Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Houston, TX

My go-to approach for helping people in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an eclectic approach. I find the best benefit of an eclectic approach is the flexibility it provides me to adjust to each individual client’s needs. Each person has a unique experience and upbringing, which can impact the level of depression a person is experiencing. I pull tools from CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, positive psychology, art therapy, music therapy, trauma-informed care, accelerated resolution therapy, and solution-focused therapy to help clients navigate their mental health concerns and achieve their goals.

I teach the following tools in dialectical behavior therapy:

• Emotion regulation and distress tolerance via mindfulness practice, videos, and worksheets. I work with clients to attune to their bodies physically, emotionally, and mentally so they can build insight and confidence in being able to redirect symptoms.
• Self-harm and suicidal ideation prevention plans.
• Self-care tools to reinforce emotion regulation skills.
• Cognitive challenging/reframing/refocusing via the use of cognitive triangles and understanding unhelpful thinking patterns. I encourage clients to use worksheets/handouts to practice their skills daily and build new habits.
• Exploration of personal values, where they come from, and how they impact their daily lives.
• Healthy communication skills to create positive/supportive relationships and how to advocate for needs/reach out to healthy support systems.
• Healthy boundary-setting skills that fit within the client’s personal values to gain confidence in navigating anxiety.
• Positive self-affirmation to improve self-worth and confidence.

I know a client is making meaningful progress in dialectical behavior therapy when they can report reduced symptoms and express confidence in navigating unhelpful thinking patterns and reactions/behaviors during times of distress. I also look for a client’s understanding and knowledge of the skills being used. If a client can demonstrate and teach the skill in a session and report feeling personal balance or achievement in relation to their goals, the client is making meaningful progress. A client can also make meaningful progress by demonstrating vulnerability and openness in exploring their own life (history, personal reactions, etc.) and how it relates to their relationships or goals. Reduced urges to self-harm or reduction in suicidal ideation can also be a measurement of progress.

Clients can supplement their time in dialectical behavior therapy with daily skills practice, mini-projects, or reflections. I try to make a habit of giving my clients small, manageable tasks to practice each week. I spend time with my clients to build these tasks into their current habits or routines to help establish a new pattern of healthy habits in their relationships/daily lives.

A first session can come with so many different emotions. In the first session, I will ask about a lot of different areas in a person’s life to get to know them and understand how they view the world and others around them. It’s important to share as much information as honestly as possible, but my first priority will always be my client’s safety and comfort level. If I ask a tough question, I don’t expect anyone to share every detail—just what they are willing and able to share. I encourage my clients to always ask me questions in return because I want my clients to get to know me and feel safe/comfortable. Therapy is most effective when a person can connect with their therapist. You can prepare for therapy further by thinking about your top 2-3 goals, or what it is that you hope to gain from therapy, and by having a therapy journal/notebook to take notes or complete assignments. This helps me to create a more effective approach that fits your needs.