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603 people sought dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) help in Michigan in the last year

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 30 therapists in Michigan available for an online or in-person session.
Colette Spaulding

Hear from Colette Spaulding, Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

View Colette Spaulding's profile

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

I approach DBT with my client as a collaboration, because it's most effective when the client both understands concepts of behaviorism in general and is validated in the ways that their own particular experiences have affected them and caused pain and suffering in their lives. Overall, DBT is about learning to incorporate a mindset of “both-and” rather than “either-or,” which facilitates and strengthens the client's ability to be flexible, nonjudgmental, and effective in the choices they make every day to build a life worth living.

What tools do you teach in dialectical behavior therapy?

Behavioral skills training is a core piece of DBT. In DBT, I teach clients a variety of skill sets, grouped into categories:

  • Mindfulness skills: To reduce suffering and increase happiness, increase control of your mind and thought patterns, and experience reality as it is in the moment.
  • Emotion regulation skills: To understand and name emotions, decrease the frequency of unwanted emotions and emotional vulnerability, and decrease emotional suffering.
  • Distress tolerance skills: To survive crisis situations without making things worse and accept reality (which is not to say we like it or approve of it necessarily!).
  • Interpersonal effectiveness skills: To be skillful in getting what you want and need from others, build healthy relationships and end destructive ones, and balance acceptance and change in relationships.
Skills are taught through a variety of materials including handouts and practice worksheets, and clients track their skills use and level of effectiveness by keeping a weekly record called a “diary card.”

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

I know clients are making meaningful progress when they are participating in individual therapy and skills groups, completing skills practice exercises, and most importantly, reporting (both via subjective report and diary card data) that their emotional and cognitive suffering is reduced while their peace and clarity of mind, quality of relationships, and overall functioning are increased.

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

DBT is structured in such a way that, if they do all that's required, such as daily diary card completion, skills practice assignments, attending individual therapy and skills group, and participating in regular weekly phone coaching to generalize skills, there's not a lot of time for supplemental activities. It's a pretty comprehensive treatment.

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

To prepare for DBT, it might be helpful to do a little outside reading on what it is and how it works. The way it's structured, a client can come in knowing nothing and the therapist will work with them to share its concepts and how it will be able to help them if they are willing to give it a try!

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).

Is DBT conducted in person or online?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with therapists at Thriveworks in Royal Oak, MI 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 actual number 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 Royal Oak therapists and counselors accept 30 insurance plans

  • ASR

  • Aetna

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | BCBS PPO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

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Self-pay costs at Royal Oak
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
★★★★★
Highly recommend Thriveworks. My provider literally saved my life.
Ashley Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
When I met with Jillian Kraydich I was in awe with her professionalism and exceptional bedside manor. Our meeting started on time and I felt comfortable right from the start. She was patient, understanding and overall a great help for me. She took the time to get to know me over the course of a few meetings and always allowed me to talk about whatever was on my mind without interruptions or judgement. I have spoken with a few other therapists in the past but they did not allow me to speak as freely as Jillian did. I would highly recommend her for the numerous reasons I stated above.
Read more When I met with Jillian Kraydich I was in awe with her professionalism and exceptional bedside manor. Our meeting started on time and I felt comfortable right from the start. She was patient, understanding and overall a great help for me. She took the time to get to know me over the course of a few meetings and always allowed me to talk about whatever was on my mind without interruptions or judgement. I have spoken with a few other therapists in the past but they did not allow me to speak as freely as Jillian did. I would highly recommend her for the numerous reasons I stated above.
Oakland Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Carolyn Nicholson was our school counselor and I worked with her for several years. She has an innate ability to quickly form relationships with people of all ages, including our students and staff members. Carolyn is insightful, enthusiastic, and compassionate in her work. Her intuition and discussion techniques enable people to explore their past experiences and perspectives. Also, those abilities guide others as they navigate journeys through their life experiences and self reflection. Carolyn Nicholson is a compassionate, inspiring, and trustworthy counselor!
Read more Carolyn Nicholson was our school counselor and I worked with her for several years. She has an innate ability to quickly form relationships with people of all ages, including our students and staff members. Carolyn is insightful, enthusiastic, and compassionate in her work. Her intuition and discussion techniques enable people to explore their past experiences and perspectives. Also, those abilities guide others as they navigate journeys through their life experiences and self reflection. Carolyn Nicholson is a compassionate, inspiring, and trustworthy counselor!
Oakland Feb 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Carolyn offers a thoughtful and compassionate perspective to life and Our reactions to situations where our emotions can take over. It’s important to look at our lives through various lenses, depending on the circumstances. Carolyn offers a fresh insight to how to respond with loving kindness, both towards ourselves and towards others, and to move forward.
Read more Carolyn offers a thoughtful and compassionate perspective to life and Our reactions to situations where our emotions can take over. It’s important to look at our lives through various lenses, depending on the circumstances. Carolyn offers a fresh insight to how to respond with loving kindness, both towards ourselves and towards others, and to move forward.
Oakland Feb 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Kelly kellerman is a great counselor, I appreciate her very much
Oakland Nov 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Ann Dadah has been my sounding board for a long time! Ann is completely professional, keeps my confidence, sincerely listens to me, respects my thoughts and gives me insights that have been very helpful. I recommend her highly!
Read more Ann Dadah has been my sounding board for a long time! Ann is completely professional, keeps my confidence, sincerely listens to me, respects my thoughts and gives me insights that have been very helpful. I recommend her highly!
Oakland Aug 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Mike is one of those people who is professional but down-to-earth at the same time, so that he's easy to talk to. You can tell, too, that he's not going to judge you...He's a really compassionate guy. All good qualities in a therapist. I recommend him!
Read more Mike is one of those people who is professional but down-to-earth at the same time, so that he's easy to talk to. You can tell, too, that he's not going to judge you...He's a really compassionate guy. All good qualities in a therapist. I recommend him!
Oakland Oct 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
After seeing Angel I realized that some people still care. Angel was so understanding and empathetic. She is easy to talk to and provides clear coping techniques. Angel is the person to whom I refer my patients.
Read more After seeing Angel I realized that some people still care. Angel was so understanding and empathetic. She is easy to talk to and provides clear coping techniques. Angel is the person to whom I refer my patients.
Oakland Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Royal Oak is located right off the corner of the intersection of S. Main and E. 3rd St., just east of Centennial Commons Park. Starbucks and Freshii are on either side of us. Parking can be found on the street or two blocks west at the Center Street Garage, and the closest bus stop is at 11 Mile Rd. and Main.

Phone number

(947) 217-2743

Languages spoken by MI providers

  • English
  • Spanish
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 ET

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 ET

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