DBT is strongly supported by research as an effective treatment for a variety of mental health challenges, and can often be a game-changer for folks who have had limited success with other types of therapy.

At The Gaia Center, we offer both comprehensive DBT and DBT-informed therapy (in 1on1 formats for both), which we explain in detail below.

Our approach to DBT is holistic, neurodivergent-affirming, social justice informed, and trauma informed.

WTF is DBT?

DBT stands for Dialectical Behavior Therapy, which is a type of therapy that was created by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the 1980s. It was originally created for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD); however, an abundance of research in recent decades has shown that it is effective for a number of other mental health struggles such as depression, chronic suicidal ideation, self-harm, bulimia, binge eating, PTSD, and substance use.

The tagline of DBT is “building a life worth living”. It is a heavily skills-focused model, helping clients build strong skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

D = Dialectical
The term “dialectical” refers to a synthesis of opposites or a “both ___ and ____” perspective instead of an “either ___or ____” perspective. In DBT, the principal dialectic is acceptance and change— meaning that both can coexist at the same time. DBT therapists balance accepting clients for where they are, as well as working to help their clients change. The skills component of DBT is also dialectical in nature, with some skills focusing on acceptance and other skills focusing on change.

B = Behavioral
The behavioral component refers to focusing on changing or modifying behaviors that are creating dysfunction or pain in your life.

T = Therapy
This one is fairly self-explanatory!

What are the differences between “DBT-informed” therapy and DBT therapy that is comprehensive / fully adherent?

Comprehensive/Adherent DBT consists of 4 modes of treatment:

  • Individual therapy with a highly-trained DBT therapist

  • Skills training (typically done in a group setting but can also be done individually, which is what we do at The Gaia Center)

  • Phone coaching between sessions 

  • Consultation team for the therapist

All of these components are viewed as equally important, and all combine to create a highly evidence-based form of therapy. Comprehensive DBT is different than traditional talk therapy as it is highly structured and holds to very specific principles and processes. There is still room for flexibility and customization; however, all of these components must be present for it to be considered comprehensive DBT.

DBT-Informed Therapy

DBT-informed therapy includes some principles of comprehensive DBT, but not all of them. There’s also no requirement for how much DBT training a therapist needs to call themselves “DBT-informed.” Not everyone who can benefit from DBT needs fully comprehensive DBT, so DBT-informed therapy can be a good fit for some people. It’s important to know that while some components of DBT have been researched on their own, DBT-informed therapy doesn’t have the same research base as comprehensive DBT.

DBT skills can benefit almost everyone (even those without a diagnosable mental health condition), so DBT-informed therapy may be the right fit for you even though it doesn’t contain all of the elements of comprehensive DBT.

Why should I choose The Gaia Center for DBT?

One of our therapists, Colleen Werner, has received extensive DBT training (40+ hours of DBT specific education) and also attends a weekly DBT consultation team, which allows her to provide comprehensive DBT. In addition, Colleen has extensive knowledge related to using DBT in the treatment of eating disorders and borderline personality disorder/complex trauma.

For folks who comprehensive/adherent DBT is a good fit for, we can offer all components, including between session coaching.

We provide two options for the skills training component: weekly intensive individual skills training with Colleen or referral to skills group with another local DBT therapist.

If skills training is done individually, it is in addition to the individual DBT therapy session – either as a separate weekly session, or by extending session time to 75 minutes, where half the session is focused on skills training and half the session is focused on meeting the requirements of an individual DBT session.

In addition, many of our clinicians are familiar with DBT skills and can (and often do!) weave DBT skills/principles into individual sessions, whether or not you’re participating in adherent DBT.

Interested in DBT? Head to our contact form here or click the button below to get in touch.

To learn more about DBT and the research supporting it, check out Behavioral Tech.