DIALECTICAL BEHAVIORAL THERAPY IN
NEW YORK & CONNECTICUT 

Are You Struggling with Intense Emotions, Relationship Challenges, or Self-Destructive Behaviors?

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by emotions, struggling to manage your relationships, or engaging in self-destructive behaviors like substance use or self-harm, you are not alone. Many people experience these difficulties, and it can feel like there’s no way out. But there is hope.

At Shifting Tides Psychotherapy, we offer Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), a proven therapeutic approach that can help you create meaningful change in your life. Whether you're dealing with borderline personality disorder (BPD), anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, DBT offers practical tools for managing emotions, improving relationships, and building a life worth living.

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What is DBT?

DBT is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. It helps individuals who experience intense emotions learn how to regulate their feelings, tolerate distressing situations, and improve interpersonal relationships.

DBT focuses on four key areas:

• Mindfulness: Learning to be fully present in the moment without judgment.

• Distress Tolerance: Developing healthy ways to cope with overwhelming emotions or crises without turning to destructive behaviors.

• Emotion Regulation: Identifying, understanding, and managing your emotions in a more balanced way.

• Interpersonal Effectiveness: Building communication skills and strengthening your ability to form healthy, supportive relationships.

How DBT Can Help You

Many clients come to DBT because they struggle with intense emotions and patterns of behavior that can feel unmanageable. DBT provides a structured approach to help you:

• Develop greater emotional stability

• Improve your self-esteem and self-acceptance

• Build healthier relationships and improve communication

• Learn to cope with distress in ways that don’t harm yourself or others

• Manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma

• Create a sense of balance and mindfulness in your life

What to Expect in DBT Sessions

Our DBT therapy combines individual therapy with group skills training. You’ll work one-on-one with a compassionate therapist who will support you in learning how to apply DBT’s skills to your life. Group sessions provide a supportive environment to practice new skills with others who understand your struggles.

In DBT, you’ll learn and practice:

• Mindfulness: Staying grounded and present, especially in challenging situations.

• Distress Tolerance: Building your tolerance for difficult emotions without resorting to harmful behaviors.

• Emotion Regulation: Managing overwhelming feelings and learning to shift emotional responses.

• Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improving communication, setting boundaries, and building healthier relationships.

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