Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in NJ & PA
Find Balance, Emotional Regulation, and Resilience with DBT Therapy
Are you struggling with overwhelming emotions, difficulty managing relationships, or feeling stuck in patterns of self-destructive behavior? Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps individuals develop emotional regulation skills, improve distress tolerance, and build meaningful connections.
At Siobhan Strickhart, LPC Psychotherapy & Counseling, I offer DBT-informed therapy to help clients in New Jersey and Pennsylvania create a life worth living. Whether you’re dealing with trauma, intense emotions, or difficulty setting boundaries, DBT can provide you with the tools you need to regain control.
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
DBT is a specialized type of therapy developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan that blends cognitive-behavioral strategies with mindfulness techniques to help individuals regulate emotions and navigate interpersonal challenges. Originally designed for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), DBT has proven effective for a wide range of mental health challenges, including:
Emotional Dysregulation (Intense mood swings, impulsivity, and difficulty controlling reactions)
Anxiety & Depression (Managing persistent worry, sadness, and hopelessness)
Trauma & PTSD (Building resilience and learning to manage trauma responses)
Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideation (Developing healthy coping mechanisms and safety plans)
Relationship & Attachment Challenges (Improving communication, setting boundaries, and reducing conflict)
Addictive Behaviors (Gaining control over compulsive behaviors and emotional triggers)
The Four Core DBT Skills
DBT focuses on four key skill areas to help individuals create meaningful and lasting change:
1. Mindfulness – Staying Present & Grounded
Learn how to stay present in the moment, increase self-awareness, and reduce emotional reactivity by cultivating mindfulness skills. Mindfulness helps you break free from automatic negative thoughts and behaviors.
2. Distress Tolerance – Managing Intense Emotions
Develop strategies to tolerate emotional pain and crisis situations without resorting to self-destructive behaviors. These skills help you navigate distressing experiences without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Emotion Regulation – Understanding & Controlling Your Emotions
DBT teaches you how to recognize, label, and regulate intense emotions, helping you respond rather than react. You’ll learn how to shift emotional patterns that keep you stuck.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness – Building Stronger Relationships
Improve your communication skills, set healthy boundaries, and express your needs in a way that fosters deeper and more fulfilling relationships.
What to Expect in DBT Therapy
DBT-informed therapy sessions are tailored to your unique needs. While full DBT programs often include group skills training, our approach integrates DBT principles into individual therapy sessions to provide personalized support. You will:
Learn practical coping skills you can apply in daily life
Explore how past experiences shape your emotional responses
Develop self-compassion and emotional resilience
Work on creating healthy relationships and boundary-setting
Is DBT Right for You?
DBT therapy is highly effective for individuals who experience intense emotions, struggle with impulsivity, or feel stuck in patterns of distress. If you find yourself:
✔️ Experiencing extreme mood swings or emotional outbursts
✔️ Struggling with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or destructive behaviors
✔️ Feeling disconnected or struggling in relationships
✔️ Battling persistent anxiety, depression, or trauma responses
✔️ Wanting to develop better emotional control and healthy coping strategies
Then DBT therapy may be the right fit for you.