Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (DBT) Los Angeles
Is DBT Therapy in Los Angeles right for you?
You Hate Letting People Down.
You feel like you’re constantly disappointing at least one person. You always say "yes," even when you want to say "no."
It’s Hard To Say No.
You find yourself doing things for others you don’t want to do, and then you feel resentful, burnt out, and exhausted. It feels like every day you’re asking yourself, “why did I say yes to this?!” Setting boundaries? You’d rather not… it’s incredibly uncomfortable. It’s also confusing… what do people mean when they say “set a boundary.” One thing you know for sure… you’ll do almost anything to avoid conflict.
trying to regulate your emotions is exhausting.
Sometimes, you feel like your emotions run your life. When you're feeling pretty good, you are motivated and can achieve what you want, but when you're feeling sad, anxious, angry, or ashamed, it feels like you have to climb a mountain to get anything done. It’s exhausting to try and manage all of these feelings.
Your Coping Skills Aren’t Working.
People tell you about “coping skills” to try, and you’ve tried some of them. The problem is that sometimes they don’t work, especially when you’re feeling sad or guilty. The whole “self-care” thing is frustrating –“Going on a walk” or “smelling a candle” doesn’t cut it for you. You still feel feel not-good.
You Feel Stuck.
You’ve been trying to change things. You keep telling yourself you will start “setting boundaries” and doing “self-care.” If you’re honest with yourself, you’re not even sure what that means. You may also have the sense that you are different from other people, which can leave you feeling confused, ashamed, lonely, or even helpless. You’re tired of doing things that seem to make your life even harder, and you need someone to help you break this cycle to feel in charge of your own life.
DBT
CAN HELP YOU
A dialectical behavior therapist in Pasadena can help you live the life you truly DESIRE. DBT equips you with skills that fuel your confidence to voice your needs and wants, even when it seems daunting. Imagine, an environment that's not just supportive, but also sprinkled with elements of joy and humor - where you can transform your relationship with your emotions, enrich your connections with others, and embrace your genuine self. It's a place where you can construct a life that resonates with your deepest values. Dive into the world of DBT, and witness the transformative power it holds for your life with a licensed psychotherapist. Take the right step toward your well-being.
DBT Therapy In Los Angeles
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers a transformative approach for individuals who often prioritize others' needs over their own (I see you, people-pleaser).
In DBT, you will learn skills that help you navigate uncomfortable emotions and situations, allowing you to set boundaries without guilt or fear. A cornerstone of DBT is its focus on improving relationships, empowering you to communicate your needs assertively and build healthier dynamics with the people in your life. DBT will also teach you techniques to help you regulate your emotions to approach your life from a place of balance (or “wise mind,” as DBT therapists call it).
My approach to teaching DBT skills is unique because I incorporate creative arts therapy. Sometimes, clients get bored when learning DBT skills - I bring the concepts to life by incorporating creative strategies and support you in practicing the skills DURING the session. I can (pretty much) guarantee that you will not fall asleep in a DBT skills session with me.
Frequently Asked Questions about DBT Therapy in Los Angeles
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach that combines acceptance and change strategies to help individuals develop skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. It aims to promote balance and well-being in the face of intense emotions and challenging life situations.
DBT is a powerhouse form of therapy that focuses on helping you handle your emotions, manage unwanted behaviors, and build better relationships. In our sessions, you will learn (and practice implementing) the most helpful skills.
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DescripThe 4 Skill Modules of DBT include:
Mindfulness: skills to support you in being fully present and engaged in the here and now.
Distress Tolerance: skills to handle tough situations without losing your cool or making things worse
Emotional Regulation: skills to better understand and manage your feelings
Interpersonal Effectiveness: skills to improve your communication and foster more fulfilling relationships
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It isn’t easy to put a specific percentage on how many people experience DBT as “successful.” One reason is that some clinicians implement a standard DBT protocol (which includes individual therapy, phone coaching, and DBT skills group training sessions), while other therapists may integrate specific DBT skills with approaches to treatment. While I cannot give you an exact number around the success rate, it is safe to say that DBT has a solid track record. It is an evidence-based treatment approach that is effective for various emotional and behavioral challenges. Many people find it great for improving how they handle emotions, relationships, and stressful situations. DBT has helped me so much, and I highly recommend it!
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is amazing, AND it's not immune to criticism. Here's why some folks have raised an eyebrow or two:
Complexity: When practiced in the standard form, DBT is a bit like a Swiss Army knife of therapy—it has many components, like individual sessions, group therapy, and phone coaching. Some say its complexity can be a bit daunting. If you participate in DBT with me, it is essential to know that I will be integrating DBT skills and concepts into our work; however, I will not be practicing the standard DBT protocol.
Difficulty: DBT works well, AND it requires patience and practice. Some critics think it can be a bit much to handle. If you participate in DBT with me, we will take it step by step to prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
Cost: Learning multiple DBT skills takes time, which can get pricey. Critics say it might not be affordable for everyone. That being said, there are many free DBT resources online that can help supplement the therapy process.
Stigma: There's a concern that DBT might make people feel like there's something inherently wrong with them. Critics worry it could add to the stigma surrounding mental health. This is a bit of a myth - DBT says, “There is nothing wrong with you; you just may not have the skills you need to respond effectively.” One of my favorite things about DBT is that it is a strengths-based model.
Here's the deal: DBT is constantly evolving. Criticism can be a catalyst for making it even better. Many people (including myself!) have found DBT life-changing. It's all about what works best for you - I encourage you to give DBT therapy and try with this Los Angeles DBT therapist to see if you like it!
Start Healing with DBT Therapy in Los Angeles.
If you are ready to stop people-pleasing and start living on your terms, sign up for a FREE 15-minute consultation.