Find DBT Therapy

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024
Written by the MiResource team

For individuals who feel trapped by overwhelming emotions, self-harm, relationship instability, or years of unsuccessful therapy, finding DBT therapy can be a life-changing step. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers proven, structured, and highly effective skills that teach emotional regulation, crisis survival, and interpersonal stability.

Whether you're searching for yourself, your teen, or a loved one, working with a qualified DBT therapist provides real hope for lasting change—even for those who feel like nothing else has worked.

  • Nikki Moorman, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Nikki Moorman

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    5409 Gateway Centre Boulevard, Flint, Michigan 48507

    Nikki Moorman is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Flint, Michigan and has been in practice for 7 years. They treat Social Anxiety, Work/Life Balance, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

    I offer a warm and non-judgmental environment so my clients will feel comfortable to explore emotions, concerns, and other issues impacting their lives.

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  • OSun Yoo, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    OSun Yoo

    Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    Remote only

    OSun Yoo is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 12 years. They treat Insomnia, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Trauma.

    I believe that you are the expert on yourself, and together, we can work on reconnecting with that 'you' at your best. I am a therapist at Octave, a beha

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  • Lisa Jurecic, Executive Function Coach

    Lisa Jurecic

    Executive Function Coach, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Psychotherapist

    810 Iredell Street, Durham, North Carolina 27705

    Lisa Jurecic is a Executive Function Coach in Durham, North Carolina and has been in practice for 25 years. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Conflict Resolution, Cognitive Functioning.

    Specializing in the treatment of undergraduate and graduate students for mood disorders and ADHD/Executive Function Disorders.

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  • Michelle Litwer, Psychologist

    Michelle Litwer

    Psychologist

    Remote only

    Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Borderline Personality, Academic Concerns, Body Image.

    My main objective is to help clients manage their emotions, make decisions that are line with their values, and to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

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  • Heather Whitney, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Heather Whitney

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)

    Remote only

    Heather Whitney is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 24 years. They treat School Concerns, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Relationship(s) with Friends/Roommates.

    I have a group practice. We have combined over 26 years of experience. We work with our clients to empower them to live their best lives.

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  • Sandra Tursini, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Sandra Tursini

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    2409 South Rural Road, STE C, Tempe, Arizona 85282

    Sandra Tursini is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tempe, Arizona and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Conflict Resolution, Insomnia, Athletic Performance.

    Caring LPC with 30+ years’ expertise in diverse counseling areas, committed to recognizing individual worth and guiding clients through life's challenges

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What Makes DBT Different from Other Therapies?

Unlike many forms of therapy that emphasize only insight or emotional exploration, DBT therapy operates on the foundation of balancing acceptance and change. The core DBT message is:

"You are doing the best you can — and you also need to learn new skills."

This dual approach allows individuals to feel validated while also being challenged to adopt new coping strategies. DBT therapy differs from standard weekly talk therapy by providing a highly structured system that includes skill-building, behavioral coaching, and therapist support.

Rather than only discussing problems, clients in DBT actively learn and practice new tools every week. Emotional acceptance is integrated with practical behavioral changes, helping clients develop skills for managing even the most intense emotional storms. Phone coaching allows clients to access support between sessions, ensuring they can apply DBT skills in real-world situations as crises happen.

DBT therapists also meet regularly with peer consultation teams, ensuring consistent treatment quality and ongoing professional development. This level of structure and accountability helps maintain the integrity of DBT therapy, especially when addressing high-risk clients who require specialized support.


Who Is DBT Designed to Help?

While DBT was originally created for individuals suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), research has proven its effectiveness across many diagnoses. People who benefit most from Dialectical Behavior Therapy often struggle with emotional dysregulation, impulsive behavior, and unstable relationships.

Common conditions treated with DBT therapy include:

  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
  • Chronic self-harm and suicidal behaviors
  • Severe mood swings and emotional sensitivity
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma
  • Substance use disorders
  • Eating disorders such as binge eating, bulimia, or emotional eating
  • Risk-taking or self-destructive behavior in teens and young adults
  • Individuals who describe feeling emotionally out of control or chronically overwhelmed

For individuals who feel trapped in cycles of emotional instability, DBT therapy offers a systematic and compassionate way out.


What Problems DBT Specifically Targets

Dialectical Behavior Therapy addresses many of the most painful emotional and behavioral challenges that can dominate daily life. DBT specifically targets:

  • Chronic emotional suffering and overwhelm
  • Impulsive or self-destructive behaviors
  • Extreme fear of abandonment and unstable relationships
  • Identity confusion and difficulty with self-image
  • Persistent emptiness or emotional numbness
  • Intense shame, guilt, or self-hatred
  • Uncontrollable anger or rage episodes
  • Constant crises or black-and-white thinking

For many individuals, these challenges can feel unmanageable, but DBT provides specific tools to help clients respond differently and regain emotional balance.


What Are the Core Components of DBT Therapy?

DBT therapy follows a comprehensive, multi-faceted program that includes several critical elements. This structure ensures that clients receive consistent, integrated support that addresses both emotional intensity and behavior patterns.

The four core components of DBT therapy include:

  • Individual Therapy: Weekly one-on-one sessions allow clients to apply DBT skills to their personal experiences and navigate current life challenges. The therapist works as a coach, guiding skill application and troubleshooting real-world problems.
  • Skills Group: Clients participate in structured DBT skills group classes, where they learn specific skills across various modules. These groups typically meet weekly and include handouts, homework assignments, and role-playing exercises.
  • Phone Coaching: Between sessions, clients have access to their DBT therapist for immediate support during crises. This real-time coaching helps clients apply skills when emotions are most intense.
  • Therapist Consultation Team: DBT therapists meet weekly with their consultation team to ensure adherence to the DBT model, maintain clinical excellence, and prevent therapist burnout. This team model helps sustain high-quality care, even in complex cases.

Clients who engage in full Dialectical Behavior Therapy benefit from this unique, highly supportive structure that combines skill-building, therapist accessibility, and peer-reviewed treatment planning.

Find care for DBT

Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of DBT and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.

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