hope.change.live.thrive.
Comprehensive DBT Program
Initially developed for suicidal and self-harming behaviors, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, commonly known as DBT, has now been shown to be effective in treating a range of symptoms. DBT is an effective treatment for concerns including depression, bipolar disorder, anger and aggression, eating disorders, substance use, trauma-related symptoms, anxiety, and other disorders involving difficulty regulating emotion. DBT is a well-researched, evidence-based treatment that aims to help individuals develop and enhance their lives worth living.
How do I know if DBT is right for me?
Do these questions resonate with you?
Why doesn't talk therapy seem to help me?
Why did my last therapist say they couldn't help anymore?
I keep thinking about dying as the solution - how do I change this?
I feel out-of-control with my emotions sometimes; why do my feelings shift so fast?
I don't like these patterns I'm stuck in, how do I stop engaging in harmful behaviors?
I'm pushing away people I love, how can I be more consistent?
How do I stop being so dissociated and withdrawn?
What can I do to heal from trauma?
How can I be less angry and irritable?
DBT might be the answer!
DBT for Adults
Our Comprehensive DBT Program for Adults (post-high school +) offers the full-model of DBT as developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D. (1993). Typically we ask for a one-year commitment to the DBT as the most evidence-based course of treatment. The adult program includes:
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Individual therapy once per week
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DBT skills group for 90 minutes weekly
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Between-session telephone coaching as needed
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The DBT therapist participates on the DBT consultation team
Throughout the first year of DBT we work towards stabilizing any crises first. Then, we aim for increasing effective behaviors and decreasing patterns of behaviors that may be unhelpful. We learn new ways of coping, move towards goals that improve mood and satisfaction with life, and improving relationship dynamics. The dialectic of acceptance and change is at the core of DBT. Our team of therapists balance:
Acceptance: Meeting clients where they are, gaining insight into current patterns and problems, helping to have empathy and self-compassion with the function of old ways of behaving
Change: Using behavioral strategies to increase motivation and reward for new behaviors, problem-solving to help choose different courses of action in tough situations, generalizing skills instead of ineffective coping methods
The Adult Program skills group provides skills training and generalization in the four modules:
Mindfulness - Finding our inherent wisdom; noticing our experiences without judgment or over-engagement; and engaging in the present moment.
Emotion Regulation - Knowing and understanding our emotions; identifying when to change the feeling or when to change the situation; learning techniques for regulating intense emotions
Distress Tolerance - Getting through a crisis without making it worse; learning the role of acceptance in reducing suffering; utilizing specific strategies to reduce overwhelm
Interpersonal Effectiveness - Examples of ways to communicate needs, emotions, and limits clearly; maintaining self-respect; attending to relationships that are valued
Want a more detailed reference sheet?
Our DBT Consultation Team
Adolescent DBT Program
Adolescent DBT looks a little different...
Adapted from the original DBT model by Rathus and Miller (2007), the Adolescent DBT Program is designed to meet the unique needs of teens and families.
Our adolescent program is 6-months and has significant caregiver/family involvement. Teens are integrated into family dynamics and we provide support and skills so that home life can be just as effective as what happens in the therapy office!
Our Adolescent DBT Program includes:
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Once a week individual therapy with caregiver check-ins for a few minutes per session
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As-needed family therapy sessions
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Multifamily skills group where teen and a caregiver attend weekly with other families to learn and implement the DBT skills
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An extra skills module specific to adolescents and their families: Walking the Middle Path
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Telephone coaching for the teen with their individual therapist
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Telephone coaching for the caregivers of the teen with a different therapist than the teen.
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As needed or recommended Caregiver Coaching therapy sessions with the therapist who also provides the telephone coaching
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All involved therapists participate on the DBT Consultation Team
Adult DBT Skills Group
Tuesday 4:30- 6:00 pm virtual (Ohio)
or
Tuesday 5:30-7:00 pm virtual
(Ohio, D.C., and Counseling Compact States)
or
Thursday 4:30-6:00 pm hybrid- in-person and virtual
(PsyPact States)
For participants currently in a Stage 1 DBT commitment with LakeWest staff or those in therapy with a community therapist.
Group Schedule
Groups are often offered in a hybrid model with in-office and telehealth available
How do I get started in the DBT program?
How do I join a DBT group only?
FAQs
We would love to have you!
Here are the steps for starting a DBT group with us:
1. Give us a call or submit an inquiry in the contact form
2. You'll be connected with one of our skills trainers to learn more about the groups, discuss which group best fits your needs and schedule, and schedule a brief group orientation phone call prior to starting. The orientation call is free!
4. If you are keeping your therapist in the community (outside of LakeWest DBT Center) and participating in the DBT group only, we will send you some paperwork to complete with your individual therapist.
5. Once the orientation is complete and we have your paperwork on file, you can dive in to the group!
Other FAQs:
When are the start dates?
We have rolling admission into the groups, so no need to wait for a specific time or entry point.
How many group members are there?
In adolescent DBT groups, we cap the number at 6 teens and 6 caregivers.
Adult DBT groups are capped at 8 members.
Do I need to purchase a manual?
Nope! We provide the handouts and worksheets prior to group for each lesson that week. You are welcome to purchase one if you choose, but it is not mandatory.
What is the cost?
The 90-minute sessions are $90. The 60-minute Graduate Group is $60.
Financial aid and sliding scale spots are offered based on availability.
Why does DBT need a skills group?
The short answer: There are so many skills to learn and not enough time or space in individual therapy! Skills group is a class aimed at learning/acquiring the skill knowledge. Individual therapy really breaks down the emotions, moods, traumas, behaviors, etc. and uses that skill knowledge to apply to each nuanced circumstance. Phone coaching is for those crisis moments or intense emotional situations where pulling up that knowledge can be hard and/or hasn't been practiced yet. It can be a little overwhelming at first, and most folx find the group to be supportive, fun, and engaging. It can be nice to have another DBT touch point in the week, another safe and validating place, and it's also helpful for skill learning to see how other folx are applying their skill knowledge!
We are thrilled you are considering our DBT program! Here is an overview of how to get started:
1. Give us a call (216-767-5898) or fill out our Contact Us form and let us know you are interested!
2. One of our DBT therapists will call you for a brief consultation to learn more about what you're looking for, share about the DBT program, and schedule an intake.
3. The intake is about 50-minutes to gather history, current symptoms or behaviors you are coping with, and start to develop the treatment plan.
4. Because DBT is a commitment, we'll have about four "Motivation and Commitment" sessions where we discuss the ins and outs of the DBT program, set goals, come up with our phone coaching protocol, orient to the group, and get to know each other better. Adolescent DBT clients often have a caregiver present for portions of the Motivation and Commitment sessions, as the program has a component of family involvement.
5. Once Motivation and Commitment is complete, we are ready for you to join a DBT group! Usually around the first or second group, phone coaching services can start as well.
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