DBT therapy Indiana

DBT is a compassionate, skills-based approach to healing created by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan. It’s a form of psychotherapy adapted from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and designed for people who experience emotions very intensely.

CBT focuses on identifying how thoughts affect feelings and behaviors, while DBT emphasizes acceptance of your current reality alongside efforts to change behaviors that are harmful or unhelpful. By combining acceptance and change, DBT gives you tools to manage emotional pain while still moving forward.

DBT has proven to be effective for treating and managing a wide range of mental health conditions, including:

• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Self-harm
• Suicidal behavior
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Substance use disorder
• Eating disorders such as binge eating disorder and bulimia
• Depression
• Anxiety

What makes DBT effective across these conditions is its focus on teaching healthier ways to cope with overwhelming emotions. Instead of falling back on harmful or impulsive responses, DBT helps you learn practical skills to regulate emotions, tolerate distress, and build stronger relationships.

Using a blend of:

• Behavioral therapy (to help you change unhelpful habits)
• Mindfulness (to help you stay present and grounded)
• Emotion regulation strategies (so your feelings don’t control you)

DBT helps you move beyond patterns of crisis and into a more balanced and stable life.

Dialectical behavior therapy was first designed for people living with borderline personality disorder (BPD), but it has since been shown to help with a wide range of mental health concerns. Today, DBT is often used to support people who struggle with:

• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Ongoing depression
• Drug or alcohol misuse
• Eating-related concerns, including binge eating and bulimia

Not every person benefits from DBT in the same way, but the therapy is often most effective when you are willing to practice the skills you learn outside of sessions, focus on your present and future goals, and participate in group-based learning alongside individual work.

Some people appreciate the structure and shared support of group sessions, while others prefer the privacy of one-on-one therapy. The right approach depends on your comfort level and what is available in your area. A conversation with qualified mental health professionals can help you decide whether DBT is the right fit for your recovery.

According to the National Health Interview Survey, about one in four adults report not always having the emotional support they need—especially those who live alone, manage disabilities, or are part of marginalized communities. DBT is built to close that gap, offering structured care that combines accountability with compassion.

Before beginning, most clients take part in a DBT pre-assessment. This step helps determine whether DBT is appropriate for your situation and introduces you to the commitment required. If it feels like the right fit, you and your clinician agree on a treatment plan and timeline. DBT often includes:

• Individual therapy. Weekly one-on-one sessions (40–60 minutes) where you work directly with a DBT-trained clinician. These sessions prioritize safety by reducing high-risk behaviors and then focus on identifying obstacles, setting goals, and applying new coping strategies.
• Group skills training. Structured, classroom-style sessions where you practice the four core DBT skill sets—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Unlike open-ended group therapy, these sessions emphasize hands-on learning and skill application.
• Phone coaching. Brief, real-time support between sessions, available during agreed-upon hours. This helps you apply DBT skills in the moment, whether during a crisis or when you need guidance on handling difficult situations.
• Therapist consultation team. Regular collaboration among clinicians ensures your treatment stays consistent, evidence-based, and responsive to your needs.

Together, these elements create more than a set of appointments—they build a reliable framework of support. By engaging fully in the program, clients learn to manage emotional distress, develop healthier responses to triggers, and strengthen their relationships both inside and outside of therapy.

Research has shown that dialectical behavior therapy can make a meaningful difference for people living with intense emotions or conditions such as borderline personality disorder. Benefits may include:

• Reduced self-harming behaviors and suicidal thoughts
• Fewer days spent in inpatient hospitalization
• Decreased drug and alcohol misuse
• Improved mood and fewer depressive symptoms
• Greater ability to manage anger and stress

While DBT is highly effective for many people, it isn’t always the right fit. Some individuals may find the program challenging, especially because it requires a strong commitment to therapy sessions, practicing skills outside of treatment, and sometimes participating in group settings.

DBT may be more effective if you are:

• Ready to make positive changes and participate actively
• Willing to complete homework assignments and track progress
• Able to focus on your present and future rather than the past
• Comfortable practicing skills in both individual and group formats

Like any therapy, DBT works best when you are motivated and consistent. Even when progress feels slow, building these skills can have a lasting impact on your emotional well-being and quality of life.

DBT is not a quick process. Most people participate in DBT for at least six months to a year, though treatment length varies depending on your needs and goals. Some conditions, such as borderline personality disorder, may require several years of ongoing therapy and practice to see the full benefit.

You shouldn’t expect to be entirely free of symptoms or challenges after a set period of time. Instead, DBT focuses on steady progress—reducing harmful behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and building a stronger quality of life over time.

It’s normal for recovery to feel gradual. The important thing is committing to the process and practicing the skills you learn both in and out of sessions. Even small changes, repeated consistently, can add up to major improvements in how you feel and how you respond to life’s stressors.

If you’re facing challenges with substance use, dialectical behavior therapy can be a powerful part of your recovery journey. DBT therapy is especially helpful when substance abuse happens alongside emotional ups and downs or co-occurring conditions like bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder.

By integrating DBT skills into addiction treatment, you can:

• Manage cravings and impulses using distress tolerance techniques
• Build emotion regulation skills that help prevent relapse
• Rely on mindfulness strategies to stay grounded through difficult moments

Many people come to DBT therapy after struggling with years of intense emotions, self-doubt, or therapy that didn’t go far enough. Maybe you’ve felt stuck. Maybe you’ve tried to make changes, but nothing seemed to last. Or maybe you’re just starting to reach out for help and wondering where to begin.

DBT was originally developed to help people move out of crisis and into a life worth living. Whether you’re a teen, young adult, or adult, this treatment gives you practical tools to manage emotions and find a sense of stability, even when life feels out of control.