DBT Therapy in Madison, WI

 

Available to All Wisconsin, Minnesota & International Clients

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Why It Works

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a powerful, evidence-based form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps individuals manage overwhelming emotions, improve relationships, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Originally developed by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT has since proven highly effective for a wide range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.

 
 
holding hands, DBT Therapy in Madison, WI

How DBT Works: The Core Components

DBT blends acceptance and change strategies, offering clients tools to understand and validate their emotions while also empowering them to make meaningful changes in their behavior and thinking. This balance is what makes DBT so uniquely effective.

DBT typically includes four key modules:

  • Mindfulness: Cultivating present-moment awareness to reduce emotional reactivity.

  • Distress Tolerance: Learning to survive and cope with crises without making things worse.

  • Emotion Regulation: Identifying, understanding, and managing intense emotional responses.

  • Interpersonal Effectiveness: Building healthier relationships through assertiveness and effective communication skills.

 
 

Why DBT Can Be Life-Changing

If you’ve ever felt like your emotions are too intense, or that relationships and day-to-day life feel unmanageable, DBT can help. It’s especially beneficial for clients who struggle with:

  • Emotional dysregulation or mood swings

  • Self-harming behaviors or suicidal thoughts

  • Difficulty maintaining stable relationships

  • Feeling stuck in destructive patterns

Through structured sessions, homework assignments, and real-world skills training, DBT provides a roadmap for clients to build a life worth living—on their terms.

Who Benefits from DBT?

DBT is increasingly used to support individuals dealing with:

Whether you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed or simply want more effective tools to cope with life’s challenges, DBT may be the breakthrough you’ve been seeking.

 
 

Ready to Begin Your DBT Journey?

At Lakeside Counseling Center, our licensed therapists offer compassionate, structured DBT sessions. We specialize in helping clients navigate emotional distress and regain control of their lives. You don’t have to face this alone. Let’s work together to help you find balance, stability, and emotional wellness.

Contact us today to schedule your first therapy session.
Take the first step toward lasting change.