningful changes in your life, and help you build skills to maintain your wellbeing over time.
My specialized training is in CBT, DBT, ACT.
Do you want to develop strategies to better manage the thoughts, feelings and relationships that are holding you back from a healthy and productive life? Are you struggling to find enjoyment in life, experiencing mental or physical illness, grief, and loss, stress in your job, relationships or as a caregiver or parent? There are steps you can take to improve your psychological well-being, strengthen your relationships and attachments and move towards personal healing and growth. I am here to help you break the cycle or negative thoughts, emotions and relationships and take steps to experience a more positive and fulfilling life.
My specialized training is in CBT, DBT, ACT.
Do you want to develop strategies to better manage the thoughts, feelings and relationships that are holding you back from a healthy and productive life? Are you struggling to find enjoyment in life, experiencing mental or physical illness, grief, and loss, stress in your job, relationships or as a caregiver or parent? There are steps you can take to improve your psychological well-being, strengthen your relationships and attachments and move towards personal healing and growth. I am here to help you break the cycle or negative thoughts, emotions and relationships and take steps to experience a more positive and fulfilling life.
Emily Taylor with Thriving Families Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, BA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2E
I work primarily from a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy ( DBT) framework while also integrating a strength-based approach.
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and postpartum struggles can all impact our lives in various ways. You have taken the first step towards change and growth by being here today, the next step in creating positive and lasting transformations doesn't have to happen alone. I am passionate in my work with adults, adolescents, athletes and families struggling with self-harm, suicide ideation, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, ADHD, eating disorders and postpartum challenges. As a retired varsity and competitive athlete I also hold space to explore how sport impacts our lives through injury, identity shifts, pressures, and eating disorders.
I work primarily from a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy ( DBT) framework while also integrating a strength-based approach.
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and postpartum struggles can all impact our lives in various ways. You have taken the first step towards change and growth by being here today, the next step in creating positive and lasting transformations doesn't have to happen alone. I am passionate in my work with adults, adolescents, athletes and families struggling with self-harm, suicide ideation, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, ADHD, eating disorders and postpartum challenges. As a retired varsity and competitive athlete I also hold space to explore how sport impacts our lives through injury, identity shifts, pressures, and eating disorders.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. I take a client-centered and compassionate approach to my work and uphold the values of dignity and respect for all. I specialize in working with individuals and couples coping with anxiety, depression, addictions, ADHD, trauma, life transitions (including immigration), and identity related issues. My practice is influenced by evidence-based modalities of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Gottman Method, and incorporates both mindfulness and meditation practices.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. I take a client-centered and compassionate approach to my work and uphold the values of dignity and respect for all. I specialize in working with individuals and couples coping with anxiety, depression, addictions, ADHD, trauma, life transitions (including immigration), and identity related issues. My practice is influenced by evidence-based modalities of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Gottman Method, and incorporates both mindfulness and meditation practices.
Rosemary Victor
Registered Social Worker, MA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2E (Online Only)
I am trained in the following modalities: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); Solution Focused Therapy; Narrative Therapy; Mindfulness ; Emotion Focused Therapy; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Dialectical Behavioural Therapy ( DBT); and Trauma Therapy.
My experience enables me to offer effective individualized, mental health support for individuals, and couples. I provide supports around relationship issues, coping with mood disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, grief & loss, managing life transitions, trauma, and addictions.
I am trained in the following modalities: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); Solution Focused Therapy; Narrative Therapy; Mindfulness ; Emotion Focused Therapy; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Dialectical Behavioural Therapy ( DBT); and Trauma Therapy.
My experience enables me to offer effective individualized, mental health support for individuals, and couples. I provide supports around relationship issues, coping with mood disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, grief & loss, managing life transitions, trauma, and addictions.
Thriving Families Counselling with Kendra Seymour
Registered Psychotherapist, BASc, MACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2E
With many years experience working from a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy lens, I also integrate various approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Grief Counselling to best meet each individual client's needs.
I believe mental health is a spectrum in which we all strive for wellness. With over 15 years experience supporting children, teens and families, I am well versed in the current struggles they face as well as walking along-side them as they move towards wellness. I am here to support with managing anxiety, depression, emotion regulation and many other difficulties faced by today's families. I also have a strong passion in supporting older adults and clients of all ages who may be struggling to manage their grief. I am certified to support those on their end-of-life journey, including MAiD, and anyone impacted along the way.
With many years experience working from a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy lens, I also integrate various approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Grief Counselling to best meet each individual client's needs.
