Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Comprehensive Treatment for Serious Conditions

What is DBT?

What is DBT?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based, skills-focused treatment designed to help individuals better manage overwhelming emotions, strengthen relationships, and build more effective ways of coping. Grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT blends strategies of acceptance and change, supporting individuals in responding to life's challenges with greater flexibility and resilience.  

At The Ross Center, we offer several pathways to access DBT services where clients learn practical, evidence-based skills to navigate difficult emotions, thoughts, and behaviors more effectively:

FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS:

Comprehensive DBT program for Teens and Families - A comprehensive, 6-month program for teens ages 14-17, that includes a dedicated parent group with weekly meetings

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C), a family-centered approach designed for emotionally sensitive children ages 7-12

Big Feelings group for Preteens ages 11-13. 

FOR ADULTS:  

Comprehensive DBT program for Adults - The comprehensive DBT program at The Ross Center can be transformative, and provide the structure and therapeutic guidance that leads to real progress, renewed hope, and improved mental health.

6-month DBT Skills Training Class for Adults seeking focused skill development.

Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT) for those who struggle with perfectionism, rigidity, and overcontrol.

If you have questions about any of our DBT programs or are interested in registering, please contact us at 703-687-6610 or vainfo@rosscenter.com.

DBT Offers Effective Treatment for a Variety of Conditions

  • Significant difficulty regulating emotions, thoughts and behaviors
  • Trouble navigating relationships
  • Uncontrollable Anger
  • Chronic suicidal thoughts
  • Cutting and other types of self-harm
  • Impulsive or risky behaviors, including sexual promiscuity
  • Substance abuse
  • Extensive moodiness
  • Food and eating issues
  • Depression
  • Severe anxiety
  • Out of control behavior
  • Struggles with trauma and PTSD

What is Involved in a Comprehensive DBT Program?

We offer classic, comprehensive DBT programs for both Adolescents and Adults, which involve a 4-pronged system that is delivered over a period of 6 months and includes:

  • Individual DBT therapy with a dedicated therapist
  • Weekly DBT skills training group for the client
  • Skills coaching and 24-hour phone consultation
  • DBT Therapist team approach
  • Dedicated Family Therapy for Parents (Adolescent Group Only)

This program involves a serious commitment to adhere to a 6 month program. Participants are required to commit to the entire 24-week program, but can join at the beginning of a new cycle as long as all 4 modules are completed.

What are the 4 Skill Building Modules of DBT?

The 4 skill-building modules of DBT consist of:

  • Mindfulness,
  • Emotion Regulation
  • Distress Tolerance
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness
What is Involved in a Comprehensive DBT Program?

Additional Programs that Incorporate Elements of DBT:

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DBT – Skills Class:

We offer a 6-month Virtual DBT Skills Class. DBT skills training is an evidence-based treatment developed by Marsha Linehan to assist individuals in changing behavioral, emotional, thinking, and interpersonal patterns associated with day-to-day problems. In our Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills class you will learn strategies to live in line with your values and goals, enhance your sense of self and relationships with others, build awareness and gain control over your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors and learn healthy ways to cope with stressors. LEARN MORE


Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C)

iStock-2189228389.jpgDialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C) is an evidence-based treatment designed for emotionally sensitive children ages 7-12 who experience intense feelings, frequent tantrums, impulsivity, or difficulty expressing emotions. DBT-C is a family-centered approach, and parents are an essential part of the process. Through parent coaching, child sessions, and family support, everyone learns practical skills together to reduce long-term emotional and behavioral difficulties and improve family relationships. LEARN MORE


AdobeStock_1001440043-768x431.jpegRO-DBT:

RO DBT is an evidence-based treatment developed to help individuals who struggle with symptoms or personality traits that result in emotional “overcontrol”. While self control is a good thing, too much self control can lead to problems with perfectionism, rigidity and difficulties in personal relationships. In our RO DBT skills classes you will learn to loosen the grip of perfectionism and rule governed behaviors, form deeper connections with others, and develop greater emotional awareness. LEARN MORE


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Big Feelings Group For Preteens:

Our Big Feelings group is designed to teach preteens strategies for managing feelings and emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Led by a child psychologist, this group uses elements from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to teach children to feel more in control of their emotions. LEARN MORE

To learn more about DBT contact us at 703-687-6610 or vainfo@rosscenter.com.

DBT Trained Clinicians at The Ross Center:

Explore our other Psychotherapy Treatment Options

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