1,852 people sought dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) help in Massachusetts in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 35 therapists in Massachusetts available for an online or in-person session.
Elizabeth Rawlinson

Hear from Elizabeth Rawlinson, Counselor (Resident In Counseling)

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What is your go-to approach for dialectical behavior therapy?

Dialectical behavioral therapy is a favorite science- and researched-backed intervention. A go-to I use when working with clients is to help them learn to regulate their emotions and increase their distress tolerance levels. I assist clients in identifying and labeling their emotions without judgment and using grounding exercises and mindfulness techniques to manage difficult moments.

What tools do you teach in dialectical behavior therapy?

I teach:

  • Grounding exercises
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Guided meditation/visualization
  • Mindfulness techniques
  • Cognitive reframing

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in dialectical behavior therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in sessions when they share how they have been able to identify and challenge negative and unhelpful thought patterns and use healthy and helpful coping strategies to manage difficult situations and emotions.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement dialectical behavior therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in dialectical behavior therapy with good self-care and sleep hygiene, and by engaging in mindfulness activities.

What should someone do to prepare for starting dialectical behavior therapy?

During your initial session, you’ll be invited to share about yourself: what brought you here, and what you hope to accomplish together. My role is to be here to support you and guide you through the process, to help you set goals for yourself, help you build insights, and introduce you to some techniques that can help get you to live a more fulfilling life.

Starting Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

What is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)?

At Thriveworks, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) primarily concentrates on assisting individuals in emotion regulation, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and acquiring effective coping strategies for managing stress and emotional difficulties.

How does DBT work?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) targets your personal challenges. You may work with your DBT therapist to maintain diary cards to monitor progress, emphasizing validation and support in the therapeutic relationship. DBT follows a stage-based approach, prioritizing crisis reduction initially and life satisfaction.

What is DBT best used for?

DBT was initially developed to address the needs of individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, its versatile approach has enabled its application to a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, stress, and anger issues.

What are the 4 pillars of DBT?

The 4 pillars of DBT are mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.

Is DBT better than EMDR?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have distinct purposes and aren’t inherently superior or inferior to one another. DBT is most effective for managing emotional regulation, personality disorders, and interpersonal challenges, while EMDR is specifically tailored for individuals with trauma-related conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Is DBT conducted in person or online?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with therapists at Thriveworks in Leominster, MA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How many months is DBT?

The duration of a standard DBT program is typically around 24 weeks, which is roughly six months. The actual number of sessions will vary depending on the issues you wish to address.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Leominster therapists and counselors accept 29 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health | Medicare Advantage

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

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Self-pay costs at Leominster
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I was in great need of an in-person therapist. I've grown tired of being stuck in the zoom room for years now, like many people. Thankfully, I was able to schedule an appointment and get started at the local Thriveworks office. And I'm grateful for my therapist. I feel like I'm making great strides forward in a fraction of the time it took me to make similar progress with online therapy/counseling. Setting matters.
Read more I was in great need of an in-person therapist. I've grown tired of being stuck in the zoom room for years now, like many people. Thankfully, I was able to schedule an appointment and get started at the local Thriveworks office. And I'm grateful for my therapist. I feel like I'm making great strides forward in a fraction of the time it took me to make similar progress with online therapy/counseling. Setting matters.
Marissa Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Deb Joy is excellent.
Leominster Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Deb Joy is excellent! 5*
Leominster Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Debra Joy, committed to excellent service.
Leominster Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Debra Joy is wonderful to work with!!
Leominster Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Deb Joy is an incredible listener, so kind, and amazing to work with! Highly recommend her for therapy.
Read more Deb Joy is an incredible listener, so kind, and amazing to work with! Highly recommend her for therapy.
Leominster Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve known Deb for many years. She is passionate and caring.
Leominster Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Tracey N. is a very thoughtful, caring and non-judgmental Clinician. She listens and is always attentive in our sessions.
Read more Tracey N. is a very thoughtful, caring and non-judgmental Clinician. She listens and is always attentive in our sessions.
Leominster Jul 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Leominster is off of Merriam Ave, just east of Rockwell Pond. We currently share a building with Cormier Chiropractic and The Vascular Care Group, and our building is across the street from Foster Ct. and Grove Ave. The closest bus stop to us is at the Leominster Senior Center. If you have trouble finding our office or have any questions about how to get here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Phone number

(978) 612-6361

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Mandarin
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

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