Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Baltimore
Baltimore Therapy Group
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a science-backed approach in the treatment of depression, binge-eating, bulimia, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and substance abuse. DBT meets the “gold standard” of care in the eyes of the American Psychological Association.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy originated from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with one major caveat: DBT focuses on validation, or accepting intense emotions, emotional vulnerability, and behavioral change. DBT provides therapeutic skills in four key areas, also known as the key areas of DBT: mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. These four key areas form the foundation of DBT skills training. DBT is effective for people who have trouble managing strong emotions and problem behaviors. It was originally utilized to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) at high risk of suicide. BPD is characterized by symptoms ranging from impulsive behaviors, drug use, and suicidal ideation to suicidal behaviors, including suicidal self-injury and nonsuicidal self-injury. DBT is most effective for people who are committed to creating a life worth living and who are willing to engage in the therapeutic process.
Over time, DBT has been adapted for different mental health settings. DBT aims to help individuals with mental health conditions, impulsivity, stress, and feelings of sadness by encouraging emotional regulation skills and mindfulness. DBT work helps individuals with emotional regulation challenges and is suitable for those struggling with self-destructive behaviors, including eating disorders and substance use disorders. In some cases, DBT is also used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. Through a collaborative approach, therapists help clients accept problematic thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Clients can start DBT therapy by meeting with a therapist for an intake assessment and filling out a form to determine their needs. With dialectical behavior therapy, clients can work with their therapist to create a recovery plan. Similar to CBT, DBT skills training helps individuals develop new skills, such as healthy coping mechanisms and mind-body practices, giving them the strength and power to challenge intense emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. DBT therapy typically involves weekly sessions where clients learn valuable skills to manage their emotions and behaviors. DBT therapy can be conducted both in person and online, allowing flexibility for clients in Baltimore who are supported by experienced therapists in Baltimore. The duration of a standard DBT program is typically around 24 weeks, which is roughly six months. DBT therapy services are available in Baltimore for individuals seeking help with emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT therapists in Baltimore may work with each person to develop personalized treatment plans that address their specific needs. DBT therapists in Baltimore often have backgrounds in psychology, social work, or counseling, and may have specialized training in DBT.
DBT is available in used in three clinical settings:
Group therapy sessions, where individuals learn problem-solving and behavioral skills through homework assignments, role-playing activities, and group skills training.
Individual therapy with a trained individual therapist, where individuals learn new skills through a personalized treatment plan.
Phone coaching, where individuals call their DBT therapist between therapy sessions for guidance on coping with difficult situations.
Individual therapy, group sessions, and DBT phone coaching and may be used in combination with medication treatment or other forms of therapy, including online group therapy options.
Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Effective?
Studies have confirmed the efficacy of DBT in treating a wide range of mental health diagnoses, including depression, bipolar disorder, BPD, substance use disorder, and PTSD, in adolescents and adults. In a systematic review by Panos et al., researchers confirmed the validity of DBT individual therapy sessions in reducing suicide attempts, impulsive behaviors, and symptoms of depression in adult patients with BPD in a clinical setting.
Over the course of treatment, DBT helps decrease the frequency and severity of mental health symptoms, utilizes positive reinforcement to promote behavioral change, and translates the problem-solving and behavioral skills learned during therapy sessions to the client's everyday life. While each practitioner has their own structure and goals, standard DBT generally involves the following goals:
Acceptance — You'll learn new coping skills to accept and tolerate difficult situations, emotions, and thoughts.
Behavioral change — You'll learn problem-solving skills to analyze problems and replace destructive and self-injurious behaviors with healthier alternatives.
Cognitive change — You'll learn how to identify and change problematic thoughts, behaviors, and actions.
Collaboration — You'll learn how to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with a team, whether it's your individual therapist or group therapy members.
Support — You'll learn how to recognize your individual strengths and use them effectively.
Despite our recognition that DBT is a highly effective treatment, we would be remiss if we did not mention that Dialectical Behavior Therapy is not the only scientifically proven approach to treatment. The American Psychological Association has also given its stamp of approval to other approaches to mental health treatment used by the Baltimore Therapy Group's therapist consultation team, including Cognitive Behavioral TherapyEmotion-Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Process Therapy, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.
Meet the Baltimore Therapy Group’s
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Experts
While therapists in the Baltimore Therapy Group use a variety of empirically supported treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Process Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and Emotion Focused Therapy to help clients overcome the struggles that bring them to therapy, two of our therapists specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy or “DBT”. Meet Andrea Castelhano, PsyD, Rachel Greenberg, LCPC, and Lucy Anson, LCSW-C.
