Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy — commonly called DBT — is one of the most rigorously researched and widely used forms of therapy in the mental health field. Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan at the University of Washington, DBT was originally designed to treat borderline personality disorder. It has since been proven effective for a wide range of conditions involving emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and self-destructive behavior.

At Bright and Associates, we offer comprehensive DBT services including individual DBT therapy and DBT skills groups. Our DBT-trained clinicians guide clients through a structured, skills-based curriculum designed to build four core competencies.

The Four Core DBT Skill Sets

  • Interpersonal Effectiveness — Communicating assertively, maintaining healthy relationships, and building self-respect
  • Mindfulness — Learning to observe and describe your experiences without judgment, and act with awareness
  • Distress Tolerance — Building the capacity to survive difficult moments without making things worse
  • Emotion Regulation — Understanding, managing, and reducing the intensity of painful emotions

Who Benefits From DBT?

  • Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD)
  • People struggling with chronic suicidal thoughts or self-harm
  • Those with significant emotional dysregulation
  • Individuals with eating disorders
  • People with PTSD and trauma histories
  • Adolescents struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges
  • Individuals with substance use disorders and emotional dysregulation

What to Expect

Standard DBT involves a combination of weekly individual therapy sessions and a weekly skills training group. Both components are considered essential to the full DBT model. Skills groups run for approximately 24–26 weeks and cover all four skill modules.

DBT is not a passive form of therapy — it requires active practice and homework assignments. Clients who commit to the process often describe it as truly life-changing.

Ask About Our DBT Program →