I believe mental health is a spectrum in which we all strive for wellness. With over 15 years experience supporting children, teens and families, I am well versed in the current struggles they face as well as walking along-side them as they move towards wellness. I am here to support with managing anxiety, depression, emotion regulation and many other difficulties faced by today's families. I also have a strong passion in supporting older adults and clients of all ages who may be struggling to manage their grief. I am certified to support those on their end-of-life journey, including MAiD, and anyone impacted along the way.
I have been trained in CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, use of Afrocentric theory, Cultural Safety and Concurrent disorders, to name some.
I work primarily with adults 18 years and older. I support people with a wide range of concerns, from mental health to mental wellness, substance use, self esteem, goal setting and racial trauma. I prioritize cultural safety and am able to support diverse clients in a culturally safe an affirming manner.
I have been trained in CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, use of Afrocentric theory, Cultural Safety and Concurrent disorders, to name some.
I work primarily with adults 18 years and older. I support people with a wide range of concerns, from mental health to mental wellness, substance use, self esteem, goal setting and racial trauma. I prioritize cultural safety and am able to support diverse clients in a culturally safe an affirming manner.
My therapeutic approach is an integration of various modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy ( DBT).
Therapy can be a helpful tool in navigating the unexpected challenges and transitions that life brings. I believe each and every person has their own unique strengths and capacity for growth, and we do our best with the tools and skills that are available to us. As a therapist, I am privileged to be able to support clients in their journey of shaping a life that feels meaningful and authentic.
My therapeutic approach is an integration of various modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy ( DBT).
Therapy can be a helpful tool in navigating the unexpected challenges and transitions that life brings. I believe each and every person has their own unique strengths and capacity for growth, and we do our best with the tools and skills that are available to us. As a therapist, I am privileged to be able to support clients in their journey of shaping a life that feels meaningful and authentic.
I am trained in a variety of modalities, including EMDR, CBT, DBT, and narrative therapy.
Do you feel stuck, anxious or unhappy? Have you experienced loss, trauma or mental health struggles? I work with adults and youth wherever they are at and empower them achieve their goals of who and where they want to be. There are so many things that can impact our ability to live as fully as we want to and sometimes we need a space to process, make connections and find strategies and tools to move forward. I believe that healing is possible and I am passionate about offering a strengths-based approach, insight and skill building, compassion and a sense of humour to help you find it.
I am trained in a variety of modalities, including EMDR, CBT, DBT, and narrative therapy.
Do you feel stuck, anxious or unhappy? Have you experienced loss, trauma or mental health struggles? I work with adults and youth wherever they are at and empower them achieve their goals of who and where they want to be. There are so many things that can impact our ability to live as fully as we want to and sometimes we need a space to process, make connections and find strategies and tools to move forward. I believe that healing is possible and I am passionate about offering a strengths-based approach, insight and skill building, compassion and a sense of humour to help you find it.
I have training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), The Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy ( DBT).
I'm a registered social worker that provides evidence-based therapy for individuals and couples. Perhaps you are struggling with feelings of anxiety and depression or you are unhappy in your relationship. You might be avoiding difficult situations or finding ways to escape from how you are feeling. As a couple, you might be feeling stuck. Your conversations or arguments go in circles and never feel resolved. It's become difficult to communicate and you feel disconnected from each other.
I have training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), The Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy ( DBT).
I'm a registered social worker that provides evidence-based therapy for individuals and couples. Perhaps you are struggling with feelings of anxiety and depression or you are unhappy in your relationship. You might be avoiding difficult situations or finding ways to escape from how you are feeling. As a couple, you might be feeling stuck. Your conversations or arguments go in circles and never feel resolved. It's become difficult to communicate and you feel disconnected from each other.
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I am rooted in a strengths-based and solution focused approach that incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), Narrative, and Acceptance Therapy.
Would you like to learn skills that will help you process anxiety, depression, or trauma? Do you feel overwhelmed or desire more structure in your life? Do you often feel lonely or stuck inside your head? It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when life moves so quickly, which is why it can be helpful to have support with slowing things down and formulating a plan. Improving your mental health and well-being can be as simple as developing a daily routine that reduces stress and increases energy. It can also include processing difficult experiences, learning skills to cope with life challenges, or simply having someone to talk to.
I am rooted in a strengths-based and solution focused approach that incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), Narrative, and Acceptance Therapy.
Would you like to learn skills that will help you process anxiety, depression, or trauma? Do you feel overwhelmed or desire more structure in your life? Do you often feel lonely or stuck inside your head? It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when life moves so quickly, which is why it can be helpful to have support with slowing things down and formulating a plan. Improving your mental health and well-being can be as simple as developing a daily routine that reduces stress and increases energy. It can also include processing difficult experiences, learning skills to cope with life challenges, or simply having someone to talk to.
