My Services

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DBT is a comprehensive behavioral program designed to help clients navigate intense emotions and challenging relationships. Clients will learn practical behavioral skills, to apply learned skills to everyday life, to strengthen their commitment to therapy and personal goals, as well as to create an environment that supports progress and reduces triggers.

Icon of a closed lotus flower, a symbol for dialectical behavior therapy at Middle Path DBT & Mindfulness Center in California & North Carolina

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy developed by psychologist Marsha M. Linehan in the late 1980s. It was originally created to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD) but has since been adapted for a range of other mental health issues, particularly those involving emotion regulation and impulsive behaviors.

DBT is unique in its emphasis on the dialectical process, which involves balancing acceptance and change. The term "dialectical" refers to the integration of opposites; in DBT, this often means accepting oneself and one’s experiences while also working towards positive change.

Therapeutic Structure

DBT has been shown to be particularly effective for individuals with chronic emotion regulation difficulties, including those with BPD, suicidal behavior, self-harm, depression, and anxiety. It emphasizes the development of skills to cope with and change unhealthy behaviors and thought patterns, while also promoting acceptance and mindfulness.

  • One-on-one sessions focused on personal challenges and developing skills.

  • Group sessions where clients learn and practice DBT skills together.

  • Clients can call their therapist between sessions for support in using DBT skills in real-life situations.

  • Therapists meet regularly to support each other in providing effective DBT.

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Parent Coaching

Parents who are coping with an emotionally sensitive teen or young adult may need to build skills for more effective parenting strategies and learn ways of navigating those painful and challenging moments. Parents will learn DBT family skills to help them understand their teen/young adult, communicate more effectively, observe their limits and cope with their own emotions. This work is guided by the work of Allen Fruzzetti, Phd who has developed a structured protocol of skills for parents and families of emotionally dysregulated individuals.

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DBT with Prolonged Exposure for PTSD

DBT prolonged Exposure for PTSD is a highly effective integrated treatment that combines the principles and skills from DBT with Prolonged Exposure (PE), the gold standard for PTSD treatment. The treatment is built in stages. The first stage is about  acquiring and practicing DBT skills for emotion dysregulation. 

The next stage involves incorporating the The PE protocol involves helping clients practice both in vivo exposures and imaginal exposures followed by processing as the primary treatment approach. This practice allows clients to approach, rather than avoid their trauma memories, reduces shame, blame and hiding and helps clients re-engage fully in their lives.

How To Get Started

Get in Touch

Reach out by email or phone to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation appointment.

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Intake Assessment

Next, we schedule an intake assessment session and make a plan of action for the best approach to help you.

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Follow the Path

Follow the plan of action we create together to begin your journey toward healing.

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