By Hillary Counseling

In today’s world, navigating emotions, relationships, and stressors can feel overwhelming — especially when traditional coping strategies just aren’t cutting it. That’s where Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can make a life-changing difference. But what exactly is DBT, and how do you know if it’s the right approach for you?

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

DBT is a highly effective, evidence-based form of psychotherapy developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s. Originally created to support individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT has since proven to be helpful for a wide range of mental health concerns.

The term “dialectical” means integrating two seemingly opposite ideas — acceptance and change. In DBT, clients are supported in learning how to accept themselves and their experiences while also working toward meaningful, lasting change.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, DBT is skills-based and structured, combining individual therapy, skills training, and coaching to help clients manage intense emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and improve relationships.

Core Components of DBT

DBT focuses on four key skill areas:

🧠 Mindfulness – Learning to stay present and observe thoughts and emotions without judgment.
🛠️ Distress Tolerance – Building tools to survive emotional crises without making things worse.
💬 Interpersonal Effectiveness – Navigating relationships with greater assertiveness, clarity, and respect.
🌊 Emotion Regulation – Understanding and managing emotional responses before they become overwhelming.

These skills are taught and practiced in a supportive, validating environment — one that acknowledges how hard life can be, while helping clients build resilience and strength.

Who Can DBT Help?

While DBT was developed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, its benefits extend far beyond that diagnosis. At Hillary Counseling, we often recommend DBT-informed therapy for clients struggling with:

Chronic emotional dysregulation
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Impulsivity or intense anger
Eating disorders
PTSD and trauma
Anxiety and depression
Relationship difficulties
Substance use

DBT is especially helpful for individuals who feel “stuck” in therapy, or who’ve been told they’re “too emotional,” “too sensitive,” or “too much.” DBT doesn’t pathologize emotion — it empowers people to understand and navigate it.

What to Expect in DBT at Hillary Counseling

While we don’t offer full DBT programs (which often include group skills training and phone coaching), several of our therapists are DBT-informed, meaning they integrate core DBT strategies into individual therapy sessions.

In working with a DBT-informed therapist, you can expect:
✔ A structured, goal-focused approach
✔ Practical tools for emotion regulation and communication
✔ A validating, nonjudgmental environment
✔ Homework to help you build skills between sessions

Is DBT Right for You?

If you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, stuck in the same patterns, or struggling to make progress in therapy, DBT may be the next right step. It’s not about becoming someone else — it’s about learning to live fully and skillfully as yourself.

At Hillary Counseling, our therapists are here to walk alongside you with compassion, curiosity, and practical support.

Interested in DBT-informed therapy?
We’d love to help. Contact Hillary Counseling to schedule an appointment and get started with a free 15-minute consultation.

Other Services Offered with Hillary Counseling

Our holistic therapists are here to help you when it comes to your mental health! We offer a variety of mental health services to support individuals and couples based in Milwaukee (or who live in Wisconsin). Sessions are available both in-person at our office in Milwaukee’s Third Ward, as well as virtually for anyone in the state. We offer anxiety treatment, teen therapy, grief counseling, online therapy, couples counseling, eating disorders, trauma, OCD therapy, therapy for college students, men’s issues, neurodivergent affirming therapy, and LGBTQ+ therapy.