Andrea Castelhano, PSy.D.
DBT THerapist
Licensed Psychologist in Baltimore
Andrea is a Dialectical Behavior Therapist who uses DBT to help clients overcome disordered eating and exercise behavior, anxiety, depression, gender and sexual identity concerns, and cultural stress. Prior to joining the Baltimore Therapy Group, Andrea was the DBT Program Coordinator for the Eating Recovery Center of Maryland (formerly The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt). In that role, she was responsible for training staff in DBT and conducting program evaluation of the Center’s DBT interventions.
Lucy Anson, LCSW-C
DBT THerapist
Licensed social worker in Baltimore
Lucy’s focus on clients working to overcome disordered eating, anxiety, and depression is informed by DBT. Prior to joining the Baltimore Therapy Group, Lucy used DBT in her work with the Eating Recovery Center of Maryland Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Units as well as with Bloomington (Indiana) Meadows Hospital.
Rachel Greenberg Larson, LCPC
DBT THErapist
Licensed Counselor in Baltimore
Rachel uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy or “DBT” to work with those who come to therapy wanting to improve anxiety, depression, emotion regulation and recover from addiction. Prior to joining the Baltimore Therapy Group, Rachel worked with the Carroll County Youth Services Bureau where she provided DBT-informed outpatient psychotherapy to adults, teens and children.
Mental Health Conditions Treated
Our DBT services are designed to address a broad spectrum of mental health conditions, providing effective treatment for individuals facing complex emotional and behavioral challenges within the wider support of the Baltimore Therapy Group. We specialize in treating post traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. In addition, our DBT therapists support clients struggling with emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, stress, and suicidal ideation. Each client receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and goals.
Mindfulness in DBT
Mindfulness is a foundational component of dialectical behavior therapy and plays a vital role in helping clients develop emotional regulation and coping skills. At the Baltimore Therapy Group, we teach mindfulness as a practical skill that enables clients to be fully present and engaged in the current moment, free from judgment or distraction.
Through our therapy, clients learn mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindful movement like yoga. These practices are integrated into daily routines—whether eating, walking, or interacting with others—to foster greater awareness and presence. By cultivating mindfulness, clients become better equipped to manage intense emotions, reduce stress, and improve relationships, and can better determine when full DBT or DBT skills training is most appropriate.
Practicing mindfulness allows clients to accept and tolerate difficult emotions, rather than avoiding or suppressing them. This acceptance leads to increased self-respect, self-awareness, and overall well-being. Our therapists emphasize the importance of mindfulness in achieving a fulfilling life and improving mental health outcomes, supporting clients as they build the skills needed to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions About DBT Therapy in Baltimore
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a science-backed psychotherapy approach that helps individuals manage intense emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and develop effective coping skills. It focuses on balancing acceptance of oneself with the pursuit of positive behavioral change through four key skill areas: mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
Who can benefit from DBT therapy?
DBT is effective for adolescents and adults struggling with mental health conditions such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders, eating disorders, and emotional dysregulation. It is especially helpful for those who have difficulty managing strong emotions and problem behaviors.
How long does a typical DBT program last?
A standard DBT program in Baltimore typically runs for about 24 weeks (roughly six months), involving weekly sessions that include individual therapy, group skills training, and phone coaching. The exact duration may vary based on individual needs and treatment goals.
What does DBT therapy involve?
DBT therapy combines individual therapy sessions, group skills training, and phone coaching. Clients learn therapeutic skills to manage intense emotions, tolerate distress, improve communication, and build healthier relationships. Therapists provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each client’s unique challenges.
Is DBT therapy available in person and online in Baltimore?
Yes, DBT therapy services in Baltimore are offered both in person and online to provide flexibility and accessibility for clients. This allows individuals to choose the format that best fits their lifestyle and comfort level.
How do I get started with DBT therapy in Baltimore?
To begin DBT therapy, you typically start with an intake assessment with a qualified therapist who will evaluate your needs and help develop a personalized treatment plan. You may be asked to complete forms to determine your specific goals and challenges.
What makes DBT different from other therapies?
This approach to treatment uniquely combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies. It emphasizes validation and support in the therapeutic relationship, helping clients accept their emotions while working toward positive change. This dialectical approach balances acceptance and change to foster healing and growth.