Frequently Asked Questions

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that helps
clients regulate intense emotions so that they can manage or curb negative feelings,
increase positive experiences and live in the moment. It is designed to be a structured
relatively short-term treatment. See here for the core elements and functions of DBT.

While DBT originated as a treatment for chronically suicidal individuals, it has
evolved as a useful therapy for anyone who wants to have a different relationship
with their emotional experience. The range of issues that DBT is designed to
address include anything from loneliness to self-harming behavior.

The Emotion Fitness Program is an a-la-carte treatment plan curated by
Counseling Center Group™ for clients who do not need a full DBT program but would
benefit from learning specific skills and/or aspects of DBT. EFP borrows skills and
practices from various schools of thought in psychology as well as spiritual
philosophies. See the five core domains that EFP is designed to develop.

DBT has been proven effective in controlled studies only when each of the
following four components are part of the treatment plan: individual therapy
sessions, a weekly skills training group, 24/7 access to phone coaching from
your therapist, and your therapist’s guaranteed participation in a DBT
consultation team. Otherwise, the treatment does NOT comply with the DBT
model developed by renowned psychologist Marsha Linehan. Some DBT skills
can be applied to other forms of therapy, but those are not considered
comprehensive DBT therapy.

Most DBT programs will work with you to find the therapist who is the best fit for your needs, goals, schedule, and personality. If you have a preference for a specific therapist, you can usually discuss that during the intake process, and the practice will do its best to accommodate your request when possible.

It’s also important to understand that comprehensive DBT often includes multiple components of treatment. Many clients participate in both individual therapy and DBT skills group, which means you may work with an individual therapist while attending a group led by one or more different DBT clinicians. This team-based approach is a core part of DBT and helps ensure you receive consistent support and skill development across all aspects of treatment.

A comprehensive, DBT-adherent program typically involves a commitment of 2–4 hours per week, depending on the specific program and your treatment needs. Most clients participate in:

• One weekly individual therapy session (typically 45–60 minutes)
• One weekly DBT skills group (typically 1.5–2.5 hours)
• Between-session coaching support when appropriate, to help apply DBT skills in real-life situations

Some programs may also include orientation sessions, family involvement, or additional support services. While the time commitment is greater than traditional weekly therapy alone, DBT is designed to provide intensive skill-building and support to help clients make meaningful, lasting changes in their lives.

Make sure that the therapist is certified by the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification or trained by an organization that is endorsed by the Linehan Institute. 

The relationship between the therapist and the client is considered one of equals, wherein both parties are doing their best and interacting in good faith to achieve a client’s goals.

All therapists practicing DBT are required to participate in weekly team meetings with other DBT therapists. The approach ensures that no therapist works in isolation, but rather collaborates with other therapists so that everyone involved can improve their skills and act as a community to support the patients they serve.

Like their clients, DBT therapists also need support, which is why they’re required to participate in weekly team meetings with other DBT therapists. These teams are often referred to as “therapy for therapists.” The approach ensures that no therapist works in isolation.