Dialectical Behavior Therapy Philadelphia: What to Expect

What to expect: Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment Philadelphia

Beginning online DBT therapy in Philadelphia can be overwhelming for anyone. This can feel even more overwhelming and stressful if you’re seeking treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder. Finding an experienced therapist who specialized in BPD is difficult enough.

Even though you may have already found a DBT therapist who you think can help you, you may still feel anxious because you don’t know much about DBT therapy or what to expect from being in DBT.

I’m going to help alleviate some of the overwhelm and stress surrounding what to expect from DBT therapy in Philadelphia.

Online Philadelphia DBT Therapy

In my DBT therapy private practice, there are several things you can expect when you work with me.

1.     All DBT therapy is conducted virtually.

That means all of my DBT therapy and counseling is online, which also includes all of my forms and paperwork. You’ll receive all of the necessary forms and documents in advance, which you’ll need to complete prior to your first DBT session.

2.     Dialectical Behavior Therapy is made up of 4 modes of treatment.

The 4 modes of treatment include individual therapy, DBT Skills Training, phone coaching for in-the-moment problem-solving, and DBT Consultation Team. As a DBT therapist in Philadelphia, I provide weekly individual psychotherapy sessions; weekly individual DBT Skills Training; and as needed, in between coaching calls. I am also a member of a DBT Consultation Team. As a client in DBT, you will be an active participant in the first 3 modes of treatment.

3.     Both the DBT therapist and client are expected to work together.

You need to be active in your DBT therapy as I will also be active in your treatment. Working together means that we both work to help you reach your goals. DBT is a collaborative treatment.

As a DBT therapist, you can expect that I will consistently attempt to be the therapist you want to work with, being “present” in our therapeutic relationship. I will accept you AND challenge you to make changes in your life. As my client, you will be expected to consistently attempt to be the client I wish to continue to work with while you’re in therapy. It is a balance.

4.     There will be DBT homework.

DBT requires work both in and out of the DBT therapy session. DBT is a “behavioral” treatment, which means keeping track of data about your moods, urges, and DBT skills practiced, most of the time through a DBT Diary Card. The purpose of DBT Diary Cards is to help you maintain an accurate log so we can plan treatment accordingly and keep track of your progress in therapy.

5.     Being in DBT is hard work AND so worth it.

You need to know that therapy can be difficult. As your DBT therapist, you can expect that I will support you throughout the therapy process and challenge you to make the changes you need to do in order to reach your goals. This means that creating and maintaining positive change takes time and commitment.

 6.      At least weekly DBT therapy sessions.

DBT is most effective when done consistently. DBT is a commitment. For that reason, I believe the most effective outpatient DBT program is done twice a week. That means one day for individual DBT psychotherapy, and one day for DBT Skills Training.

I hope this helps lessen your stress about what to expect in DBT when you work with me.  

Your Philadelphia DBT Therapist

Are you ready to begin solving your problems with relationships, intense emotions, and find relief from your emotional suffering? As a DBT therapist in Philadelphia, I specialize in the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder using DBT, anxiety therapy, and trauma counseling. Please reach out today.

I offer free video and phone consultations for DBT therapy. You can call me at 717-685-5074 or click here to book your own DBT consultation.