Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Big Emotions. Impulsivity. Relationship Conflict. Distress Tolerance. Self-Regulation.
DBT builds teachable skills for riding out intense emotions without being run by them: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
It takes acceptance and change seriously at the same time, which is exactly what helps when feelings run big and fast. Skills you can reach for right in the moments you need them.
Who it’s for
People whose emotions run big and fast, or who struggle with impulsivity and relationship conflict, and want concrete skills for the moments that overwhelm.
How it works
We build four skill sets: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Then we practice using them in real situations until they hold up under pressure.
Common questions
Do I need a full DBT program?
Not necessarily. We can bring DBT skills into individual therapy in a way that’s right-sized for what you’re facing.
Is DBT only for borderline personality disorder?
No. DBT was developed for BPD and remains a first-line treatment for it, but the skills help anyone whose emotions move faster than their coping: intense anger, impulsivity, harsh self-criticism, relationships that keep boiling over.
What are the four DBT skill areas?
Mindfulness (noticing what’s happening before it runs you), distress tolerance (getting through a crisis without making it worse), emotion regulation (turning the volume down), and interpersonal effectiveness (asking for what you need without the blowup).
How fast do the skills start helping?
Some help the day you learn them. Paced breathing and grounding work immediately. Making them automatic under real stress takes practice over months, which is what sessions are for.