DBT-Informed Therapy

Evidence-based skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and building a life that feels worth living.

What is DBT?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies to help people manage intense emotions, navigate difficult relationships, and build a life that feels worth living.

Research has shown DBT to be effective across a wide range of challenges, including trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use, and chronic emotional dysregulation. At its core, DBT teaches that two things can be true at once: you are doing the best you can, and you can do better. That balance of acceptance and change is what makes it so powerful.

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How we use DBT at Sana

At Sana, our therapists draw from DBT principles as part of an integrative approach to trauma-focused care. Rather than offering a standalone DBT program, we weave DBT skills into individual therapy — tailoring which skills and concepts are most useful for each person's unique situation and nervous system.

This means you might work on distress tolerance skills when trauma responses feel overwhelming, or practice emotion regulation techniques between sessions. DBT becomes a living toolkit — not a curriculum to complete, but a set of tools to reach for when you need them.

Our DBT-informed therapists include Caitlin Billings, LCSW (EMDR Certified, Clinical Director) and Baran Farhang, AMFT, APCC.

The four DBT skill areas

Emotion Regulation

Understanding and managing intense emotions. Reducing vulnerability to emotional overwhelm and building positive experiences.

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Mindfulness

The foundation of DBT. Learning to observe your thoughts and feelings without being controlled by them.

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Distress Tolerance

Skills for getting through painful moments without making things worse. Especially helpful during trauma responses and crisis moments.

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Interpersonal Effectiveness

Navigating relationships with more clarity, assertiveness, and self-respect — without sacrificing connection.

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Who DBT-informed therapy can help

DBT skills can be beneficial for anyone who struggles with emotional intensity, but they're particularly helpful for people navigating:

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Chronic emotional dysregulation

  • Intense or unstable relationships

  • Substance use and recovery

  • Depression and anxiety

  • Suicidal thoughts or self-harm (in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan)

  • Difficulty tolerating distress without shutting down or acting out

You don't need a specific diagnosis to benefit from DBT skills. Many of our clients find DBT concepts helpful simply as tools for navigating a difficult life with more grace.

Ready to learn more?

If you're curious whether DBT-informed therapy might be right for you, the best place to start is a free 15-minute consultation. We'll talk through what you're navigating, answer any questions, and help you figure out the right fit — whether that includes DBT skills or another approach entirely.

Book a Free Consultation