Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Phoenix
Finding Balance Between Acceptance and Change
Do your emotions ever feel so intense that they become overwhelming, making it difficult to maintain relationships or stay focused on your goals? Do you find yourself reacting impulsively in the heat of the moment, only to feel regret later? At Biltmore Psychology and Counseling, we offer Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help you navigate the “emotional storms” of life with greater stability and confidence.
The word “dialectical” refers to the balance of two seemingly opposite ideas: Acceptance and Change. In DBT, we work to accept who you are in this moment while simultaneously acknowledging that you need to learn new skills to change the patterns that are causing you pain.
The Four Pillars of DBT Skills
DBT is a structured, skills-based approach that provides you with a “toolkit” for emotional regulation. We focus on four key areas:
Mindfulness: Learning to be fully present in the moment without judgment, allowing you to observe your emotions without being swept away by them.
Distress Tolerance: Developing strategies to get through a crisis without making the situation worse. These are “survival skills” for when life feels unbearable.
Emotional Regulation: Understanding the function of your emotions and learning how to decrease your vulnerability to the “emotional mind.”
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Learning how to ask for what you need, say no, and navigate conflict in a way that maintains your self-respect and strengthens your relationships.
Is DBT Right for Me?
While originally developed to treat personality disorders, DBT has evolved into a highly effective treatment for anyone who struggles with emotional turbulence. We find it is an excellent fit for:
- Chronic Anxiety & Depression: For those who feel their moods are "heavy" or fluctuate rapidly.
- High Emotional Sensitivity: Helping individuals find a "middle path" in their reactions and relationships.
- Impulsivity & Self-Destructive Behaviors: Replacing harmful coping mechanisms with healthy, effective skills.
- Relationship Conflict: For those who experience intense "highs and lows" in their connections with others.
Post-Traumatic Stress: Providing the stabilization needed to safely process traumatic memories.
Our Approach: Building a Life Worth Living
At BPC, we provide DBT-Informed Therapy. This means we integrate the powerful skills of DBT into a compassionate, individual counseling framework. Our goal is to move you out of “survival mode” and into a life that feels meaningful and under your control.
- Skills Integration: We don’t just talk about the skills; we help you practice them and apply them to the real-world challenges you face in Phoenix—from workplace stress to family dynamics.
- Validation & Support: We provide a “non-judgmental” environment where you feel truly heard, which is the necessary foundation for making difficult changes.
- Goal-Oriented Progress: We work with you to identify what a “life worth living” looks like for you and use DBT tools to help you get there.
Reclaim Your Emotional Balance
In a free, no-obligation 10-min consultation we can help you determine whether our services would be the right fit for you.
You don’t have to be at the mercy of your emotions. At Biltmore Psychology and Counseling, we are ready to help you find your “Wise Mind” and build the stability you’ve been searching for.
Contact us to schedule a free phone consultation.
Reclaim Your Emotional Balance
In a free, no-obligation 10-min consultation we can help you determine whether our services would be the right fit for you.
You don’t have to be at the mercy of your emotions. At Biltmore Psychology and Counseling, we are ready to help you find your “Wise Mind” and build the stability you’ve been searching for.
Contact us to schedule a free phone consultation.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) FAQ
Traditional CBT focuses on changing your thoughts. DBT focuses on validation and behavioral skills. It acknowledges that your feelings make sense given your history, but that your current responses to those feelings may be hindering your goals.
While traditional DBT often includes a group component, Biltmore Psychology and Counseling offers Individual DBT-Informed Therapy. This allows us to tailor the skills specifically to your unique life circumstances and go at your preferred pace.
Not at all. While DBT is famous for helping with severe distress, the skills of mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness are beneficial for almost everyone. If you feel like your emotions “run the show” more than you’d like, DBT can help.
Many clients report feeling a sense of relief and increased control after learning just a few “Distress Tolerance” skills. However, creating lasting change in emotional habits typically takes several months of consistent practice.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Melissa Estavillo
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology,
Arizona School of Professional Psychology
M.A. Clinical Psychology,
Arizona School of Professional Psychology
B.S. Psychology,
Grand Canyon University
Dr. Linda DeBiase
Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Lake Forest College
B.A. Psychology
California School of Professional Psychology,
Clinical Psychology
Dr. Nikki Kemper
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology,
Midwestern University
Masters in Clinical Psychology,
Midwestern University
Nicole Elliott, LPC, PMH-C
M.C. Counseling,
Arizona State University
B.A. English (Literature),
Arizona State University
Elizabeth Felix, LPC
M.A. Professional Counseling, Ottawa University
M.A. Human Resources and Substance Abuse,
Ottawa University
B.A. Psychology,
Ottawa University
Heather Wheeler, LCSW
Masters in Social Work,
Arizona State University
B.A. Psychology,
Arizona State University
Laura Reed, LPC
M.S. Professional Counseling,
Grand Canyon University
B.S. Psychology,
Grand Canyon University
Rebecca Fregoso, LPC
M.S. Counseling,
University of Phoenix
B.A. Psychology,
California State University
Kirsten Eby, LPC, ATR-BC
M.S. Art Therapy Counseling
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
M.A. Teaching, Elementary
American University
B.A. Psychology & Sociology
Tulane University
Dr. Melissa Estavillo
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology M.A. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology B.S. Psychology, Grand Canyon University
Dr Linda DeBiase
Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Lake Forest College, B.A. Psychology California School of Professional Psychology, Clinical Psychology
Dr Nikki Kemper
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Midwestern University Masters in Clinical Psychology, Midwestern University
Nicole Elliott, LPC
M.C. Counseling, Arizona State University B.A. English (Literature), Arizona State University
Elizabeth Felix, LPC
M.A. Professional Counseling, Ottawa University M.A. Human Resources and Substance Abuse, Ottawa University B.A. Psychology, Ottawa University<
Heather Wheeler, LCSW
Masters in Social Work, Arizona State University B.A. Psychology, Arizona State University
Laura Reed, LPC
M.S. Professional Counseling, Grand Canyon University B.S. Psychology, Grand Canyon University
Rebecca Fregoso, LPC
M.S. Counseling, University of Phoenix, B.A. Psychology, California State University
Kirsten Eby, LPC, ATR-BC
M.S. Art Therapy Counseling Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville M.A. Teaching, Elementary American University B.A. Psychology & Sociology Tulane University
Our Location in Phoenix, AZ
Address:
6245 N 24th Parkway, Suite #106 Phoenix, Arizona 85016
Phone: (480) 999-7070
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
