Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 4 therapists in Alabama available for an online or in-person session.
Pamela Pierce

Hear from Pamela Pierce, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Pamela Pierce's profile

What is your go-to approach for dialectical behavior therapy?

Our go-to approach for helping people with online therapy is to establish rapport and identify needs to develop a treatment plan with the client. This will benefit the client in learning about the process and feeling comfortable there.

What tools do you teach in dialectical behavior therapy?

We focus on developing coping skills that utilize the individual's strengths identified in treatment.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in dialectical behavior therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in implementing dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) when they express improvement in managing and tolerating their emotions.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement dialectical behavior therapy?

Clients can supplement their time by:

  • Completing assignments.
  • Practicing skills reviewed.
  • Taking notes about changes in their emotions prior to the follow-up session.

What should someone do to prepare for starting dialectical behavior therapy?

Clients can prepare for their first session by being open about their experiences without the fear of being judged.

Starting Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

What is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)?

At Thriveworks, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) primarily concentrates on assisting individuals in emotion regulation, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and acquiring effective coping strategies for managing stress and emotional difficulties.

How does DBT work?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) targets your personal challenges. You may work with your DBT therapist to maintain diary cards to monitor progress, emphasizing validation and support in the therapeutic relationship. DBT follows a stage-based approach, prioritizing crisis reduction initially and life satisfaction.

What is DBT best used for?

DBT was initially developed to address the needs of individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, its versatile approach has enabled its application to a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, stress, and anger issues.

What are the 4 pillars of DBT?

The 4 pillars of DBT are mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.

Is DBT better than EMDR?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have distinct purposes and aren't inherently superior or inferior to one another. DBT is most effective for managing emotional regulation, personality disorders, and interpersonal challenges, while EMDR is specifically tailored for individuals with trauma-related conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What's better: CBT or DBT?

The selection between Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) hinges on an individual's distinct requirements and the specific nature of their concerns. CBT is commonly preferred for a broad spectrum of conditions like anxiety and depression, whereas DBT stands out in aiding individuals dealing with borderline personality disorder and challenges associated with emotional regulation.

Is DBT conducted in person or online?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with therapists at Thriveworks in Birmingham, AL is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How many months is DBT?

The duration of a standard DBT program is typically around 24 weeks, which is roughly six months. The actualnumber of sessions will vary depending on the issues you wish to address.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Birmingham therapists and counselors accept 20 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

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Self-pay costs at Birmingham
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Pam has really helped me!
Kenisha Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Pamela Pierce is the best Therapist I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She's extremely patient and knowledgeable.
Read more Pamela Pierce is the best Therapist I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She's extremely patient and knowledgeable.
Birmingham Jan 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling Birmingham is located at 400 Office Park Dr Suite 308, Birmingham, AL 35233, off of US Hwy 280.

Phone number

(205) 729-7554

Languages spoken by AL providers

  • English
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in CT

Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm

Shown in CT

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