Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Comprehensive DBT
In 2014, Lesley Hartman and Associates Inc. trail-blazed accessibility to DBT, introducing the first-ever comprehensive DBT program in private practice in Atlantic Canada. We are dedicated to raising the bar in mental health treatment and are committed to offering a comprehensive DBT program that adheres to fidelity to the well-researched DBT treatment model. Our DBT team of clinicians have received the gold standard Behavior Tech Intensive or Foundational Training. Our clinicians are equipped with the skills and expertise needed to guide individuals on their journey towards emotional well-being and lasting change. This is not just therapy; it's an intensive program with a commitment to adhering to Dr. Linehan's proven methods for transforming lives through the power of DBT.
At Lesley Hartman and Associates Inc, all clients with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder or seeking DBT therapy must enrol in skills training groups. While we recommend that all clients with BPD undertake comprehensive DBT (skills training group plus individual therapy and phone coaching), we understand this isn’t possible for all clients for different reasons.
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Individual therapy helps the client apply the skills learned in group more effectively in their own lives, using a specific framework. Phone coaching gives the client access to support from their individual therapist through the week outside of sessions. Phone coaching sessions typically last approximately 5 minutes.
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Therapists actively participate in a weekly consultation team, where they receive valuable support and guidance aimed at upholding fidelity to established therapeutic protocols and consistently delivering the highest standard of client care. This collaborative process is an integral component of our comprehensive care model, ensuring that therapists remain committed to maintaining best practices in their professional endeavours.
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DBT Skills Training
Skills training groups teach the client new skills to manage emotions, urges, and interpersonal interactions more effectively. Each group skills training session is run like a class. After a brief mindfulness practice, the previous weeks’ content is reviewed, homework (to practice skills) is shared, new skills are taught, and new homework is assigned.
Individual therapy helps the client apply the skills learned in group more effectively in their own lives, using a specific framework. Phone coaching gives the client access to support from their individual therapist through the week outside of sessions. Phone coaching sessions typically last approximately 5 minutes.
There are four skills training modules:
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Mindfulness teaches clients skills to be more intentionally present in their lives and aware of their internal and external experiences without judgment. Mindfulness is core to DBT, and, as such, this module is incorporated into the other three modules (the first two (2) weeks of every module focus on Mindfulness skills).
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Interpersonal Effectiveness (8 weeks total) teaches skills to more effectively set boundaries and ask for help/support without damaging relationships or self-respect.
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Emotion Regulation (9 weeks total) teaches clients why emotions are important, how to identify exactly what emotion you are feeling, how to change unwanted emotions, and how to reduce vulnerability to emotions.
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Distress Tolerance (8 weeks total) teaches skills to help clients survive a crisis (extremely high distress) and teaches reality acceptance skills for when difficult circumstances are prolonged.
For more information on our DBT program, contact us at 902-431-1721. After an intake appointment, you will be scheduled to attend an orientation session to learn more about the therapy and our program. DBT Group Orientation will be typically offered on the first Tuesday of every month from 6:00 - 7:30 pm | $105/session.
You will then be booked for an appointment with one of our DBT therapists to determine if the program is the right fit for you.