DBT at Lifeskills
At Lifeskills, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and radically open dialectical behavior therapy (RO-DBT) are integral to our treatment approach for individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation and disorders of overcontrol. Our clinicians utilize DBT to help clients develop skills in distress tolerance, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. For those with excessive self-control, RO-DBT promotes psychological flexibility, social connectedness, and openness to new experiences. Through tailored therapy, skills groups, and real-time coaching, we empower clients to build resilience, balance their emotions, and achieve meaningful and lasting recovery in a supportive, expert-led environment.
Questions about DBT
What is DBT?
DBT is an evidence-based cognitive-behavioral treatment modality to help individuals regulate emotions, manage distress, and improve interpersonal relationships. Initially developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT is now widely used to treat mood disorders, self-harm, and suicidal behaviors. The therapy integrates mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to foster resilience and behavioral adaptability. DBT combines individual therapy, skills training groups, and coaching to support the real-world application of skills. Recognized as a gold-standard treatment, DBT empowers individuals to build coping strategies, enhance emotional stability, and achieve meaningful, lasting recovery.RO-DBT is a specialized adaptation of DBT designed for individuals with excessive self-control, including those with obsessive-compulsive disorder, chronic depression, and anorexia nervosa. RO-DBT promotes psychological flexibility, openness, and social connectedness, helping individuals break rigid behavioral patterns and enhance emotional expression for improved mental well-being.
How does DBT support recovery?
DBT supports recovery by equipping individuals with essential skills to manage intense emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and navigate relationships more effectively. Through structured skills training, clients learn distress tolerance techniques to cope with crises, emotion regulation strategies to stabilize moods, and mindfulness practices to increase self-awareness. Individual therapy and coaching offer real-time guidance, reinforcing the application of skills in daily life. DBT’s balanced approach of acceptance and change promotes resilience, helping individuals break harmful behavioral patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms. By improving emotional and behavioral regulation, DBT empowers individuals to achieve long-term stability and a more fulfilling life.
What We Treat
For over 35 years, Lifeskills has led the way in personalized, expert-level treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. Our evidence-based programs and clinical pathways are tailored to each client’s needs, helping them regain self-esteem and seamlessly transition back into their families, careers, and lives with the highest level of support and care.
