Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic modality that was originally designed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, it’s been adapted and improved to treat a wide range of mental health conditions including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, and anxiety disorders.
DBT combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques with mindfulness practices such as acceptance and present-moment awareness. DBT is particularly effective for individuals who experience intense emotions and struggle with impulse control.
Continue reading to discover how DBT is a good fit, and how we use DBT to treat mental health challenges at our New England outpatient mental health centers.
How We Use DBT in Tewksbury & South Portland
At Pillars, we use DBT in both our Half-Day & Full-Day Outpatient Treatment Programs. Both programs offer individual and group DBT sessions.
In individual DBT sessions, one of our expert therapists will work one-on-one with each client to explore their personal challenges, improve motivation, and reduce harmful behaviors. DBT helps the client stay committed to their treatment goals, as a key feature of the therapy is the therapist’s role as a coach and ally. Our therapists guide clients through intense emotions and gently guide them towards acceptance and change.
In group DBT, clients will meet in a supportive environment where participants can share their experiences, while getting support and learning from like-minded peers. This group setting fosters a sense of community, reduces feelings of isolation, and encourages accountability. Sessions can often focus on skill-building, particularly mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional self-regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Together, the individual and group DBT formats combine a personalized approach with peer support. Clients have the opportunity to manage emotions, improve their relationships, and reduce harmful behaviors.
Is DBT Right for You?
Deciding if DBT is an appropriate course of therapy depends on each client’s emotional challenges, behavioral patterns and treatment goals. DBT may be a strong fit if the client often feels overwhelmed by emotions, struggles with self-destructive behaviors, or finds it hard to maintain relationships.
DBT is especially effective for those who feel like they’re stuck in traditional one-on-one weekly or monthly therapy and not making progress. DBT offers structure, and skill-based tools to improve an individual’s quality of life.
DBT may be a good fit for those who:
- …struggle with intense emotions that feel hard to manage
- …engage in self-harming behaviors or suicidal thoughts
- …have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships
- …experience frequent mood swings or emotional outbursts
- …feel overwhelmed in stressful situations and lack coping tools
- …have tried other therapies but still feel stuck or unmotivated
- …want a practical, skills-focused approach to mental health
- …are dealing with borderline personality disorder, PTSD, or chronic anxiety
- …crave more structure and support in the therapy process
- …value mindfulness and want to improve present-moment awareness
Get DBT in Massachusetts & Maine
For those seeking nearby dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in the New England area, then we’re here to help. We host individual DBT and group DBT sessions held by expert-level therapists and clinicians.
Connect with us today at 855-828-0575 to speak with a care coordinator, learn more about our outpatient programs, and take the first step toward freedom, focus, and fulfillment. We also support clients in navigating the complexities of insurance benefits for DBT treatment. Clients can receive a free, no-pressure insurance verification.
Get local DBT at any one of our outpatient mental health facilities:
890 East St, Tewksbury, MA 01876
707 Sable Oaks Dr #10, South Portland, ME 04106
DBT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
DBT is a structured, evidence-based therapeutic approach. At Pillars, we use DBT to help individuals develop greater emotional awareness, strengthen distress-tolerance skills, and build healthier coping patterns. DBT emphasizes staying present in the moment and uses practical, skills-based strategies to support meaningful, goal-directed change.
Yes, we offer DBT at all of our locations. All locations provide individual and group DBT sessions that can be customized to fit your schedule and specific needs.
At all of our locations, we offer individual DBT and group DBT. In individual DBT, you’ll meet one-on-one with a master’s-level therapist who will help you explore your emotional triggers, identify patterns that contribute to distress, and build personalized DBT skills for managing intense emotions and navigating challenging situations.
In group DBT sessions, our trained therapists guide you and a group of peers who are working on similar goals. Together, you'll practice core DBT skills, like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, all while sharing experiences and learning from one another.
DBT can help treat a wide range of mental health challenges, including borderline personality disorder (BPD), anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, self-harm behaviors, emotion dysregulation, and other conditions involving intense emotions or impulsive behaviors.
You can reach out to us at anytime by calling our admissions team at (855) 828-0575, filling out our contact form, or filling out our free insurance verification check. Our team will connect with you for a friendly, no-pressure conversation to learn about your goals, discuss your needs, and guide you through the next steps.
