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

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Laura Burlingame Lee

Hear from Laura Burlingame Lee, Psychologist (Psychologist)

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

My go-to approach for helping people in DBT is validation. I understand that people are doing the best that they can, trying their best, and generally want to feel better. However, I balance this validation with the idea that what they've been doing so far hasn't worked well for them, so our job is to work on finding something that works better for them and their lives.

What tools do you teach in dialectical behavior therapy?

I teach DBT skills including mindfulness (observe, describe, and participate nonjudgmentally, one-mindfully, and effectively), interpersonal effectiveness tools (especially how to interact with others without alienating them and while achieving goals and maintaining or enhancing self-respect), emotion regulation (learning to understand and work effectively with emotions), and distress tolerance (surviving intense emotions and urges without making the situation worse). I also teach behavioral chain analysis, troubleshooting the above skills, and how to use the diary card (essential for tracking progress).

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

I know a client is making meaningful progress in DBT when their diary card shows increased effectiveness of the DBT skills in helping them regulate mood, interact with others, and respond to urges for self-harm/harm to others. Clients will report successful use of skills as well as a variety of DBT skills used for a variety of stressors. Subjectively, clients report their life feels more positive and worth living when they have experienced progress in DBT.

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

Clients can supplement their time in DBT by doing the diary card every day, logging skills use and effectiveness, and consciously and actively practicing the DBT skills and topics discussed in sessions.

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

To prepare for their first DBT session, an individual can research what goes on in DBT and what to expect when engaging in DBT. Specifically, they can research diary cards, what support looks like in DBT, and how to access the therapy and therapist in the most effective manner.

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 Meridian, ID 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 Meridian therapists and counselors accept 26 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross of Idaho | BCBS

  • BrightPath

  • BrightPath Medicare Advantage

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

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Self-pay costs at Meridian
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 Thriveworks Meridian reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I have been meeting with Matt for almost 2 years now, and he's helped me get in touch with myself and understand who I am, as well as provided great tools to apply to my life for future improvement and coping. I have benefited greatly from my regular meetings with Matt and I can't speak highly enough about him as a counselor and psychological mentor.
Read more I have been meeting with Matt for almost 2 years now, and he's helped me get in touch with myself and understand who I am, as well as provided great tools to apply to my life for future improvement and coping. I have benefited greatly from my regular meetings with Matt and I can't speak highly enough about him as a counselor and psychological mentor.
Meridian Jan 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Therapy Meridian is located at 26 S Baltic Pl Suite 150, Meridian, ID 83642, off E. Franklin Rd.

Phone number

(208) 504-1377

Languages spoken by ID providers

  • English
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
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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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
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm

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