Dialectical Behavioral Therapy IN RED BUD, ILLINOIS

Learn how to move through your emotions with DBT

What is DBT?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a highly structured, solution-focused type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that aims to help people replace destructive habits, emotions and thoughts with more effective solutions.

DBT was created by Marsha Linehan, a woman who experienced extreme emotion dysregulation, self-harm, and suicidal behaviors. She vowed that once she got out of her own hell she would help others get out of hell. And so she did by creating DBT.

DBT has been shown to be helpful in treating borderline personality disorder (BPD), bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD and addiction.

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DBT can be administered in many ways including Comprehensive DBT and DBT Informed Therapy. Both are outlined below.


I provide DBT Informed Therapy. I especially enjoy working with persons that have already been through a comprehensive DBT program. Not sure what you need? Book a consultation and we can talk about it.

Interested in a DBT Skills group? Sign up for the Growing Mindful Newsletter and stay informed of any group offerings.

Comprehensive DBT

If you find yourself struggling with ongoing, intense emotions coupled with suicidal thoughts/urges/actions and/or other high risk behaivors like self harm or bouts of rage, a more intense, comprehensive DBT therapy would probably be best.

Comprehensive DBT therapy includes:

  • individual 50-55 minute sessions every week for 6-12 months

  • attending a 1.5-2 hour DBT skills group weekly for at least 6 months

  • skills coaching via phone or text as needed, and

  • the therapist attending a weekly DBT consultation team

DBT Informed Therapy

This approach is less structured and solution focused. This is more of a supportive type of therapy and recommended for clients interested in self-exploration, support, and processing certain situations, thoughts or feelings.

DBT informed therapy includes:

  • weekly, talk therapy sessions in which DBT strategies and skills are incorporated

  • length and duration of sessions depends on the client’s needs and goals

  • some sessions may include learning new skills and discussing how those skills can be applied to whatever situation/thought/or emotion you may experience as distressing

DBT Skills Groups

DBT skills groups can be beneficial for anyone who wants to work on increasing their ability to move through emotions, handle distressing feelings and events with skill, build better relationships, and become more aware of the present moment.

DBT skills groups cover four types of skills:

  • mindfulness

  • emotion regulation

  • distress tolerance

  • interpersonal effectiveness skills

Growth is accepting ourselves and welcoming change.

Flowers can grow in the most harrowing of circumstances...cracks in the sidewalk, among desert sand and flooded plains. Our minds, hearts, and souls are like those flowers, able to grow and flourish even in harsh conditions.

Growing Mindful is built on this concept of acceptance and growth – meeting you as you are and nurturing your power to grow, flourish, and thrive.

DBT for intense emotions in Red Bud, Illinois

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