Dialectical Behavioural Therapy in Burnaby
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy in BC
Starting counselling with Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is similar to driving. At the beginning of a journey, you might not know what lies ahead, but with every turn, you become more aware of the road and your surroundings. In DBT, I begin unpacking the emotions and behaviours that influence your life, just as you’d check your car’s condition before a long drive. I sit beside you, offering support, tools, and strategies to help you stay on course. Instead of reacting impulsively to roadblocks, whether heavy traffic, unexpected detours, or rough patches, you learn to slow down, assess the situation, and choose the best response. Like adjusting your speed or switching lanes, DBT teaches mindfulness and emotional regulation, guiding you through challenging moments. As you continue your journey, you gain new insights and awareness, which help you understand your emotions and reactions and live your best life.
I am a registered clinical counsellor (#19428) trained in DBT to help individuals improve their relationships and manage their emotions.
Together, we’ll explore how your emotions surface and affect your life. I use DBT skills to help you improve emotional regulation and share strategies designed to support you. DBT can help you understand your emotions and reactions, which are sometimes linked to past experiences, such as unresolved childhood issues or trauma.
At Ease Counseling, I integrate DBT into in-person and online sessions for adults and youth. I am here to listen and support you on your healing journey.
What is DBT?
DBT is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals accept life’s positive and negative aspects rather than minimize or deny them. It allows individuals to create change while learning to accept things they cannot control. As a result, individuals can create a life of acceptance and implement changes. Created to support individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT has since been adapted to assist people facing a range of emotional and behavioural challenges, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
DBT is based on four key components:
- Mindfulness: Enhancing awareness of thoughts, emotions, and surroundings without judgment.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Strengthening communication and relationship-building skills.
- Distress Tolerance: Developing strategies to cope with difficult situations without resorting to harmful behaviours.
- Emotional Regulation: Learning to identify, understand, and manage emotions in a balanced way.
Through these components, DBT provides individuals with practical skills to navigate life’s challenges more effectively and build emotional resilience.
What are the benefits of DBT?
DBT is particularly effective for individuals who experience emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and difficulties in relationships. Some benefits include:
- Improved emotional regulation and reduced mood swings
- Enhanced ability to manage stress and crises
- Stronger, healthier interpersonal relationships
- Increased self-awareness and mindfulness
- Reduction in self-destructive behaviors and avoidance patterns
By integrating DBT techniques into daily life, individuals can achieve greater stability and overall well-being.
Questions about DBT
- Who can benefit from DBT therapy?
DBT is helpful for individuals who struggle with emotional regulation, impulsivity, and relationship challenges. It is particularly beneficial for those experiencing BPD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or self-destructive behaviours. DBT can also support anyone seeking to improve distress tolerance and mindfulness.
- Is DBT evidence-based?
Yes, DBT is an evidence-based therapy backed by extensive research. Originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan for treating BPD, DBT has since been proven effective for various mental health conditions, including mood disorders, substance use, and post-traumatic stress.
- How long does DBT therapy take?
The length of DBT therapy varies depending on individual needs and goals. While some clients benefit from short-term therapy focused on specific skills, others engage in longer-term DBT to learn skills and understand their reactions. You determine how many sessions are right for you, and I can support you with this decision.
- Can DBT be combined with other types of therapy?
DBT can complement other therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), trauma-informed therapy, and mindfulness-based practices. I will work with you to determine how best to support your needs and help you achieve your goals.
- What makes At Ease Counselling a good choice for DBT?
At Ease Counselling, I provide client-centered sessions integrating DBT to help individuals achieve their goals. Sessions are tailored to each client’s unique experiences, ensuring a safe and supportive space for healing, personal growth, and resilience-building. I am a registered clinical counsellor who has supported clients in crisis and worked for several not-for-profit agencies before working in private practice.
Why choose At Ease Counselling for ACT?
- Client-driven approach
At Ease Counselling sessions focus on meeting you where you are and working at your pace alongside you with compassion, kindness, and curiosity in Burnaby and online.
- Evidence-based modalities
At Ease Counselling services, I incorporate evidence-based modalities in every session. I am trained in various evidence-based modalities, including Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Each of these modalities equips me to support your unique needs, and we work together to achieve your counselling goals.
- Anti-oppressive practice
At Ease Counselling understands the impact of inequality and oppression when supporting you in a safe, non-judgmental, inclusive space in Burnaby and online. People from all ethnic backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations, including 2SLGBTQI+, are welcome.
Are you struggling with emotional regulation? DBT in Burnaby helps you build resilience, manage distress, and develop coping skills designed to help you make changes in your life. I’m here to provide a supportive space for growth.
Book a free 15-minute consultation to learn more about how DBT can support your healing journey.