Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT therapy) in Oklahoma City focuses on essential skills such as distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Through mindfulness practices and engaging skills groups, individuals can learn to manage their emotions and improve their relationships.
Comprehensive DBT
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment designed for people who struggle with intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, and relationship challenges. It was originally developed for Borderline Personality Disorder, but is also effective for:
- Mood and anxiety disorders
- Suicidal ideation
- Non-suicidal self-injury
- Substance use
- OCD
- Disordered eating
DBT provides concrete tools for navigating real-life situations—especially when your nervous system wants to shut down, explode, or escape.
A Comprehensive DBT program includes four essential components:
- Weekly Individual Therapy- You’ll meet with your therapist (hey, that’s me) once a week. This is where we make sense of what’s going on in your life, explore emotions, problem-solve, and learn how to apply DBT skills to your specific experiences.
- Weekly DBT Skills Group- DBT skills group is not group therapy—it’s more like a class. We meet weekly to learn and practice skills for regulating emotions, reducing impulsive behaviors, and improving relationships.
- Phone Coaching- Life doesn’t only happen during therapy sessions. DBT includes short, structured phone coaching (primarily via text) so you can get in-the-moment support to use your skills during a crisis, or before it becomes one. It’s for skills practice and real-time problem solving.
- DBT Consultation Team- Your therapist participates in a weekly consultation team (with other DBT therapists), ensuring that you get well-supported care and that we stay sharp, effective, and responsive to your needs. This is our way of walking the walk.
Comprehensive DBT is offered through a 6-month renewable contract. While everyone’s timeline is different, most clients complete the full program in 12–18 months. Short-term or skills-only options may be available for clients who do not require the full comprehensive model.
Who Comprehensive DBT Is a Good Fit For
Comprehensive DBT might be right for you if:
- You feel emotions intensely and often feel out of control.
- You’ve tried other therapies, but they didn’t “stick”.
- You experience chronic suicidal thoughts or self-harming urges.
- You often feel stuck in all-or-nothing thinking or relationship chaos.
- You struggle with impulsivity, shame, or emotional numbness.
- You want practical tools and a space to explore your story in depth.
- You’re ready for change, but it feels overwhelming, terrifying, or impossible.
24/7 Phone Coaching
Skills coaching is a key part of comprehensive DBT, it helps you use your skills in the moment, not just in session. This support is available between appointments and should always be used before any urge to self-harm or engage in impulsive behavior.
How to Use Skills Coaching:
- Try skills first. Give yourself space to use your DBT skills independently.
- Text your therapist. Send a brief message that includes:
- What’s going on.
- What skills you’ve tried so far.
- Wait for a response. Your therapist will respond as soon as possible, always within 24 hours. Messages received after business hours may receive next-morning replies unless urgent.
- Keep it short. Coaching is meant to be brief (5–10 minutes max). Longer conversations or deeper processing will be directed to your next session.
- When in doubt, follow your safety plan. If you're unable to reach your therapist or you're in crisis, call 988 or go to your nearest ER.
⏳ Remember: the 24-hour rule applies after any suicide attempt or self-harming behavior.