At Layers Counseling Specialists, we use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-informed practices to help individuals manage emotional distress, improve interpersonal relationships, and build healthier coping mechanisms. While we are not a comprehensive DBT program, our team has received intensive training in DBT and incorporates these skills into our areas of specialty, such as treating social anxiety, generalized anxiety, ARFID, & helping people with ADHD & Autism build skills to live more fulfilled lives.

What Is DBT?

DBT is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that focuses on helping individuals regulate their emotions, tolerate distress, improve interpersonal effectiveness, and practice mindfulness. Originally developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder, DBT has since been adapted to treat a variety of mental health conditions, particularly those involving intense emotions or difficulty managing distress.

DBT focuses on four core skills:

• Mindfulness: Staying present in the moment without judgment.

• Distress Tolerance: Learning to cope with and tolerate painful emotions in difficult situations.

• Emotion Regulation: Understanding and managing intense emotions in a healthier way.

• Interpersonal Effectiveness: Communicating assertively and maintaining relationships while respecting personal boundaries.

Who Can Benefit from DBT?

DBT-informed therapy is highly effective for individuals experiencing:

• Anxiety Disorders: DBT skills help manage the physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety while improving coping mechanisms.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): DBT skills, such as mindfulness and distress tolerance, are beneficial in managing the anxiety and distress associated with OCD.

• Autism and ADHD: DBT is helpful for managing emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, often experienced by individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions like Autism and ADHD.

• Trauma and PTSD: DBT helps individuals with trauma regulate their emotions and reduce distress, supporting healing while maintaining emotional stability.

What to Expect from DBT-Informed Therapy

As a DBT-informed practice, we integrate DBT skills into our therapy sessions while addressing our clients' specific needs. Here’s what you can expect:

• Skills Building: We focus on building DBT skills that help clients manage intense emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and improve relationships.

• Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation: Clients learn to stay present in the moment and manage emotional responses without becoming overwhelmed.

• Actionable Coping Techniques: We emphasize practical, actionable coping strategies that clients can use in everyday life to handle stressful situations, maintain relationships, and manage emotions.

Why Choose DBT-Informed Therapy?

• Experienced, DBT-Informed Therapists: Our therapists have undergone intensive DBT training and skillfully apply DBT principles in treating anxiety, OCD, trauma, Autism, and ADHD.

• Tailored Approach: We adapt DBT skills to each client’s specific needs, ensuring they receive personalized care that aligns with their goals.

• Long-Term Emotional Resilience: DBT-informed therapy equips clients with long-lasting tools for managing emotions, improving relationships, and living a more balanced life.

Ready to Begin Your Journey Toward Wellbeing?

If you or a loved one is struggling with emotional regulation, distress, or relationship challenges, DBT-informed therapy can help. Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation and learn how DBT skills can support you in building a healthier, more fulfilling life.