What is DBT?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based, skills-focused treatment designed to help individuals manage overwhelming emotions, improve relationships, and develop healthier coping strategies. Grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT blends acceptance and change strategies to help individuals respond more flexibly to life’s challenges.

At The Ross Center, we offer two comprehensive DBT programs – one for ADULTS and one for TEENS. Our teen program includes a parent component to strengthen family support and communication. In both programs, clients work with a team of DBT-trained clinicians and learn practical skills to manage their feelings, thoughts and behaviors.

Effective Treatment for a Variety of Conditions

Our comprehensive DBT programs are effective for individuals who struggle with:

Significant difficulty regulating emotions, thoughts and behaviors
Trouble navigating relationships
Uncontrollable Anger
Chronic suicidal thoughts
Cutting and other types of self-harm
Impulsive or risky behaviors, including sexual promiscuity

Substance abuse
Extensive moodiness
Food and eating issues
Depression
Severe anxiety
Out of control behavior
Struggles with trauma and PTSD

What is Involved in a Comprehensive DBT Program?

We offer a classic, comprehensive DBT program involving a 4-pronged system that is delivered over a period of 6 months and includes:

Individual DBT therapy with a dedicated therapist
Weekly DBT skills training group for the client
Skills coaching and 24-hour phone consultation
DBT Therapist team approach

This program involves a serious commitment to adhere to a 6 month program. Participants are required to commit to the entire 24-week program, but can join at the beginning of a new cycle as long as all 4 modules are completed.

What are the 4 Skill Building Modules of DBT?

The 4 skill-building modules of DBT consist of:

Mindfulness,
Emotion Regulation
Distress Tolerance
Interpersonal Effectiveness

What are the Benefits from a Comprehensive DBT Program?

Many people come to DBT feeling like they’ve exhausted their options. The comprehensive DBT program at The Ross Center can be transformative, and provide the structure and therapeutic guidance that leads to real progress, renewed hope, and improved mental health.

Learn More about our Comprehensive DBT Program for ADULTS

Learn More about our Comprehensive DBT Program for Teens (Ages 14 – 17), which includes parents in weekly meetings.

If you have questions about our DBT program or are interested in registering, please contact us at 703-687-6610 or [email protected].

Additional Programs that Incorporate Elements of DBT:

RO-DBT:

RO DBT is an evidence-based treatment developed to help individuals who struggle with symptoms or personality traits that result in emotional “overcontrol”. While self control is a good thing, too much self control can lead to problems with perfectionism, rigidity and difficulties in personal relationships. In our RO DBT skills classes you will learn to loosen the grip of perfectionism and rule governed behaviors, form deeper connections with others, and develop greater emotional awareness. LEARN MORE

Big Feelings Group For Preteens:

Our Big Feelings group is designed to teach preteens strategies for managing feelings and emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Led by a child psychologist, this group uses elements from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to teach children to feel more in control of their emotions. LEARN MORE

To learn more about DBT contact us at 703-687-6610 or [email protected].