FAQs

Yes, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a well-established, evidence-based treatment.  Our practice follows the comprehensive, adherent model of DBT, as developed by Dr. Linehan and supported by decades of clinical research. This means we offer all core components of standard DBT: individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and team consultation. Adhering to this model ensures our clients receive the full benefit of this structured, effective approach. 

"Adherence" means that I follow the standard, evidence-based DBT treatment model developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. This model includes a specific structure and set of components that have been shown through research to be effective when delivered together. Adherence is important because DBT works best when all components are in place. Research shows that partial or modified versions of DBT are often less effective, especially for people with severe emotion dysregulation or life-threatening behaviors. By maintaining fidelity to the full model, we increase the likelihood that clients will experience meaningful, lasting change. 

Yes, we offer comprehensive, adherent DBT, which includes all the core components originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. Our services are designed to work together as a structured, evidence-based treatment to ensure the best possible outcomes for you.

Yes. All of the therapists on my team are comprehensively trained in DBT through Behavioral Tech and some are Linehan Board of Certification™ Certified DBT Clinicians, meaning they have completed the highest level of training and evaluation available in DBT.  

We believe that this level of training and fidelity matters, especially when working with individuals facing chronic emotion dysregulation, suicidality, or self-harm. Clients deserve treatment that is not only compassionate and collaborative but also clinically sound and proven to work.

If you're considering DBT, we strongly encourage you to ask the providers you're looking at whether they deliver comprehensive, adherent DBT and whether their training aligns with current evidence-based standards. Training matters. Fidelity matters.

You can read more about DBT adherence here.

DBT-LBC™ (Linehan Board of Certification) is the only certification program directly developed under the guidance of Dr. Marsha Linehan, the founder of DBT. It is the gold standard for demonstrating adherence to the original, evidence-based DBT model. It requires a minimum of one-year of practice before being eligible to apply, but in actuality can take several years to prepare. It is a rigorous and expensive process and as a result of the extensive requirements, it is the highest level that a dbt therapist can achieve.

Here's how DBT-LBC certification stands apart:

• Requires intensive, multi-stage evaluation, including:
  -Clinical written exam

                -Video-recorded therapy sessions reviewed for adherence

                -Proof of formal training in full-model DBT

                -Ongoing work on a DBT consultation team

• Confirms that the clinician is practicing DBT as it was developed and tested in research trials
• Publicly listed on the DBT-LBC directory

Other "DBT Certifications" or Trainings:

• May refer to completion of a training workshop or course (e.g., 1–5 days of instruction)
• Can be helpful and informative, but does not certify DBT fidelity or full-program competency
• Does not assess clinical performance, team participation, or supervision experience
   

In short, while many clinicians have received DBT training, only DBT-LBC certified clinicians have proven their knowledge and skill in delivering DBT with fidelity. Other certifications don’t require therapists to demonstrate their ability to effectively apply DBT in practice.

It’s like the difference between taking a driver’s ed course and passing the actual driving exam. Attending the course means a person showed up for class, but doesn’t guarantee they absorbed the material or can drive safely. Passing the exam, however, proves the person knows what they’re doing and can get behind the wheel with confidence.

This is an important question, especially since many providers advertise “DBT-informed” services, which can be very different from comprehensive DBT.

A full, adherent DBT program, like mine, includes all of the core components developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan and supported by decades of research:

1. Weekly individual therapy 
2. Weekly skills training group 
3. Between-session phone coaching
4. A DBT consultation team for therapists
    

This full model is what research has shown to be most effective—particularly for individuals struggling with intense emotional suffering, suicidal ideation, or chronic self-harm.

In contrast, DBT-informed therapy typically means a therapist uses some DBT skills or strategies in their work, but not within the full structure of the treatment. While this can be helpful for certain clients, it’s not considered equivalent to standard DBT and hasn’t been tested in the same way. For people with higher-risk symptoms or a history of ineffective treatment, DBT-informed therapy may not be enough.

As a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification™-Certified Clinician, I am committed to delivering DBT as it was researched and developed to give clients the best possible outcomes, especially when other treatments haven’t worked.

Now after saying all that, the answer to the original question is actually both. I also provide DBT-informed therapy for individuals who have completed comprehensive DBT, either with me or another adherent program. However, if life-threatening behaviors, therapy-interfering behaviors, serious quality-of-life interfering behaviors, or significant skills deficits are present, regardless of whether a DBT program has been completed or not, then DBT-informed therapy would not be as helpful or appropriate as the full program.

