Dialectical Behavior
Therapy (DBT)

Offering DBT in-person and via telehealth for personality disorders and emotional dysregulation.

Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a well- established and evidence-based psychotherapy that was initially developed by Dr. Marsha M. Linehan in the late 1980s. Originally designed to treat individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, DBT has since evolved to address a broader range of emotional dysregulation and complex psychological challenges. The treatment is based in the cognitive behavioral approach, and includes other evidence-based treatment concepts and principles such as mindfulness, living in accordance with own values and wisdom, and being skillful.

DBT is rooted in the concept of dialectics, which emphasizes the integration of seemingly contradictory elements. It combines acceptance strategies (focusing on embracing oneself as you are) with change strategies (encouraging personal growth and behavioral transformation). This combination is particularly effective in helping individuals find balance and stability in their emotions and behaviors. Once you enter DBT treatment, you will embark on a journey of balancing accepting and changing yourself in order to build a more fulfilling and values-based life.

Key Components of DBT

Mindfulness: At the core of DBT lies mindfulness practice. Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment without judgment. Through mindfulness techniques, individuals learn to observe their thoughts, emotions, and sensations without reacting impulsively.

Emotion Regulation: DBT equips individuals with skills to manage and regulate their emotions effectively. These skills empower individuals to identify and understand their emotions, prevent emotional overwhelm, and respond to intense feelings in a healthier manner.

Distress Tolerance: Life often presents us with distressing situations that cannot be changed immediately. DBT teaches strategies to tolerate distress and crisis without resorting to harmful behaviors, enabling individuals to navigate challenges with resilience.

Interpersonal Effectiveness: Developing healthy relationships is a crucial aspect of emotional well-being. DBT helps individuals enhance their communication skills, set boundaries, and navigate conflicts constructively.

Middle Path: The concept of finding the middle path encourages individuals to avoid extreme thinking and behaviors. It teaches the art of balanced decision-making and recognizing the nuances in situations.

In the most comprehensive form, DBT treatment includes individual therapy, skills training group, live phone coaching access with individual therapist, and a consultation group for therapists themselves. The intensity, format, and frequency of DBT needed will depend on your specific struggles.

Who is DBT for?

DBT can be beneficial for individuals dealing with a range of challenges, including:

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Depression
Anxiety disorders
Substance use disorders
Eating disorders, including binge eating
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anger management issues
Suicidal behavior & intentional self- injury
Tendencies to engage in aggressive/violent behavior
Impulsive behaviors, such as gambling or risky sexual behavior

What We Offer

At Cambridge Psychology Group, we offer DBT in several formats.

Individual Therapy

Individual DBT therapy is offered for clients for whom it may be an appropriate fit. DBT individual therapy helps to enhance motivation for treatment, helping understand their unique challenges and to apply skills to them, and to learn to manage their own lives. Dr. Pooja Saraff specializes in DBT, and many of our clinicians incorporate various DBT skills into their work. Our DBT clinicians specialize in treatment of adolescents and adults.

Group Therapy

Our Brief DBT Skills Group offers the opportunity to learn and practice new skills to manage difficult emotions, tolerate distress, improve relationships, and develop self- compassion. It is designed for adults who want to build lives filled with meaning, joy, and connection. Group sessions involve a combination of didactics, discussion, and practice. Each 12-week cycle will teach a set of DBT skills. Group members may continue through as many cycles as they wish. This group is appropriate both for beginners of DBT and also for those experienced with DBT who want to refresh their knowledge. The group could also be a supplement for those already working with a DBT therapist. The group currently meets virtually on Zoom.