dialectical behavior therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, families, and adults, to treat emotion dysregulation. Dialectics are the idea that two opposing views can be true at the same time (for example: people are doing the best they can and need to do better in order to reach their goals). DBT helps individuals to learn to control their emotions and work towards "building a life worth living," according to DBT's creator, Marsha Linehan. DBT is based on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy. It is effective in the treatment of individuals experiencing mood disorders, suicidal ideation and self-harm, Borderline Personality Disorder, and trauma.

Additional information about DBT can be found here.

treatment components

individual therapy

Our sessions will provide space to apply skills towards building your life worth living. We'll collaboratively set an agenda at the start of session to target your goals. We'll talk about the good, the bad, and everything in-between, and make a game plan for the upcoming week.

skills training

Skills are generally taught in a weekly group format (similar to a class, not a process/support group). Typically, teens and their parents participate in a multi-family skills group (young adults attend groups with similarly-aged peers).

phone coaching

Applying new skills in crisis moments is tough. You can call (or text!) me outside of sessions for support in order to cope effectively.

consultation team

Therapists need therapy, too! DBT providers meet weekly for "therapy for the therapist." It's a space for myself and my teammates to get support to implement DBT skills in our own lives and with our patients - so I can show up as the best possible therapist for you.

if your treatment does not include these 4 modalities, it is not adherent DBT

The best way to ensure that you are receiving adherent DBT is to find a therapist who is a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™. Additional information about certification can be found here.

skills training modules

mindfulness

Expand your awareness of thoughts and emotions, practice experiencing life fully, in the present moment, without judgment (based on principles of Zen Buddhism)

distress tolerance

Manage crisis moments (without making the situation worse), and accept reality as it is

emotion regulation

Daily practices to increase and maintain a balanced emotional baseline

interpersonal effectiveness

Prioritize goals in relationships, build/maintain relationships, ask for what you want (or say no) effectively, maintain self-respect

middle path skills

Flexible thinking and behavioral strategies to increase effective behavior patterns, validation, decrease family conflict for teens/parents)

dialectical behavior therapy for children

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C) is intended for families (parents and their children from ages 7-12) experiencing conflict and behavioral problems. DBT-C has all the components of DBT for adolescents and adults, but looks a bit different.

This is a treatment for families -- not just kids.

I firmly believe that highly sensitive children can only learn to control their emotions in an environment that models and encourages the use of coping skills. That's why the first several sessions focus on parent emotion regulation and parent skills. In these sessions, I'll give you tools to cope with your own emotions so that you can prevent further escalations and communicate effectively with your child. I'll also teach you to coach your child through big feelings in a way that feels authentic, structured and routine. My goal is for you to feel empowered, and in the midst of a challenge, be able to take a breath and say "I've got this."

Following these sessions, children enter treatment for both individual therapy and family skills training sessions. Your child's sessions will focus on building awareness of emotions and emotion regulation skills. If you're having a hard time, call me for in-the-moment coaching.

Additional information about DBT-C can be found here.