DBT Therapy: Benefits & Treatment in Spokane, Washington

By We Level Up WA | Author Tierra Ledet, M.Ed, LPA | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) stands as one of the most effective evidence-based psychotherapies available today, blending traditional cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices rooted in Eastern philosophy. We’ve seen how this well-rounded approach truly helps people work through deep emotional challenges and create meaningful, fulfilling lives.

DBT is a structured program that includes individual therapy sessions, group skills training, phone coaching during crises, and a therapist consultation team working behind the scenes. This multi-faceted approach creates a support system that extends beyond the therapy room into real-world situations where emotional regulation matters most.

DBT is an efficacious treatment. DBT can reduce rates of suicide and self-harm attempts compared to other treatments. Many people who engage in DBT have found relief through these specialized techniques that balance acceptance of who you are with the motivation to become who you want to be.

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

Developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan at the University of Washington, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was initially created to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), a condition previously considered nearly untreatable. Linehan’s personal struggles informed her approach, making DBT uniquely empathetic and practical.

The term “dialectical” refers to the therapy’s core philosophy: balancing two seemingly opposite concepts of acceptance and change. This balance creates a middle path that acknowledges your pain while building skills to transform it to become healthy and more effective.

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Who Can Benefit from DBT Therapy?

While originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT has proven remarkably adaptable. Today, it helps people with a wide range of conditions characterized by emotional dysregulation, that feeling when emotions seem to take over, leading to impulsive actions and relationship difficulties.

DBT can be particularly effective for:

• Substance use disorders: By building distress tolerance skills that provide alternatives to using substances when emotions become overwhelming. People with substance use disorders are likely to have co-occurring mental health conditions that can benefit from DBT’s integrated approach.
• Eating disorders: By addressing the emotional triggers behind disordered eating and building healthier coping mechanisms.
• Mood disorders: Including treatment-resistant depression and bipolar disorder, where emotional regulation skills prove invaluable.
• PTSD and trauma-related disorders: By providing tools to manage emotional distress and reactivity.
• Self-harm and suicidal behaviors: By developing distress tolerance skills and building reasons for living.

DBT works especially well for people who experience emotions intensely, struggle with black-and-white thinking, or find themselves in frequent interpersonal conflicts. It’s also effective for those who’ve tried other therapies without finding relief—what we sometimes call “therapy-resistant” cases.

DBT is adaptable, and the approach has been successfully modified for adolescents, older adults, and those with co-occurring conditions, making it one of our most versatile treatment options.

The DBT Therapy Process at We Level Up WA

When you begin DBT therapy with us, you are embarking on a structured journey toward emotional well-being and life effectiveness. Our program follows the evidence-based model while providing the personalized attention that makes treatment successful.

Your journey begins with a comprehensive assessment, including a deep dive into your history, current challenges, and goals. This is the foundation of your personalized treatment plan. We’ll identify target behaviors (those you want to decrease, like self-harm) and missing skills (those you need to develop, like emotion regulation) to create clear priorities for your therapy.

Our standard DBT program includes:

Weekly Individual Therapy Sessions (50-60 minutes): These one-on-one meetings with your dedicated DBT therapist help you apply skills to your specific life situations. You’ll bring in diary cards tracking your emotions, urges, behaviors, and skill use throughout the week, allowing us to identify patterns and measure progress. Your therapist becomes your ally in translating DBT concepts into real-life solutions.

Skills Training Groups (2-2.5 hours weekly): In these group sessions, you’ll learn concrete skills alongside others on similar journeys. The curriculum rotates through four modules over approximately 24 weeks:

• Mindfulness: The foundation skill, teaching you to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment and stay present in the moment.
• Distress Tolerance: Practical techniques for surviving crisis situations without making them worse, including distraction, self-soothing, and radical acceptance.
• Emotion Regulation: Strategies to identify emotions, reduce emotional vulnerability, and increase positive experiences.
• Interpersonal Effectiveness: Skills for maintaining relationships, setting boundaries, and advocating for your needs while preserving self-respect.

Phone Coaching: Between sessions, brief phone consultations with your therapist help you apply skills in the moment when you are struggling. This real-time support transforms potential setbacks into opportunities for practicing new behaviors.

Therapist Consultation Team: Our DBT therapists meet weekly to collaborate, problem-solve, and ensure adherence to the DBT model. This behind-the-scenes support means you benefit from the collective wisdom of our entire clinical team.

A standard DBT program typically lasts 6-12 months, though this varies based on individual needs. Throughout treatment, we emphasize gradual exposure to emotional triggers in a controlled, supportive environment, helping you build confidence in your ability to handle life’s challenges effectively.