Yes. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was originally developed specifically to treat chronic suicidal thoughts and self-harming behaviors.

DBT is one of the most well-researched and effective treatments for individuals who struggle with:                 

• Suicidal ideation or suicide attempts
• Non-suicidal self-injury (e.g., cutting, burning)
• Intense emotional dysregulation that drives harmful behaviors
   

In full-program DBT, I work strategically and nonjudgmentally to help you reduce suffering and stay safe. This includes:

• Targeting life-threatening behaviors first in individual therapy
• Using behavioral chain analysis to understand what leads to urges and actions
• Teaching skills to manage urges, emotions, and relationships more effectively
• Offering phone coaching (if part of your program) for in-the-moment support
   

Our goal is never just to stop self-harm; it’s to help you build a life worth living, even in the face of intense emotions.

Yes, both! I'm available for adults 18+ statewide in Tennessee via telehealth or in-person in my Franklin office. I'm also available via telehealth to residents of Arkansas and Oklahoma. I ensure that whether sessions are conducted virtually or in person, they maintain fidelity to the comprehensive DBT model.

For virtual sessions, I use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform and follow structured protocols to preserve the integrity of skills training, individual therapy, and coaching. 

Please note: skills group is only offered via telehealth!

Yes. As a DBT-Linehan Board Certified Clinician, my practice is both LGBTQ+ affirming and trauma-informed.

DBT was originally developed for individuals experiencing intense emotional suffering, often related to invalidating environments and trauma. The model inherently emphasizes nonjudgmental acceptance, radical genuineness, and validating the lived experiences of each client.

My clinical approach recognizes and affirms the diverse identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. I am committed to providing a space that is safe, inclusive, and respectful, while integrating trauma-informed care principles that prioritize safety, empowerment, and choice.

Regardless of the focus of your treatment, treatment is collaborative and culturally responsive, guided by both DBT’s evidence base and a deep respect for who you are.

A full DBT program typically lasts about 6 months to 1 year, depending on your treatment goals and clinical needs. 

Most clients complete one full cycle of the skills curriculum (usually ~6 months), but many continue into a second cycle to deepen mastery. For clients with complex or chronic difficulties—such as severe emotion dysregulation or suicidal behaviors—treatment may extend beyond one year.

Duration is always personalized. We regularly assess progress and collaboratively decide when goals have been met or whether continued support is needed.

DBT-informed therapy does not follow a standardized timeline like full-program DBT. Instead, the length of treatment varies based on your goals, the issues you're working on, and how intensively DBT strategies are being used.
 

Yes—if you're enrolling in a comprehensive (full-model) DBT program, a commitment to the full structure is an important part of the treatment. DBT is designed as a cohesive system, and research shows it's most effective when all components are in place.

At the start, we’ll do a pre-treatment phase, where we discuss your goals, assess fit, and clarify what DBT involves. If you decide to proceed, we’ll ask for a commitment to complete at least one full cycle of the program (usually around 6 months).

That said, you are always in control of your treatment decisions. If you’re not ready to commit to the full model, we can explore  other options that may better meet your current needs.

In a standard DBT session (part of a full-program DBT model), you can expect a structured, behaviorally-focused, and validating therapeutic experience.

A typical individual DBT therapy session includes:

• Diary Card review to track urges, behaviors, and skill use 
• Behavioral chain analysis to understand problematic patterns 
• Skills coaching and application to address real-life challenges 
• Commitment strategies to help you stay on track with treatment goals
   

Sessions are structured, nonjudgmental, and highly interactive. The focus is always on helping you build a life worth living: one skill, insight, and choice at a time.

In DBT-informed therapy, sessions draw on DBT principles but are less structured while still adapted to your specific needs.

You may still work on emotion regulation, mindfulness, and behavior change, but without the full DBT structure (e.g., no diary cards or phone coaching unless specified). I provide this type of therapy when a person has already completed a comprehensive DBT program.

Skills group is a class-like setting (not process group therapy) where clients learn and practice DBT skills from the four core modules:

• Mindfulness
• Distress Tolerance
• Emotion Regulation
• Interpersonal Effectiveness

Each session includes a mindfulness practice, review of the previous week’s homework, and new skill teaching with examples and role-play. Participants are encouraged to apply skills between sessions and reflect on their use.
 

