DBT skills are life skills. These are skills we should have learned in school, but never did.
Read the Q&A below to learn how DBT transformed my life and the lives of countless others,
or contact me now for a free consulation.
What is DBT?
DBT, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy, is one of the most powerful and influential treatment tools ever devised. Rooted in value-based living, DBT aims to improves one’s quality of life by teaching skills and encouraging mindful living.
Originally developed to help clients suffering from borderline personality disorder, research has now shown DBT to be an effective treatment for severe depression, eating disorders, addictions and more.*
How will DBT be used in your sessions?
This is up to you. I’ve taught DBT in both individual and classroom formats. For some clients, I will assign homework to learn and practice skills before we meet to discuss them in person. For other clients, we will solely focus on skill learning and development while in session, and they will then share any developments next time we meet.
In addition to discussing and teaching skills during our sessions, I will sometimes share how using DBT has helped transform my own life and shaped the way I interact with others. This allows clients to more fully understand how skills can be integrated seamlessly into real-life situations. Since the hardest part of skill development is implementing them at home, we will often practice skills together, giving you the firsthand experience needed to translate skills to real-life scenarios that happen outside of therapy.
How is my DBT programming different?
I’ve had countless therapists and clients tell me “but DBT is boring. I don’t like it.” This is because some DBT therapists and programs use rigid, structured, and textbook-based approaches. This can make learning skills feel boring, rudimentary, and can even feel condescending.
Not only do I teach DBT, but I use DBT myself. I’ve personally witnessed the transformation and growth that occurs when DBT skills are implemented into my own life, as well as the lives of my clients. I’ve found that by focusing on real-life examples, learning DBT can be fun, entertaining and productive.
How long does DBT take to work?
There is no right answer for this. Some clients may absorb information quickly, and soon be ready to handle life on their own without processing their progress for very long. Others may have a difficult time implementing the skills learned, and can require weekly instruction and processing.
My goal is for clients to work hard both inside and outside of their therapy sessions, so that they can “graduate” from therapy as soon as possible. With enough hard work and determination, therapy doesn’t have to take a lifetime.
What will you learn?
First, I aid clients in completing a life vision assessment, as well as defining and describing their own personal values- or what matters to them most. Once the life vision and values assessments are complete, clients are able to develop their personal treatment goals.
After establishing treatment goals, clients will learn two fundamental philosophies at work within DBT- dialectics and mindfulness. Each of these frameworks possess the ability to transform our lives from within, one moment at a time. Once clients ground their thoughts and actions in these practical, scientifically-validated viewpoints, they often find that life becomes more meaningful and fulfilling over time.
Lastly, we will move on to the more detailed and refined aspects of DBT; skill learning and development. Clients learn the fundamental skills needed for proper emotional regulation, crisis management, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These useful and practical skills provide clients with the tools necessary for managing their lives in an effective and fulfilling way- sometimes working to just get through the day, and at other times preparing for a brighter and more grounded tomorrow.
What People Are Saying
“Ron has helped me so much in my life and in my recovery. He has helped me learn how to allow myself to feel whatever it is I’m feeling and not push it away.”
— S. S.
“Ron has been an invaluable source of wisdom and support in my life. Authentic to the core, his empathy and encouragement continue to help me grow towards the person I want to become.”
— M. P.
Are you ready to begin?
Contact Me.
Ron@ronsaenz.com
(832) 449-8778