DBT Skills Therapy at Atwater Village Therapy

At Atwater Village Therapy, we offer a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program tailored to meet a variety of needs.

DBT is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and improve relationships.

Our DBT services are designed to accommodate different preferences and requirements, including individual DBT skills counseling, DBT skills incorporated into traditional talk therapy, and participation in a DBT skills group.

Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DBT emphasizes the balance between acceptance and change, helping clients to accept themselves as they are while working on changing harmful behaviors. Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT has proven effective for a range of issues where emotion regulation is challenging, such as eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Our DBT Services

Atwater Village Therapy offers several modalities of DBT to accommodate different needs and treatment preferences:

  • Individual DBT Skills Counseling: For clients seeking personalized attention, this option focuses on teaching DBT skills in a one-on-one setting, allowing for deeper exploration of personal challenges and tailored skill development.

  • DBT Skills in Traditional Talk Therapy: This option integrates DBT skills within the framework of traditional psychotherapy, providing a holistic approach that addresses emotional and cognitive patterns alongside practical skill-building.

  • DBT Skills Group: This group setting is structured like a class and teaches clients DBT skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. The group format allows clients to learn from and support each other, enhancing skill acquisition through peer interaction.

Goals of DBT at Atwater Village Therapy

Our DBT program aims to:

  • Regulate Emotions: Help clients stabilize their emotions and reduce the intensity of overwhelming feelings.

  • Improve Relationships: Equip clients with effective communication and conflict resolution skills to enhance interpersonal interactions.

  • Enhance Mindfulness: Foster an awareness of the present moment, improving overall mental health and personal well-being.

  • Develop Distress Tolerance: Build resilience by increasing the ability to tolerate negative emotions without resorting to destructive behaviors.

Ready to Begin?

Schedule a free, 15-minute consultation with Dr. Jomana Sweiss to explore how our DBT services can be adapted to your needs. At Atwater Village Therapy, we are dedicated to guiding you toward a more balanced and fulfilling life through skilled, compassionate care.