Northland Counseling Center has undergone intensive training and is certified by the Minnesota Department of Human Services to provide DBT and our team includes a nationally certified member.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is based on a treatment model developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D. The objective of this approach is to help the client resolve crises by learning to regulate emotions and reactions, learn self acceptance, and learn how to positively influence their environment.
DBT clearly articulates the functions of treatment that it addresses. They are:
- To enhance an individual’s capability by increasing skillful behavior
- To improve and maintain a client’s motivation to change and be engaged with treatment
- To ensure generalization of change occurring through treatment
- To enhance the motivation of therapists to deliver effective treatment, and
- To assist the individual in restructuring or changing his or her environment such that it supports and maintains progress and advancement towards goals.
The methods utilized in DBT include Individual Therapy, Telephone consultation, Skills Training Group, and Consultation Group.
Clients Served
DBT is available to adults who are struggling with behaviorally and emotionally challenged lifestyles that result in engaging in actions/behaviors that are damaging to an individual and their environment. Individuals often come from backgrounds where their lives have been very invalidating and traumatic. Diagnostic categories appropriate for referral include, but are not limited to Emotion Regulation Disorders (i.e. Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Disassociative Disorder, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). It has been commonly viewed as a treatment for individuals meeting criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) with chronic and high-risk suicidality, substance dependence or other disorders. However, over the years, data has emerged demonstrating that DBT is also effective for a wide range of other disorders and problems, most of which are associated with difficulties regulating emotions and associated cognitive and behavioral patterns.
Skills Training Group
The focus in DBT skills training group are the following four modules:
- Core Mindfulness
- Interpersonal Effectiveness
- Emotional Regulation
- Distress Tolerance
Program Costs
NCC is a provider for most insurance programs including Medical Assistance. Individuals without insurance coverage may qualify for a sliding fee based on income.
Adolescent DBT
Northland Counseling Center offers an adolescent DBT program as well. Please contact us for details.
Helpful Links: www.behavioraltech.org & www.dbtselfhelp.com
Contact Information:
Jennifer Alstad, MS, Ed., LMFT at (218) 326-1274 or jalstad@northlandcounseling.org
