Find Balance. Build Resilience. Heal with DBT at Zen Psychological Center.

At Zen Psychological Center, we offer Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps individuals manage overwhelming emotions, improve relationships, and build a life worth living. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, OCD, emotional dysregulation, or navigating life with Autism, DBT can help you develop practical tools to create meaningful change.

What Is DBT?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder. Today, DBT is widely used to treat a range of mental health concerns, including:

  • Autism

  • Anxiety Disorders

  • Depression

  • Self-harming behaviors

  • Emotional dysregulation

  • Eating disorders

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Substance use disorders

DBT is unique in that it balances acceptance and change, helping you learn to accept yourself as you are while also working to improve your emotional and behavioral health.

Core Components of DBT

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder. Today, DBT is widely used to treat a range of mental health concerns, including:

  • Autism

  • Anxiety Disorders

  • Depression

  • Self-harming behaviors

  • Emotional dysregulation

  • Eating disorders

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Substance use disorders

DBT is unique in that it balances acceptance and change, helping you learn to accept yourself as you are while also working to improve your emotional and behavioral health.

Core Components of DBT

DBT combines individual therapy, skills training, and phone coaching to provide comprehensive support. It focuses on four key skill areas:

1. Mindfulness

Mindfulness helps you stay grounded in the present moment, enhancing self-awareness and reducing impulsivity. It’s a core practice that fosters emotional clarity and calmness.

2. Distress Tolerance

Learn how to cope with intense emotions without resorting to harmful behaviors. Distress tolerance skills are essential during crisis moments or when emotions feel overwhelming.

3. Emotion Regulation

Gain tools to understand, manage, and change intense emotional responses. These skills help you build emotional resilience and regain control over your reactions.

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness

Develop strategies to communicate more effectively, set healthy boundaries, and maintain relationships while preserving your self-respect.

How DBT Helps with OCD and Autism

At Zen Psychological Center, we specialize in adapting DBT for individuals with OCD and Autism. DBT can help by:

  • Supporting emotional regulation in individuals with autism who may experience sensory overload or communication challenges.

  • Providing mindfulness and distress tolerance techniques for managing OCD-related anxiety and intrusive thoughts.

  • Enhancing social skills and relationship navigation through interpersonal effectiveness strategies.

Our therapists are trained to tailor DBT to meet your unique needs, ensuring a compassionate and affirming therapeutic experience.

What to Expect in DBT at Zen Psychological Center

  • Personalized Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist.

  • Collaborative, Compassionate Care: We work with you to create a treatment plan that respects your values, strengths, and goals.

Is DBT Right for You?

If you’re feeling stuck in patterns of emotional pain, struggling with relationships, or overwhelmed by anxiety or compulsive behaviors, DBT can offer a structured, supportive path forward. It’s especially helpful if you’ve tried other therapies without success or are seeking a more skills-based approach.

Why Choose Zen Psychological Center for DBT?

At Zen Psychological Center, we bring together clinical expertise, warmth, and cultural sensitivity to provide exceptional care. Our team is deeply experienced in using DBT with neurodivergent individuals and those managing complex emotional needs.

We believe in your capacity to grow, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Start Your Journey with DBT Today

If you’re ready to build emotional resilience, improve your relationships, and regain control of your life, we invite you to connect with us.

Book An Appointment

At Zen Psychological Center, healing begins with understanding. Let DBT help you take the next step toward a more balanced, empowered life.

Check out our therapists that specialize in DBT

Explore More About DBT – Trusted Resources

At Zen Psychological Center, we believe in empowering our clients and community with knowledge and tools for healing. Below are trusted, evidence-based resources to help you learn more about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), build your skills, or deepen your understanding.

DBT Skills, Worksheets, and Videos

Website: DialecticalBehaviorTherapy.com
This user-friendly site offers over 40 free DBT lessons, worksheets, and videos to help you learn and apply skills at your own pace. Great for clients and families.

DBT Self Help

Website: DBTSelfHelp.com
A free, comprehensive site offering printable worksheets, skills flashcards, and visual tools to support independent DBT skill-building between therapy sessions.

Psychology Tools – DBT Resources

Website: PsychologyTools.com
A trusted resource for clinicians and clients alike. Offers handouts, psychoeducation materials, and emotion regulation tools grounded in DBT principles.

Behavioral Tech (BTech) Knowledge Center

Website: BehavioralTech.org
Founded by Dr. Marsha Linehan, the creator of DBT, Behavioral Tech offers a wealth of clinical guidance, trainings, research, and tools to ensure DBT fidelity.

National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder

Website: BorderlinePersonalityDisorder.org
Includes articles, webinars, and DBT-related education for individuals affected by BPD and their loved ones. Offers a deeper look at DBT’s roots and impact.

Positive Psychology – DBT Worksheets & Techniques

Website: PositivePsychology.com
Browse 13+ downloadable DBT worksheets with easy-to-follow guidance. Excellent for clinicians, educators, and clients building emotional regulation skills.

DBT in Schools (DBT STEPS-A)

Website: DBTinSchools.com
Explore how DBT is adapted for adolescents in school settings. Ideal for families, school counselors, or therapists working with teens on emotion regulation.

Research Article: “Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Current Indications and Unique Elements”

Article: PMC Article by Chapman, Linehan, et al.
A peer-reviewed paper explaining DBT’s theoretical foundation, applications, and how it differs from standard CBT. Excellent for mental health professionals and those curious about the evidence base.