I utilize a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches in order to suit clients needs including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behaviour Therapy ( DBT), Mindfulness, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
It is part of the human experience to have ups and downs in life. My passion for being a therapist is holding space for those struggling or navigating through life’s difficulties. As a client centered therapist, it is my goal to provide clients a warm, safe and accepting environment where you can feel comfortable to share your story. Each individual person is unique, and it is important to me to understand all of the aspects of a persons life that make them who they are. Together we will collaboratively develop goals that would be meaningful to you that are realistic, achievable and bring you closer to the life you want to live.
I utilize a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches in order to suit clients needs including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behaviour Therapy ( DBT), Mindfulness, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
It is part of the human experience to have ups and downs in life. My passion for being a therapist is holding space for those struggling or navigating through life’s difficulties. As a client centered therapist, it is my goal to provide clients a warm, safe and accepting environment where you can feel comfortable to share your story. Each individual person is unique, and it is important to me to understand all of the aspects of a persons life that make them who they are. Together we will collaboratively develop goals that would be meaningful to you that are realistic, achievable and bring you closer to the life you want to live.
She employs a range of modalities and tools, including Person-Centered Therapy, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Acceptance Therapy, to support your unique needs.
Shelley is here to support you on your journey, helping you navigate life's challenges with compassion and expertise. She is dedicated to providing client-centered care, ensuring a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate environment that fosters creativity and flexibility in your healing journey. She understands that life's path can take unexpected twists and turns, requiring us to pause and find our way back to the right direction.
She employs a range of modalities and tools, including Person-Centered Therapy, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Acceptance Therapy, to support your unique needs.
Shelley is here to support you on your journey, helping you navigate life's challenges with compassion and expertise. She is dedicated to providing client-centered care, ensuring a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate environment that fosters creativity and flexibility in your healing journey. She understands that life's path can take unexpected twists and turns, requiring us to pause and find our way back to the right direction.
Ashley Vandergunst
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MA(c)
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2E
Ashley draws on a variety of therapies, and, depending on her client’s needs, she integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Self-Compassion and Mindfulness-Based approaches along with others.
Ashley’s goal as your therapist is to provide you with a safe, compassionate space. She considers it an honour and privilege when you share your life experiences with her and allow her to join you on your personal journey. Life often presents us with unforeseen challenges, testing our resilience and mental fortitude. Seeking support can be challenging; though, a courageous step for your mental health. Ashley strives to help you with overcoming challenges, achieving your goals, and helping to promote healing and lasting change within your life.
Ashley draws on a variety of therapies, and, depending on her client’s needs, she integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Self-Compassion and Mindfulness-Based approaches along with others.
Ashley’s goal as your therapist is to provide you with a safe, compassionate space. She considers it an honour and privilege when you share your life experiences with her and allow her to join you on your personal journey. Life often presents us with unforeseen challenges, testing our resilience and mental fortitude. Seeking support can be challenging; though, a courageous step for your mental health. Ashley strives to help you with overcoming challenges, achieving your goals, and helping to promote healing and lasting change within your life.
Michelle Goodman (Ramalho)
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2P (Online Only)
I offer sessions using the following evidence-based approaches: CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy ( DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy, Parts Focused Therapies, Solution Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
At times life can take us far away from ourselves, and each day can feel challenging. While therapy cannot remove our challenges, or erase our past, it can allow us to manage more effectively, and discover we are more resilient than we ever imagined. I work with youths and adults on a broad range of topics such as emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, grief, postpartum depression, self-esteem/body image issues, and parenting or relationship challenges. If you are looking to change unhelpful patterns, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and want to build a more fulfilling life, take that first step and reach out.
I offer sessions using the following evidence-based approaches: CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy ( DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy, Parts Focused Therapies, Solution Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
At times life can take us far away from ourselves, and each day can feel challenging. While therapy cannot remove our challenges, or erase our past, it can allow us to manage more effectively, and discover we are more resilient than we ever imagined. I work with youths and adults on a broad range of topics such as emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, grief, postpartum depression, self-esteem/body image issues, and parenting or relationship challenges. If you are looking to change unhelpful patterns, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and want to build a more fulfilling life, take that first step and reach out.
Miguel P Guayasamin
Registered Social Worker, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2E
I have training in many different therapeutic modalities so I can best tailor an approach to the unique needs of individuals but have spent more time developing an expertise in CBT, TF-CBT, and DBT.
Life is beautiful, in part because of its challenges which can help us to grow and learn more about ourselves. There are times when we can feel overwhelmed and experience increased stress, anxiety, low mood or various other things that have us feeling less like ourselves. Simply put, those are all signs that you have done the best that you can with the skills and supports that you have to navigate this part of your life. My hope in this role is to support each individual to realign with their strengths and the development of the skills needed to thrive during these seasons.
