About dialectical behavior therapy (dbt)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a skills-based approach that blends acceptance and change strategies to help people manage intense emotions and improve relationships. Below you can browse therapists who list DBT among their approaches and learn more about how this therapy works.
What to compare in entries
| Credentials | A US state licence, or membership of a professional body such as BACP or NCPS. They are different kinds of thing; each profile shows what was supplied. |
|---|---|
| Focus | Whether dialectical behavior therapy (dbt) is listed as a main focus or among the wider list of areas. Entries show both. |
| Way of working | The approaches named on the entry. Two people working with the same concern can describe very different sessions. |
| Time in practice | Years in practice, as supplied. A fact to weigh, not a ranking. |
| Language | The languages sessions can be held in, where that matters to you. |
Common questions
How were these entries chosen?
Everyone listed on this page names Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) among the approaches they told the platform they use. They are not ranked, rated or endorsed by this directory, and the order is not a recommendation.
Do I need a referral to start?
No. You can contact a therapist through their entry directly. A GP referral is not required for independent online therapy.
What if the first therapist is not right?
Changing therapist is normal and expected, and can be done at any point. One session is a small sample of how someone works.
Entries for dialectical behavior therapy (dbt)
Roseanne Jackson, LCSW, LCSW-R
Ref 54688
Compassionate, practical help for big life stressors
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingMark Dexter, BACP
Ref 188313
Practical therapy for mood and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingSiyue Zhang, AASW
Ref 243585
Calm, practical therapy focused on real-life change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Mandarin
View listingDr. Wanetta "Nita" Hughes Bise, LPC
Ref 7050
Therapist focused on practical support
Works with: Relationship, Trauma and abuse, Parenting Languages: English
View listingYumi Lemaster, LCSW
Ref 2633
Skilled, practical therapy for real-life struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingWilliam Signey, BACP
Ref 113870
Practical, person-focused counselling for life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingMelody Hatter, LCSW, CSW, LISW
Ref 123632
Practical support for anxiety and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingSydney Fisher, LPC
Ref 187550
Compassionate counselor guiding practical growth
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Grief Languages: English
View listingJonathan Wilkes, BACP
Ref 123145
Calm listening with practical skills
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Grief Languages: English
View listingJonetta Wakely, LPC
Ref 124539
Practical, listening-focused counseling for life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingCynthia Rumford-Jones, LCSW
Ref 101833
Calm practical therapist focused on progress
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Anger, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingKianni Johnson, LMHC
Ref 279980
Practical therapy for strong emotions
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Anger Languages: English
View listingWendi Makus, LPC
Ref 48129
Practical therapy for stress and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingLatrice Scott, LMHC, LPC
Ref 15171
Supportive counselor for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Anger, Depression Languages: English
View listingKendall Jones, LCSW
Ref 106192
Compassionate LCSW focused on practical support
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingTammy Russell, LMHC
Ref 181426
Compassionate, practical therapy for real-life struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingEthel-Caroline Miman, AASW
Ref 259803
Gentle, practical therapy for life’s big challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingMarilee Frazier, LPC
Ref 257654
Compassionate counselor for adults seeking practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJennifer Mcpherson (Norman), BACP
Ref 161239
Experienced relationship and trauma counsellor
Works with: Relationship, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDarla McAdams, LPC
Ref 58935
Practical, person-focused counseling in Missouri
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT Languages: English
View listingApril Vandiver, LPC
Ref 229121
Compassionate counselor helping people move forward
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Parenting Languages: English
View listingSandra Johnson, LMFT, LPC
Ref 16121
Practical, skill-focused therapy for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingDr. Heidi Duong, LMHC
Ref 185659
Helping people rebuild meaning and balance
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Eating Languages: English
View listingIjeoma Nweze, BACP, NCPS
Ref 203170
Compassionate counsellor for everyday challenges
Works with: Relationship, Family, Parenting Languages: English, Igbo
View listingKerrie McCabe, BACP
Ref 128546
Compassionate counsellor blending listening with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDonna Khan, LMSW
Ref 29669
Experienced social worker focused on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingLoire Bennett, LMHC
Ref 25344
Experienced Florida LMHC focused on practical growth
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Grief Languages: English
View listingDeborah Youngblood, LCSW
Ref 229
Compassionate LCSW offering practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingSidonia Stiles, BACP
Ref 101572
Experienced counsellor for relationships and grief
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief Languages: English, Portuguese
View listingConnie Seth, LISW
Ref 206834
Seasoned Iowa LISW focused on practical coping
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingDr. Tyler Clarke, HCPC, BACP
Ref 235544
Help for anxiety, trauma and life change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT Languages: English
View listingTodd Helm, LPC
Ref 325863
Practical support for stress, relationships, and men's issues
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingMaria "Patti" Lorenzo, LCPC
Ref 26902
A practical, compassionate approach to emotional change
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Self esteem, Coping with life changes Languages: English
View listingEdward Mcguinness, BACP
Ref 263954
Practical, respectful support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJay Cook, NCPS
Ref 200361
Compassionate counsellor focused on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship Languages: English
View listingDaniel Windemer, NCPS
Ref 173238
Calm, practical counselling to help you move forward
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingBeth VanKeuren Maldonado, LCSW
Ref 101474
Experienced Connecticut LCSW offering practical support
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingChristine Smith, BACP
Ref 156754
Practical, empathetic counselling for real-life struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Addictions Languages: English
View listingSophia Mas, LMHC
Ref 91155
Compassionate counselor with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Spanish
View listingDr. William Cook, BACP, NCPS
Ref 167158
Supportive counsellor for life transitions
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English, Spanish, French
View listingTinna Palmer, LSCSW
Ref 123063
Practical support for stress and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingWai Kan, BACP
Ref 164673
Practical, values-led support for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship Languages: English
View listingJustine Gibbs, BACP
Ref 151484
Compassionate practical support for life changes
Works with: Relationship, Family, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingCarolyn Faucette, LISW
Ref 143321
Compassionate, practical therapy for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief Languages: English
View listingWendy Kesel, LCSW-R
Ref 204558
Compassionate guidance for practical life change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Parenting Languages: English
View listingJamie Daugherty, LPC
Ref 62210
Practical support for managing life and emotions
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingSharan Thiara, BACP
Ref 139408
Compassionate practical support for life’s hard moments
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingRalph Ward, LMSW
Ref 239940
Practical, experienced support for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship Languages: English
View listingMore about dialectical behavior therapy (dbt)
What Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is and the principles behind it
Origins and core ideas
Dialectical Behavior Therapy emerged as a structured approach to help people facing emotional instability and painful patterns of behavior. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with a focus on balancing acceptance and change. At its heart is the idea of dialectics - holding two seemingly opposing truths at once - which encourages you to validate your experience while still working toward change. That balance is what distinguishes DBT from many other approaches. You will hear about four core skill modules - mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness - each intended to give you practical tools for day-to-day life.
