Dialectical Behavior Therapy
(DBT) Services at Brookside Family Therapy
Expert DBT Therapy in Manassas Park, VA
Are intense emotions overwhelming your daily life? Do you struggle with managing stress or maintaining healthy relationships? At Brookside Family Therapy in Manassas Park, VA, we offer specialized Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) services designed to help you develop practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Our team of experienced therapists provides comprehensive DBT treatment through both individual therapy and group skills training, available in-person or through secure virtual sessions. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, ADHD, post-traumatic stress, relationship difficulties, or navigating significant life transitions, our personalized DBT approach can help you build a more balanced, fulfilling life.
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that combines cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies. Developed by psychologist Marsha M. Linehan, DBT was originally created to treat borderline personality disorder but has since proven effective for various mental health conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and emotional regulation challenges.
At its core, DBT focuses on teaching four essential skill sets:
Mindfulness skills - Learning to be present in the moment
Distress tolerance skills - Managing emotional pain effectively
Emotion regulation skills - Understanding and changing emotional responses
Interpersonal effectiveness skills - Communicating needs while maintaining relationships
What makes DBT unique is its dialectical foundation—the balance between accepting yourself as you are while working toward positive change. This powerful therapeutic approach helps you develop practical coping skills for managing intense emotions and building healthier patterns of behavior and thought.
Our Comprehensive DBT Services
At Brookside Family Therapy, we provide a complete DBT program that includes:
Individual DBT Therapy Sessions
Our one-on-one DBT sessions create a personalized therapeutic environment where you can:
Work directly with a trained DBT therapist
Address your specific challenges and goals
Learn to apply DBT skills to your unique circumstances
Track your progress and adjust strategies as needed
Build motivation for change while developing self-acceptance
These individual therapy sessions typically last 50-60 minutes and serve as the foundation of effective DBT treatment. Your therapist will help you identify patterns, develop new skills, and create strategies for implementing these skills in your daily life.
DBT Skills Training Groups
Our DBT group skills training provides a supportive setting to learn and practice core DBT skills alongside others facing similar challenges. In these structured group sessions, you'll:
Learn the four fundamental DBT skills modules
Practice applying these skills through guided exercises
Benefit from peer support and shared experiences
Receive feedback and validation from the group
Build confidence in using new skills through role-playing and discussion
Group skills training enhances the effectiveness of individual therapy by providing additional opportunities for skill development and real-world application. Many clients find that learning in a group setting reduces feelings of isolation and creates a sense of community that supports their therapeutic journey.
DBT Phone Coaching
Developing new skills requires practice, especially during challenging moments. Our DBT phone coaching service provides:
Brief consultations between scheduled sessions
Real-time support for applying DBT skills during difficult situations
Guidance for handling emotional crises effectively
Reinforcement of skills learned in individual and group sessions
This between-session support helps bridge the gap between learning skills in therapy and applying them independently in your daily life.
Virtual DBT Services
We understand that convenience and accessibility are essential for consistent therapeutic progress. Our virtual DBT services offer:
The same high-quality therapy as in-person sessions
Greater scheduling flexibility
No commute time or transportation concerns
The comfort and privacy of your own space
Seamless continuation of care regardless of location or weather
Our secure telehealth platform ensures confidentiality while providing all the benefits of face-to-face interaction.
The Four Core DBT Skills
Mindfulness Skills
Mindfulness forms the foundation of all other DBT skills. These techniques help you:
Observe thoughts and feelings without judgment
Stay present instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future
Make conscious choices rather than reacting automatically
Experience emotions without becoming overwhelmed
Develop greater awareness of yourself and your surroundings
Through regular mindfulness practice, you'll learn to observe and describe your experiences with less emotional reactivity, creating space between feelings and actions.
Distress Tolerance Skills
Distress tolerance skills teach you how to manage difficult emotions when immediate change isn't possible. These skills help you:
Survive crisis situations without making them worse
Accept reality as it is in the moment
Self-soothe during times of emotional pain
Distract effectively from overwhelming feelings
Create moments of respite during challenging circumstances
By developing distress tolerance, you'll build resilience and reduce impulsive behaviors that often follow intense emotional experiences.
Emotion Regulation Skills
Emotion regulation skills give you greater control over your emotional experiences. With these techniques, you'll learn to:
Identify and label emotions accurately
Understand what triggers your emotions
Reduce vulnerability to negative emotional states
Increase positive emotional experiences
Change unwanted emotions through opposite action
Apply mindfulness to current emotions
These skills help reduce emotional intensity and volatility, creating greater stability in your day-to-day life.
Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills
Interpersonal effectiveness skills improve your ability to navigate relationships and social interactions. These skills teach you how to:
Ask for what you need assertively
Set appropriate boundaries
Manage conflicts effectively
Build and maintain healthy relationships
Preserve your self-respect during difficult interactions
By enhancing these skills, you'll experience more satisfying relationships and greater confidence in social situations.
Who Benefits from DBT?
While DBT was initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder, research has demonstrated its effectiveness for many other conditions and challenges, including:
Anxiety disorders - Managing excessive worry and panic
ADHD - Improving focus and reducing impulsivity
Post-traumatic stress disorder - Processing trauma and reducing reactivity
Major depressive disorder - Addressing negative thought patterns and low motivation
Relationship difficulties - Enhancing communication and boundary-setting
Life transitions - Navigating change with greater resilience
Emotional dysregulation - Managing intense emotions effectively
At Brookside Family Therapy, we specialize in using DBT to help clients who struggle with emotional regulation, interpersonal challenges, and difficulty managing distress. Our therapists are skilled at adapting DBT techniques to address your specific concerns and goals.
The Benefits of DBT at Brookside Family Therapy
Choosing DBT therapy with us offers numerous advantages:
Evidence-Based Approach
DBT has extensive research supporting its effectiveness for various mental health concerns. Our implementation follows established protocols while allowing for personalization to meet your unique needs.
Comprehensive Skill Development
Rather than just talking about problems, DBT provides concrete, practical skills you can apply immediately in your daily life. These skills build on each other, creating a robust toolkit for managing life's challenges.
Balance of Acceptance and Change
DBT's dialectical approach helps you accept yourself while working toward meaningful change—reducing the internal conflict that often accompanies personal growth.
Personalized Treatment
We recognize that each client's journey is unique. Our therapists tailor DBT techniques to your specific situation, ensuring that treatment addresses your particular challenges and goals.
Supportive Therapeutic Environment
Our practice creates a welcoming, non-judgmental space where you can explore difficulties, practice new skills, and celebrate progress. We emphasize genuine connection and respect throughout the therapeutic process.
Experienced DBT Therapists
Our therapists have specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and stay current with the latest developments in the field. Their expertise ensures you receive high-quality care based on best practices.
What Sets Our DBT Services Apart
At Brookside Family Therapy, we differentiate ourselves through:
Client-Centered Approach
We believe therapy is a collaborative process. Our ideal clients are people looking for ways to help themselves—we provide the tools and support, but recognize that you are the expert on your own experience. We work together to load your toolbox with what you need to move forward.
Exceptional Client Service
From your first phone call, you'll experience our commitment to excellent service. Our friendly staff helps with scheduling, answers your questions, and ensures you're matched with the right therapist for your needs. We respect your time, starting sessions promptly and acknowledging that your time is valuable.
Flexible Treatment Options
We offer both in-person and virtual DBT services, allowing you to choose the format that works best for your lifestyle and preferences. This flexibility makes consistent participation in therapy more accessible.
Whole-Person Focus
We see you as more than your challenges or diagnoses. Our approach addresses emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal aspects of well-being, recognizing that these elements are interconnected.
Team-Based Support
As a group practice, we offer the advantage of multiple perspectives and expertise. If one approach isn't working, we can adjust or connect you with another therapist in our practice who might be a better fit.
Getting Started with DBT at Brookside Family Therapy
Beginning your DBT journey with us is simple:
1. Initial Contact
Call our office and speak with our business manager, Jennifer, or schedule directly through our website. We'll gather basic information and answer any initial questions you might have about our services.
2. Intake Process
Once you've scheduled your first appointment, we'll send intake documents electronically. These forms help us understand your background, concerns, and goals before your first session.
3. First Session
Your initial session focuses on building rapport, understanding your specific challenges, and determining if DBT is the right approach for your needs. We'll discuss the structure of DBT treatment and what you can expect moving forward.
4. Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on our assessment, we'll develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique situation. This plan will outline recommended services (individual therapy, group skills training, or both) and establish initial treatment goals.
5. Ongoing Therapy
Regular DBT sessions help you develop and practice skills while addressing specific challenges in your life. As you progress, we'll adjust your treatment plan to reflect your evolving needs and goals.
Take the Next Step Toward Emotional Well-Being
If you're ready to develop more effective ways of managing emotions, improving relationships, and creating a life worth living, Dialectical Behavior Therapy at Brookside Family Therapy can help. Our experienced team provides the skills, support, and guidance you need to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and confidence.
Located in Manassas Park, VA, we offer both in-person and virtual DBT services to accommodate your preferences and needs. Don't let emotional challenges control your life any longer—reach out today to schedule your first appointment and begin your journey toward greater well-being.
Contact us to learn more about our DBT services and how they can support your mental health goals. Take the first step toward building a life of greater balance, fulfillment, and emotional resilience with Brookside Family Therapy.