Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a research-backed approach designed to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce harmful behaviors, and improve relationships.

At GML Therapy, we offer both DBT Skills Groups and individual DBT skills training to provide clients with the tools they need to feel more grounded, balanced, and in control of their lives.

What Is DBT?

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a modified type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), created by Dr. Marsha Linehan. It was originally developed for individuals who experience borderline personality disorder, but today, it is widely used to support people navigating challenges, such as:

  • Intense mood swings or high emotional sensitivity

  • Difficulty regulating negative emotions 

  • Impulsivity or self-harming behaviors

  • Chronic feelings of emptiness or loneliness

  • Anxiety and panic related symptoms

  • Depression and suicidality

  • Substance use & addictive behaviors

  • Disordered eating

  • Complex trauma & trauma-related symptoms

  • Struggles with boundaries and interpersonal conflict

DBT combines cognitive-behavioral strategies with mindfulness practices, helping clients accept themselves as they are while working toward meaningful change.

Though we do not offer a comprehensive DBT program at GML Therapy, we do offer opportunities to learn DBT Skills, either individually or in a group setting, so clients can integrate them into their lives to support their therapeutic treatment.

Symptoms DBT Skills Can Help Address

DBT skills training can help individuals manage a wide range of symptoms, including:

  • Intense or rapidly shifting emotions

  • Anxiety, panic, or chronic worry

  • Anger, irritability, or emotional outbursts

  • Self-harming behaviors or thoughts

  • Relationship challenges and difficulty setting boundaries

  • Feelings of emptiness, isolation, or chronic stress

DBT Skills Groups

Our DBT Skills Groups provide a supportive, small-group environment where clients can learn and practice essential DBT skills. Groups are structured, interactive, and designed to help you apply what you learn in real life. Often these groups will feel more like a class as they are focused on learning rather than processing. 

The four modules we cover in DBT Skills Groups are:

  • Mindfulness

  • Distress Tolerance

  • Emotion Regulation

  • Interpersonal Effectiveness

Individual DBT Skills Training

For those who prefer a one-on-one setting, we offer individual DBT skills training. Sessions are tailored to your specific needs, pace, and goals. Individual DBT skills training allows for deeper exploration of how skills apply to your personal challenges and provides more focused support in integrating these tools into your daily life.

How Learning DBT Skills Can Help

DBT provides a practical, skills-based framework that helps clients:

  • Reduce emotional reactivity and increase self-control

  • Respond to stress in healthier ways

  • Strengthen relationships through clear communication and boundaries

  • Replace harmful coping strategies with effective, sustainable ones

  • Build self-compassion and resilience in the face of challenges

With consistent practice, DBT can empower you to create a life that feels more stable, meaningful, and aligned with your values.