What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) was developed by Marsha Linehan to help suicidal or intentionally self-injuring clients by targeting these therapy-interfering behaviors.  However, studies show DBT is effective with substance abusers and eating disorder clients. DBT is likely to be effective with many therapy interfering behaviors.

A full DBT program lasts exactly one year. You meet weekly with 1) a skills work group and 2) an individual a therapist that re-enforces the skills.  The research on the efficacy of DBT has all been conducted on clients participating in a full one year DBT program.

In Sacramento, we offer a 12-week Introduction to DBT Skills Workgroup.  At the end of the introduction, we encourage you to continue for one year.  But you must continue your individual therapy in order to be in the workgroup.

A men's only skills workgroup is offer to work on pornography addiction. See DBT Pornography Addiction Skills Workgroup for more information.