Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based approach that focuses on helping individuals manage intense emotions, tolerate distress, improve relationships, and become more mindful of their experiences.

In private practice, therapists may incorporate DBT principles and skills into individual psychotherapy sessions. This is often called DBT-informed therapy.

Rather than providing a full, structured DBT program, DBT-informed therapy draws on selected DBT skills and strategies to address your individual needs and treatment goals. Your therapist may help you practice new ways of responding to difficult emotions, handling conflict, or managing stressful situations.

DBT-informed therapy may be helpful for individuals who want support with:

• Emotional regulation: Understand your emotions and develop healthier ways to respond when feelings become intense.
• Stress and distress tolerance: Learn strategies to get through difficult moments without making situations harder for yourself.
• Anxiety and overwhelm: Build skills for navigating uncertainty, uncomfortable emotions, and everyday stress.
• Relationship challenges: Practice communicating needs, setting boundaries, and navigating conflict.
• Mindfulness: Become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without immediately reacting to them.
• Coping and personal growth: Develop practical tools to respond to challenges in ways that better align with your values and goals.

You don't have to wait until you're in crisis to learn these skills. Therapy can be a place to build emotional awareness, strengthen coping strategies, and create meaningful changes over time.

DBT-informed therapy is collaborative and tailored to your concerns. Depending on your needs, sessions may include exploring emotional triggers, identifying patterns in your responses, practicing mindfulness, or learning skills to manage distress and improve communication.

The goal isn't to stop you from having difficult emotions. It's to help you understand those emotions and develop more options for how you respond to them.

Progress happens at your own pace, and your therapist can help you identify which skills are most useful in your everyday life.

Kera Sanford, LMSW, brings a DBT-informed approach to her work with individuals at Inner Peace Therapy. As a DBT-certified therapist, Kera incorporates her training and knowledge of DBT skills to support individuals in developing emotional awareness, strengthening coping strategies, and navigating life's challenges.

Kera offers a supportive, affirming space where individuals can explore their experiences, build on their strengths, and work toward meaningful personal growth. Her integrative approach considers each person's unique needs, experiences, and goals.

Kera provides virtual therapy to individuals throughout Michigan, offering the opportunity to access support from the comfort and privacy of home.

You don't have to navigate everything on your own. Small steps toward understanding yourself can make room for meaningful growth.