DBT Therapy & DBT Groups

Do you have intense emotions?

What is DBT Therapy?

DBT, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy, was initially developed by Marsha Linehan, PhD to help treat suicidal thoughts and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Since then, this evidence-based therapy technique has grown to be an extremely effective method for helping people not only with BPD, but with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders, eating disorders, ADHD, and more.

After years of struggling to find a therapist who could successfully help me navigate my mess of anxiety and neuro-divergence, Dr. Abbott’s practice has finally given me the support I need. I am so grateful to have her guidance, the care provided is unparalleled.

Jennifer helped me work through a long history of trauma. I’m happier and more self-confident. Thank you for giving me my life back!

Jennifer was wonderful to work with. She was willing to be honest with me when I needed it and helped me become a better person.

Jennifer’s experience, wisdom, and use of humor were invaluable to me and conducive to my learning in a supportive way.

Jennifer was the first therapist I worked with that really listened and understood what I was going through. She made a significant difference in my life.

How Does DBT Work?

DBT works by helping patients recognize, understand, label, and regulate their emotions, as well as manage interpersonal situations that trigger negative feelings. Generally, it involves a structured, comprehensive program comprised of weekly group sessions and individual therapy focusing on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. Using this program, patients learn how to identify distorted thinking patterns and develop healthier coping strategies so they can lead happier, more purposeful lives.

Therapy Sessions

In DBT therapy sessions, patients work together with our DBT therapists to identify and address areas of emotional dysregulation, maladaptive behaviors, and problematic thought patterns. Our team will use a combination of validation, problem-solving, and cognitive restructuring techniques to deliver high-quality DBT services to our clients so they can break free from their intense, overwhelming thought patterns.

Skills Training

DBT incorporates skills training sessions focused on four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. In DBT therapy treatment, patients will learn practical strategies to increase their awareness of their thoughts and feelings, tolerate distress without engaging in harmful behaviors, regulate intense emotions, and navigate interpersonal interactions more effectively.

DBT Groups

DBT groups are a safe, supportive environment for patients to learn, practice, and improve their abilities with the core skills of DBT. With the guidance of our trained DBT therapists, patients in these groups can practice these strategies through role-playing and other guided activities.

Who is DBT for?

DBT therapy is especially designed to help anyone who struggles with strong emotions or impulsive behaviors. It has shown to be effective in treating a wide range of disorders and issues, including but not limited to:

DBT therapy can be adapted to suit the needs of adults, adolescents, couples, families, and groups.

What Skills Are Taught?

With DBT therapy, we focus on developing four core skills:

Mindfulness

Mindfulness skills help individuals stay grounded and aware of the present moment. By practicing mindfulness, patients learn to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, allowing them to respond more effectively to challenging situations.

Distress Tolerance

Distress tolerance skills equip people with healthy strategies to cope with difficult emotions and distressing situations. These skills help clients tolerate life's challenges without resorting to harmful behaviors, enabling them to navigate crises and maintain emotional stability.

Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation skills involve understanding and managing intense emotions effectively. Patients will learn to identify their emotions, recognize triggers, and implement techniques to modulate emotional responses. By developing emotional regulation skills, individuals gain greater control over their emotional experiences and reactions.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Interpersonal effectiveness skills focus on enhancing communication, assertiveness, and boundary-setting in relationships. Patients will learn practical techniques to express their needs, assertively negotiate conflicts, and cultivate healthy relationships. These skills empower individuals to build stronger connections and navigate social interactions with confidence and authenticity.