Benefits of DBT Therapy

The transformative power of DBT extends far beyond symptom reduction. Clients who complete our program often describe not just feeling better, but living better, with more fulfilling relationships, greater emotional stability, and a deeper sense of purpose.

Research-backed benefits of DBT include:

Enhanced Emotional Regulation: Perhaps the most significant benefit is gaining the ability to understand and manage emotions rather than being overwhelmed by them. You’ll learn to recognize emotional triggers, reduce vulnerability factors (like lack of sleep or poor nutrition), and implement strategies to modulate emotional intensity. 

Research has shown that DBT participants showed significant improvement in emotional regulation skills after completing treatment.

Improved Distress Tolerance: Life inevitably brings painful situations. DBT equips you with concrete strategies to weather these storms without resorting to harmful behaviors. You’ll develop the ability to accept reality as it is (even when it’s difficult) while working toward change. This balance reduces suffering and increases resilience.

Stronger Interpersonal Skills: Many who struggle with emotional regulation also experience relationship difficulties. DBT’s interpersonal effectiveness strategies teach you to communicate needs clearly, set healthy boundaries, and navigate conflicts constructively. These skills lead to more stable, satisfying relationships in all areas of life.

Reduction in Harmful Behaviors: For those struggling with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, substance use, or other destructive behaviors, DBT provides effective alternatives. 

Studies show a reduction in self-harming behaviors among those who complete DBT treatment.

Mindfulness and Present-Moment Awareness: The mindfulness skills taught in DBT help break the cycle of rumination and worry. This present-moment awareness creates space between thoughts and actions, allowing for more intentional choices rather than automatic reactions.

Increased Self-Respect and Identity Development: Many clients report a stronger sense of self and greater self-compassion after DBT. The therapy helps you identify your values and build a life aligned with what matters most to you—what DBT calls “building a life worth living.”

In Washington state, where approximately 27% of adults and 23% of adolescents report experiencing mental health challenges, DBT offers a practical, skills-based approach that complements our region’s emphasis on both innovation and holistic well-being.

Why Choose We Level Up WA for DBT Therapy?

When selecting a provider for DBT therapy, the quality and authenticity of the program make all the difference. At We Level Up WA, we provide comprehensive DBT therapy that adheres to the evidence-based model developed by Dr. Linehan and has been proven effective through decades of research.

Our program stands out for several key reasons:

Specialized Expertise

Our DBT therapists have completed training in the model and participate in ongoing education to stay current with the latest developments in the field. This specialized knowledge ensures you receive treatment that’s both faithful to the original model and adaptable to your unique needs.

Comprehensive Program Structure

We provide all four components of comprehensive DBT: individual therapy, skills training groups, phone coaching, and a therapist consultation team. This complete approach maximizes your chances of success.

Integration with Other Evidence-Based Approaches

When appropriate, we integrate DBT with other therapeutic modalities such as trauma-focused therapies, substance use treatment, or family therapy. This holistic approach addresses the full spectrum of your needs rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Supportive Community Environment

Our skills training groups foster a sense of connection and shared experience that many clients find invaluable. Learning alongside others facing similar challenges reduces isolation and provides multiple perspectives on applying DBT skills to real-life situations.

Commitment to Accessibility

We work with various insurance providers and offer flexible scheduling options to make treatment as accessible as possible. Our location in Spokane, WA brings this effective therapy closer to home for many residents.

Measured Outcomes

We regularly assess progress using validated measurement tools, allowing us to adapt your treatment plan based on what’s working and what needs adjustment. This data-driven approach ensures we’re always moving toward your goals.

Getting Started with DBT Therapy at We Level Up WA

Taking the first step toward DBT therapy is an act of courage and hope. We’ve designed our intake process to be straightforward and supportive, recognizing that reaching out for help can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Here’s how to begin your DBT journey with us:

1. Initial Contact: Call our admissions team at 509-348-4077 or complete the contact form on our website. A staff member will gather basic information and answer any initial questions you might have about our program.
2. Screening Assessment: We’ll schedule a brief phone screening to ensure DBT is potentially appropriate for your needs and explain program requirements.
3. Comprehensive Evaluation: If DBT seems like a good fit, you’ll meet with a therapist for a more detailed assessment of your history, current challenges, and treatment goals.
4. Program Orientation: Once enrolled, you’ll receive a thorough orientation to the DBT program, including schedules for individual sessions and skills groups, diary card instructions, and phone coaching guidelines.
5. Beginning Treatment: You’ll be assigned to a DBT therapist and skills group, typically beginning with individual sessions to establish goals before joining the group component.

Don’t let questions or concerns hold you back from exploring whether DBT could help you. Our team is ready to guide you through each step of the process with compassion and clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

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