I have received extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and actively use DBT skills in my work—and in my own life. I understand that reaching out for support can be challenging, especially with the stigma that still surrounds mental health. One of the strengths of DBT is its focus on creating a nonjudgmental, collaborative relationship between therapist and client. As a DBT therapist, I not only teach these skills but also live by them, which allows me to better connect with and support my clients in a meaningful and practical way.

Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder

Not everyone who experiences strong emotions has Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Many people with heightened emotional sensitivity develop healthy ways of coping. However, over time, even the most effective strategies may no longer serve you well, especially if your goals, environment, or circumstances have changed. While these behaviors may help you feel better in the short term, they can often create more distress down the road.

It’s important to understand that a diagnosis like BPD isn’t a label meant to define you—it’s simply a description of a pattern of symptoms that can be addressed through treatment. Some people may experience only a few of the symptoms, while others may experience more. If any of the following resonate with you, it could be helpful to explore these concerns in therapy:

1. You go to great lengths—sometimes frantically—to avoid real or perceived abandonment.

2. Your relationships tend to be intense and unstable, often swinging between idealizing and devaluing others.

3. You struggle with a shifting or unclear sense of self.

4. You act impulsively in ways that may be harmful, such as overspending, risky sex, substance use, reckless driving, or binge eating.

5. Your emotions feel overwhelming, and you often react with intense anger, sadness, or anxiety.

6. You often feel empty or emotionally numb.

7. You experience strong anger that feels difficult to manage or control.

8. You may feel suspicious of others or disconnected from reality or your own body.

9. You have recurring thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone—and support is available. With the right therapeutic approach, including DBT, many individuals experience meaningful improvements in their emotional stability, relationships, and overall well-being.

I have worked with DBT therapy for many years and have helped many clients over my career.  I was certified by Marsha Linehan’s (the founder of DBT in Seattle, WA, USA) personal team of clinicians over 20 years ago and I have helped create DBT curriculum for groups at a former agency.  I currently assist clients using these specific skills to gain stability in their lives, as well as a tool between each EMDR session that will help keep emotion stable while doing trauma work.

What Is DBT and How Does It Help?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a research-backed, evidence-based approach designed to support individuals who struggle with intense or overwhelming thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that feel out of control. Originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, DBT was created to help people better manage emotional dysregulation and impulsive behaviors. Since then, it has received wide recognition—both nationally and internationally—for its effectiveness and strong scientific foundation.

For example, the Society of Clinical Psychology (Division 12 of the American Psychological Association) has recognized DBT as a highly supported treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). But its usefulness goes far beyond BPD. DBT has also shown to be effective in treating:

• Anger issues
• Bipolar disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Self-harming behaviors
• Substance use disorders
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
• Triggers from past traumas

In addition, DBT has been found to be beneficial when combined with EMDR therapy for individuals coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotion regulation difficulties following traumatic events.

What Does DBT Involve?

DBT is a structured, skills-based approach that focuses on building tools in four key areas:

1. Mindfulness: Learning to be present in the moment without judgment

2. Distress Tolerance: Building skills to get through emotional crises without making things worse

3. Emotion Regulation: Understanding and managing intense emotional responses

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Developing healthier communication, setting boundaries, and maintaining relationships

Together, these skills help individuals create a more balanced, stable, and fulfilling life—even in the face of emotional challenges.

The goal of DBT is to learn skills in all 4 domains and apply them consistently to your lived experience.

During individual therapy, you learn how to apply the skills to your individual life and lived experiences.  Individual therapy is conducted with me as a trained DBT therapist to encourage your use of the skills related to your own challenges, work and/or personal experiences.

DBT has a planned approach to treatment. It guides the single-session therapy and the process of therapy. The reason for this is to learn to manage the most acute symptoms before moving on to other areas of concern. So, I will work with you on applying the acquired skills in sequential order. They will address the most acute to least acute symptoms.

Although you're welcome to talk about any challenges during sessions, therapy will follow a structured order of priorities to ensure the most effective progress. The focus will typically move through the following areas in sequence:

1. Behaviors that threaten your life or safety

2. Behaviors that interfere with the effectiveness of therapy

3. Behaviors that negatively impact your overall quality of life

This structured approach provides a clear foundation for building stability, ensuring safety, and promoting lasting emotional well-being.

While DBT is often recognized for its practical, skills-based tools, it’s also rooted in a powerful underlying philosophy—dialectics. At its core, dialectical thinking helps us move beyond black-and-white thinking and see the nuance in our experiences. Our minds often interpret the world in extremes—like believing we’re either a “good person” or a “bad person,” or thinking we must either completely accept a situation or change it entirely. These rigid thought patterns can contribute to ongoing emotional struggles and unhelpful behaviors.

DBT encourages a more balanced perspective, where seemingly opposing ideas can coexist. A key example is the idea that both acceptance and change are necessary for growth. In DBT, you’ll work on fully accepting where you are right now, while also taking active steps toward meaningful change. Both can be true—and both are essential for healing.

DBT also emphasizes that our behaviors are influenced by the environment around us. Because of this, therapy doesn’t just focus on internal changes, but also on how your surroundings and relationships play a role in your emotional well-being. By applying DBT skills, you’ll learn to better manage your emotions while also making changes in your environment to support your progress.

What Does DBT Look Like Working with Kathleen?

I offer DBT therapy by itself or in conjunction with EMDR therapy. In general, you can expect to engage in weekly therapy sessions with me.

Research has noted its potential benefits in reducing costs for consumers by only having to pay for one individual session a week. In your individual sessions, you will learn the information taught during skills training. You will practice them in session and learn how to apply them in your life. Engaging with DBT in this way has its benefits and consequences (it’s a dialectic). Yet, some potential benefits are that you may apply the learned skills to your own experiences faster and feel more comfortable learning in the one-on-one individual therapy sessions.

Where Can I find More Information?

The Society of Clinical Psychology (Division 12) of the American Psychological Association (APA) provides scientifically-supported information on the effectiveness of DBT. On their webpage, you can find handouts, worksheets, self-help books, web-based applications, and information on the clinical trials of DBT. They publish the most up-to-date peer-reviewed information on treatments and disorders. To learn more, please visit this link.

Getting Started

In my practice, I utilize more than one type of therapy modality to tailor my approach to fit your needs.  Please contact me to set up your first appointment to get started on your healing journey.

Other Counseling Services Kathleen Provides

I am happy to offer in-person and online individual therapy services for adults.  I have practiced in the mental health field for 25+ years and have developed an expertise and passion for working with clients. I specialize in providing counseling for anxiety, chronic illness, chronic pain, depression, stress management, trauma and PTSD and more.  I also provide support for busy professionals.  I use CBT therapy, DBT therapy and EMDR therapy with great success.  If you don’t see the issue you are looking for listed, please contact me to ask if I can help you with your unique situation.  I look forward to helping you live your best life possible!