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3,571 people sought dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) help in Virginia 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.

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Johanna Hunt

Hear from Johanna Hunt, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

View Johanna Hunt's profile

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

My go-to approach with DBT is to use lots of worksheets and handouts. I find the best benefit in using visual aids to teach the core skills of DBT because this allows clients to have a reference to practice what we learn outside of sessions. We also discuss a ton of hypothetical examples to ensure a comprehensive understanding as we go along.

What tools do you teach in dialectical behavior therapy?

I teach:

  • Mindfulness: Learning to be more aware of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the present moment.
  • Distress tolerance: Learning skills to get through difficult moments and experiences, which builds resilience in the long term.
  • Emotional regulation: Understanding your emotions, what’s influencing them, and how to cope with them.
  • Interpersonal skills: Increasing your confidence to communicate and meaningfully connect with others.

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

I know a client is making meaningful progress in dialectical behavior therapy when they share awareness of their emotions and the impact they have on thoughts, behaviors, and interactions with others. When clients can then use this emotional awareness to choose and practice an appropriate DBT skill, we’re getting somewhere!

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

Clients can supplement their time in dialectical behavior therapy by reviewing handouts and worksheets. Practice is very important in DBT! Often we use a DBT diary card, which is a very handy tool to track emotions and skills practiced between sessions.

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

To prepare for their first dialectical behavior therapy session, an individual can reflect on areas in their life where they feel they are getting “stuck” (for example in relationships, at work, etc.) and how they envision those areas changing for the better. It is also helpful to know that making progress with DBT takes time and effort, but with commitment to the process comes increased self-awareness, knowledge, and a sense of agency in daily 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).

What\'s better: CBT or DBT?

The selection between Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) hinges on an individual’s distinct requirements and the specific nature of their concerns. CBT is commonly preferred for a broad spectrum of conditions like anxiety and depression, whereas DBT stands out in aiding individuals dealing with borderline personality disorder and challenges associated with emotional regulation.

Is DBT conducted in person or online?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with therapists at Thriveworks in Richmond, VA 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 Richmond therapists and counselors accept 29 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Christus Health Plan Exchange

  • Christus Health Plan Medicare Advantage

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

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Self-pay costs at Richmond
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 Thriveworks Richmond reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist with Horizon Behavioral Health in Lynchburg, VA and I have known Ashley as a helpful and supportive Clinician. Ashley was always available for clients and co-workers, and she has always been friendly, empathic, and willing to go the "extra mile". I wish Ashley all the best in her new position and I am sure she will be an asset to Thriveworks. Please feel free to contact me anytime via my email. Best regards, Günter Gensbygel
Read more I am a Certified Peer Support Specialist with Horizon Behavioral Health in Lynchburg, VA and I have known Ashley as a helpful and supportive Clinician. Ashley was always available for clients and co-workers, and she has always been friendly, empathic, and willing to go the "extra mile". I wish Ashley all the best in her new position and I am sure she will be an asset to Thriveworks. Please feel free to contact me anytime via my email. Best regards, Günter Gensbygel
Richmond Oct 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
It was my esteemed pleasure to have worked with Ashley Groeper at Liberty University where she touched the hearts and minds of countless individuals. As a former colleague, I witnessed firsthand her unrelenting dedication and compassion for the plight of anyone in need. Ashley creatively applied her impressive intellect in search of effective and innovative ways to serve the needs of others and the community at large. Even in the rare occasions when an answer eluded her, she simply would not stop searching until she found it! I am fully persuaded that Ashley's positive outlook and intense desire to help people become the best version of themselves will allow her to partner with her clients in engaging ways. This will not only provide them with a trustworthy confidante, knowledge, and resources, but will also empower them with the confidence to be excited about their future and to become change agents in their own destiny! If you are looking for a competant professional counselor who will give you the respect and dignity you deserve, listen without judgment, someone who will never sacrifice quality for quantity, and has an unwavering commitment to helping you make sense out of life again, you will have found all that and more in Ashley Groeper!
Read more It was my esteemed pleasure to have worked with Ashley Groeper at Liberty University where she touched the hearts and minds of countless individuals. As a former colleague, I witnessed firsthand her unrelenting dedication and compassion for the plight of anyone in need. Ashley creatively applied her impressive intellect in search of effective and innovative ways to serve the needs of others and the community at large. Even in the rare occasions when an answer eluded her, she simply would not stop searching until she found it! I am fully persuaded that Ashley's positive outlook and intense desire to help people become the best version of themselves will allow her to partner with her clients in engaging ways. This will not only provide them with a trustworthy confidante, knowledge, and resources, but will also empower them with the confidence to be excited about their future and to become change agents in their own destiny! If you are looking for a competant professional counselor who will give you the respect and dignity you deserve, listen without judgment, someone who will never sacrifice quality for quantity, and has an unwavering commitment to helping you make sense out of life again, you will have found all that and more in Ashley Groeper!
Richmond Oct 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
It has been a pleasure working with Ashley Groeper for the past year. She has always displayed a positive attitude and has a very pleasant demeanor. Her strong work ethic and keen professionalism has been a great benefit in encouraging, empowering, and enriching the lives of the individuals we serve. She will be a great asset to your team and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with her. I wish her the best of success as a therapist with your agency. Thank you.
Read more It has been a pleasure working with Ashley Groeper for the past year. She has always displayed a positive attitude and has a very pleasant demeanor. Her strong work ethic and keen professionalism has been a great benefit in encouraging, empowering, and enriching the lives of the individuals we serve. She will be a great asset to your team and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with her. I wish her the best of success as a therapist with your agency. Thank you.
Richmond Oct 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Richmond is located in the neighborhood of Newtowne West on W Broad St. We share a building with Silk Hair Studio and Milano Market. We’re also right next to Grace Park and only a few blocks away from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

Phone number

(804) 312-3118

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
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
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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