Therapeutic stance and goals
Therapists who use DBT typically emphasize a collaborative, nonjudgmental stance that prioritizes clear goals and measurable progress. The approach values building a strong working relationship so you feel understood while learning new ways to respond to difficult situations. DBT aims to reduce harmful behaviors and increase your ability to live a life aligned with your values. Progress is often framed in terms of skills acquisition and behavior change rather than abstract insight alone.
What types of issues DBT is commonly used for
Emotional dysregulation and self-harm behaviors
DBT is frequently used when strong, rapid shifts in mood or intense emotional reactions cause problems in daily functioning. You may look into DBT if you notice impulsive behaviors, repeated crises, or patterns that include self-harm or suicidal thinking. The distress tolerance and emotion regulation components are intended to help you manage crises without resorting to actions that put you at risk or worsen relationships.
Relationship challenges and co-occurring conditions
People often turn to DBT when interpersonal conflicts feel overwhelming or when repeated patterns of conflict lead to isolation. DBT's interpersonal effectiveness skills teach ways to assert needs, set boundaries, and maintain respect in relationships. The approach also supports people who live with mood disorders, anxiety, or substance use by offering concrete coping strategies and a structure for addressing behaviors that impede recovery. While DBT can be helpful alongside other supports, it is one approach among many and its suitability depends on your goals and circumstances.
What a typical DBT session looks like
Structure and focus
A typical DBT experience combines individual sessions with skills-focused work. In individual sessions you and your therapist usually review recent challenges, apply a problem-solving lens to pressing issues, and practice skills in the context of your life. Sessions tend to be goal-oriented and may include homework to practice specific techniques between meetings. The emphasis is on learning by doing - you practice skills, reflect on successes and setbacks, and refine strategies that fit your life.
Skills training and practice
Skills training is a central element of DBT and often occurs in a group or practice setting. In these sessions you learn and rehearse techniques for mindfulness - learning to observe your experience without judging it - along with strategies for calming intense emotions and tolerating distress. You will also work on improving communication and getting your needs met effectively. The combination of individual coaching and skills practice aims to give you tools that become part of your natural responses, so that over time stressful moments become more manageable.
How DBT differs from other common approaches
Balance of acceptance and change
While many therapies focus primarily on changing thoughts or behaviors, DBT explicitly integrates acceptance as a therapeutic tool. You are encouraged to validate your feelings and experiences as real and meaningful, while simultaneously learning concrete strategies to alter patterns that cause harm. This dual emphasis helps prevent the sense of invalidation some people feel in purely change-oriented approaches.
Practical skill-building and behavioral focus
Compared with therapies that prioritize insight or exploration of past experiences, DBT foregrounds practical skills and behavioral outcomes. Sessions are typically oriented toward teaching and applying skills in real-life situations. That does not mean personal history is irrelevant - understanding patterns and triggers matters - but DBT tends to prioritize what you can do now to reduce suffering and improve functioning. The approach also often uses clear coaching strategies to guide you through moments of crisis and to reinforce the use of adaptive skills.
Who is a good candidate for DBT and how to find the right therapist
Determining fit
DBT may be a good fit if you find that strong emotions frequently lead to actions you regret, if you struggle to maintain relationships, or if you want concrete strategies to manage distress. You may also consider DBT when vague talk therapy has not given you the practical tools you need to interrupt harmful cycles. Fit also depends on your comfort with skills-based learning and a collaborative approach; many people appreciate the clear structure, while others prefer less directive styles.
Finding a therapist who lists DBT among their approaches
When searching for a practitioner, look for therapists who list DBT among their approaches and read their descriptions to understand how they integrate skills work into sessions. Compare how therapists describe their focus areas, therapeutic orientation, credentials, languages spoken, and professional experience. You can also note whether they emphasize skills training, individual coaching, or a combination of methods. It is reasonable to ask about how they structure sessions, how they measure progress, and what typical goals look like, so you can assess whether their approach aligns with your needs. Choosing a therapist is as much about the fit between your expectations and their style as it is about the specific method they use.
Final considerations
DBT offers a practical framework for reducing harmful patterns and building skills to navigate emotional life more effectively. If you are seeking concrete tools, a focus on both acceptance and change, and a structured path toward steadier functioning, exploring therapists who list DBT among their approaches may be a helpful next step. Use listings and therapist descriptions to identify professionals whose approach resonates with you, and trust your judgment about whether a particular therapist’s style and emphasis feel like a match for your goals.