DBT Therapy

Upper East Side, NY

Skills and tools you need to regain control over your life

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PRGRS Therapy
1651 3rd Ave
#205
New York, NY 10128
203-364-4731

 

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an evidence-based treatment that can help address a wide range of mental health concerns. As an action-oriented intervention, DBT teaches skills in four main areas: distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. 

Who Can Benefit From Using DBT?

Though Dr. Marsha Linehan originally developed it in the 1980s as a treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT has been studied extensively and used as an effective approach for more generalized issues. As such, DBT can be particularly effective in the treatment of:

  • ADHD

  • Impulse control

  • Anxiety

  • Addiction and substance abuse

  • Depression

  • Relationship issues

By teaching clients how to better manage discomfort and distress, DBT allows people to develop an effective toolkit in order to actively gain a sense of control over their emotions, behaviors, and stress response.

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Phone: 203-364-4731

How Does DBT Work?

The four core tenets of Dialectical Behavior Therapy—interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and emotion regulation—are the framework from which this approach operates. Through these tenets, the dialectical nature of DBT is introduced, in which the existence of opposites is acknowledged. For instance, the idea that we are doing our best and changing for the better is a central dialectic in treatment.

In addition to dialectical concepts, DBT uses what are known as diary cards to help clients track their progress throughout treatment. These cards are not journal entries but rather serve as data trackers to monitor progress in emotions and behaviors. Diary cards assist in demonstrating to clients that sustained change is possible with time, practice, and commitment.

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Depending on each client’s presenting concerns, a DBT therapist and their client collaborate on choosing a skill set to focus on in each session. As tools are integrated and practiced in daily life, clients using DBT are likely to notice a significant reduction in impulsivity, anxiety, and panic, while observing an increase in focus and executive function. Eventually, a higher tolerance for distressing thoughts and feelings is achieved, thereby decreasing triggers and enhancing a sense of calm and control.

What Makes DBT Different From Other Kinds Of Therapy?

Unlike many therapies that are purely theoretical, DBT is actionable. Instead of being vague, ambiguous, or overly general in its approach, DBT teaches practical, applicable skills that can be used in everyday settings and situations.

Furthermore, this method makes space for contrasting ideas (for instance, being happy and sad at the same time). Acknowledging the complexity and sometimes conflict inherent in the wide range of human emotions, DBT’s main objective is not simply reframing uncomfortable or negative thoughts; it encourages acceptance and change through learning new skills, ultimately paving the way for less self-criticism, more satisfaction, and personal growth.

100’s of NY’s helped

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    "PRGRS Therapy provided an excellent space to explore, identify, and optimize my behaviors and beliefs about myself. Working with Gabby allowed me to talk and reflect on life events I hadn't felt safe disclosing before. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to try DBT"

  • five-star-dbt-rating

    “Thanks a million for all you have done. Iam so grateful for your help. It is such a relief to be getting help that is needed. You have been an amazing support and I am so grateful for you”

  • five-star-dbt-rating

    “Matt’s a smart guy and a dran good therapist. He doesn’t just care about his patients, he cares about helping them make real and long-lasting change in their lives. You can’t go wrong with him or his team”

  • five-star-dbt-rating

    “Right from the start, Deanna made me feel very comfortable to speak candidly. She asks the right questions and adjusts instantly to the feedback given. She knows how to simplify things in a way that makes you feel heard, like how I’m feeling isn’t as crazy and heavy as I’ve been feeling it is.”

  • five-star-dbt-rating

    “Gabby is a phenomenal therapist who came highly referred. She creates a comfortable and welcoming space, making it easy for people to open up. Her balanced and thoughtful approach makes her easy to recommend”

DBT Through PRGRS Therapy

At our practice, DBT is almost always used when treating ADHD, addiction, anxiety, and communication (interpersonal) issues. More often than not, the challenges that bring clients to therapy—including procrastination, anxious thinking, and emotional distress—can be viewed through a dialectical framework. Skills building is an essential aspect of our approach, and it’s likely that all of our clients, regardless of presenting concerns, will be taught DBT skills at some point in the treatment process.

Alongside DBT, we are likely to draw from a tailored blend of therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

A handful of the PRGRS Therapy clinicians have been trained through Behavioral Tech, one of the nation’s leading DBT training centers. That said, our therapists are more DBT-informed than they are DBT absolutists. We do not offer a traditional DBT program at PRGRS (typically involving group therapy and coaching), and we will refer out for clients in crisis or those seeking BPD treatment when necessary.

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DBT May Be The Answer To Your Mental Health Concerns

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an effective approach that can lead you to a more stable, productive life. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, ADHD, addiction, or relationship conflict, DBT can offer you lifelong skills for managing stress and reducing self-destructive behaviors.

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FAQ’s

  • Yes. In our mission to be accessible we currently accept CIGNA, Aetna, United, Oxford, Optum, and a few other major insurers. If your plan is not listed above, please contact us and we will verify your insurance coverage

  • Yes, We are partnered with a platform called Thrizer, who will help you obtain out of network benefits if you have them. They will verify your benefits and work with the insurance company to ensure you are reimbursed. Thrizer is currently a free service. They take all the hard work out of using OON benefits.iption text goes here

  • No. Currently we are an all virtual practice?

  • Yes! In our experience virtual care is effective for DBT. Virtual care not only reduces barriers to attending appointments, but allows you to be comfortable in your own environment. This can allow for more authenticity in the therapy space.

  • No matter who you see in the practice, you will receive the same flavor of therapy. Each team member has gone through, or is going through training in the specialty areas. Additionally, we meet together as clinicians each week to learn and strengthen our clinical skills.

    We typically pair clients with therapists based on availability and preference.