I have training in many different therapeutic modalities so I can best tailor an approach to the unique needs of individuals but have spent more time developing an expertise in CBT, TF-CBT, and DBT.
Life is beautiful, in part because of its challenges which can help us to grow and learn more about ourselves. There are times when we can feel overwhelmed and experience increased stress, anxiety, low mood or various other things that have us feeling less like ourselves. Simply put, those are all signs that you have done the best that you can with the skills and supports that you have to navigate this part of your life. My hope in this role is to support each individual to realign with their strengths and the development of the skills needed to thrive during these seasons.
The Vine Counseling Center
Registered Social Worker, BSC, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2A
Our mandate is to support you mentally by using such models as CBT, DBT, Solution focused, Narrative therapy and many more.
There is nothing as fulfilling and rewarding as being the best version of yourself. However, it’s a process. Along the journey of life, you may feel overwhelmed, frustrated or even stuck. Sometimes, in a bid to unstuck or fill the void, we latch on to something else that creates more problems. It could also be inability to let go of the past pain. At the Vine, we will be your ally on this journey by supporting, enriching and empowering you. We do this by unveiling different characters, situations and circumstances on your journey. We bring your awareness to your responses and encourage you to embrace seasons of life with compassion
Our mandate is to support you mentally by using such models as CBT, DBT, Solution focused, Narrative therapy and many more.
There is nothing as fulfilling and rewarding as being the best version of yourself. However, it’s a process. Along the journey of life, you may feel overwhelmed, frustrated or even stuck. Sometimes, in a bid to unstuck or fill the void, we latch on to something else that creates more problems. It could also be inability to let go of the past pain. At the Vine, we will be your ally on this journey by supporting, enriching and empowering you. We do this by unveiling different characters, situations and circumstances on your journey. We bring your awareness to your responses and encourage you to embrace seasons of life with compassion
Sara Murphy
Registered Psychotherapist, MC, CCC
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
Waitlist for new clients
My therapeutic technique also incorporates Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy ( DBT), mindfulness-based, ego state, neurobiological, and attachment-based therapies.
In her book The Gifts of Imperfection, Bréné Brown says that “owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do”. It is my privilege as a Psychotherapist to provide space and support as individuals dive into the stories of their lives and do the hard work of healing. Certified in EMDR, and other types of evidence-based trauma therapies, I’m grateful to be able to provide an opportunity for individuals to release the emotional, mental, and physical blocks caused by trauma and other difficult life circumstances.
My therapeutic technique also incorporates Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy ( DBT), mindfulness-based, ego state, neurobiological, and attachment-based therapies.
In her book The Gifts of Imperfection, Bréné Brown says that “owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do”. It is my privilege as a Psychotherapist to provide space and support as individuals dive into the stories of their lives and do the hard work of healing. Certified in EMDR, and other types of evidence-based trauma therapies, I’m grateful to be able to provide an opportunity for individuals to release the emotional, mental, and physical blocks caused by trauma and other difficult life circumstances.
Meghan Clemmer
Registered Social Service Worker, RSSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
I utilize various techniques from Dialectical Behavioural ( DBT), Cognitive Behavioural (CBT), Solution-Focused and attachment therapies, to encourage the ability to be present in the moment, develop healthy ways to manage and cope with daily life stressors and improve relationships, while working from a client centered, strengths-based approach.
I'm a Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW) with over 17 years of experience working in Children’s Mental Health. I provide individual counselling support to children, youth and young adults ages 5 to 30, as well as their parents, and have experience supporting with a range of challenges including anxiety, attachment and behavioural issues, mood and self-esteem challenges, autism, and emotion dysregulation. I have extensive experience providing support to parents of children with mental health concerns, to better understand their children’s challenges and learn strategies to support their children’s needs.
I utilize various techniques from Dialectical Behavioural ( DBT), Cognitive Behavioural (CBT), Solution-Focused and attachment therapies, to encourage the ability to be present in the moment, develop healthy ways to manage and cope with daily life stressors and improve relationships, while working from a client centered, strengths-based approach.
I'm a Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW) with over 17 years of experience working in Children’s Mental Health. I provide individual counselling support to children, youth and young adults ages 5 to 30, as well as their parents, and have experience supporting with a range of challenges including anxiety, attachment and behavioural issues, mood and self-esteem challenges, autism, and emotion dysregulation. I have extensive experience providing support to parents of children with mental health concerns, to better understand their children’s challenges and learn strategies to support their children’s needs.
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Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Counsellors
Who is DBT for?
Dialectical Behaviour 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 behaviour 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, behaviour, 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 behavioural 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 behaviour; nevertheless, individuals may require therapy for several years.