When enrolling in full-model DBT, you will need to pause or end work with your current therapist during this time. Comprehensive DBT is a tightly coordinated treatment model that depends on your DBT therapist overseeing all aspects of care and crisis planning.

A DBT skills group is not traditional group therapy—it’s more like a class where you learn practical, evidence-based skills to manage emotions, tolerate distress, and improve relationships.  Skills group is a core part of the full DBT program and follows a skills curriculum developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan.

Each group follows an agenda that includes:

🔹 Mindfulness practice to help you build awareness and presence
🔹 Homework review to discuss how you applied skills over the past week
🔹 New skill teaching with clear examples, discussion, and sometimes role-playing
🔹 Homework assignment to encourage practice between sessions

Skills taught include the following DBT modules:

1. Mindfulness – Being present and nonjudgmental
2. Distress Tolerance – Getting through crises without making things worse
3. Emotion Regulation – Understanding and managing intense emotions
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness – Navigating relationships and asserting your needs
    

Groups are structured, supportive, and focused on skill-building—not on sharing trauma stories or processing emotions.

No—you are never required to share personal details in a DBT skills group. 

While group members often find it helpful to share how they’re using skills in daily life, you’re always in control of what you choose to disclose. We emphasize respect, privacy, and emotional safety in every session.

Many clients gradually feel more comfortable contributing as the group progresses, but participation can look different for everyone. Listening and learning quietly is always welcome, especially at the beginning.

 DBT skills training groups typically include 3-7 participants. The maximum a group would ever contain is 10, but our groups have rarely been that large and we prefer it that way.

This size allows for enough diversity of experience for rich discussion and learning, a supportive group atmosphere without feeling overwhelming, and personalized attention from group leaders when needed.
 

Groups are led by two trained DBT clinicians (leader and co-leader) who guide the teaching, facilitate participation, and ensure a respectful, safe environment. We maintain confidentiality and ask all members to commit to doing the same.

Before joining, each participant completes an individual orientation to ensure that expectations are clear.

In a comprehensive (full-model) DBT program, individual therapy and skills group must go hand in hand. DBT was designed as a coordinated system where each component supports the others. Skills group teaches the tools, while individual therapy helps you apply them to your life, troubleshoot barriers, and stay committed to change.

Therefore, you cannot enroll in the DBT skills group alone as part of the full program.

I understand that life happens and missing a session doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that you’re not committed.

That said, DBT is most effective when attended consistently. Skills build on one another, and the structure is designed to support steady progress.
 

Our approach is always nonjudgmental and collaborative. We want you to get the most out of DBT, and we’ll support you in staying engaged, even if things get off track.

Not at this time. Check back later as this may change as we grow.

Getting started with DBT involves a thoughtful and collaborative process to make sure it’s the right fit for your needs. 

Here’s what to expect:

1. Initial Inquiry or Consultation Call
Contact us via phone, email, or our website. We’ll schedule a brief consultation to understand your goals and determine whether DBT is a good fit for you.

2. Comprehensive Intake Assessment
You’ll complete a clinical intake. I’ll assess your symptoms, treatment history, and readiness to commit to DBT, and provide information about what to expect.

3. Pre-Treatment Phase (for full-program DBT)
Before beginning the full DBT program, we’ll meet for a few orientation sessions. During this phase, we’ll:

• Clarify treatment goals
• Introduce DBT structure and expectations
• Build commitment to the full program (skills group + individual therapy + phone coaching)
   

4. Start Skills Group and Individual Therapy
Once ready, you’ll begin weekly skills training group and individual DBT sessions. Support is available throughout the process.

Our practice is not contracted with insurance plans and we are considered out-of-network providers. 

We can provide a superbill, a detailed receipt you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Many clients are able to receive partial reimbursement depending on their out-of-network benefits. 

Fees for services and an estimated cost of treatment available upon request. Please use contact form or email me directly for inquiries.

Consistency and commitment are key parts of successful DBT treatment. To support your progress and maintain fairness across our schedule, we have the following policy:

• Cancellations or reschedules require at least 24 hours’ notice.
   
• Late cancellations (after the deadline) and no-shows will be charged the full session fee, as this time is reserved specifically for you.

No, but I'll be happy to make a referral. I do however work with family members of loved ones with BPD or other emotionally dysregulated conditions. These sessions often involve psychoeducation, consultation, and support in developing effective ways to interact with their loved one.