DBT Therapy at Dwell
Acceptance: learning to embrace where you are,
Change: walking toward the life you want
The Concept of “Dialectic”: weaving these seemingly opposite truths into something unified and wise
At Dwell Christian Therapy, we believe that healing is holistic—and that it often comes in the layers of psychology, community, spirituality, and neurobiology. If you’ve struggled with overwhelming emotions, loneliness, self-doubt, suicidal thoughts, or destructive coping, Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT) offers a way forward—one anchored in skill-building, compassionate presence, and the hope of transformation.
What is DBT—and why is it different?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based, compassion-infused form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan for individuals struggling with intense emotional fluctuations and self-harm ﹣ often diagnosed with borderline personality disorder ﹣ but now widely used for a range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.
DBT Balances:
Rather than insisting something is “wrong” with you, DBT helps you say, “This is my experience—and I can learn to live beyond it.”
The Core Pillars of DBT
DBT is built around four foundational skill sets:
Mindfulness
At its heart, DBT is about presence. Mindfulness skills teach us to stay anchored in the current moment—observing thoughts and feelings without judgment, and grounding ourselves in the simplicity of now: breathing, sensing, existing.
In DBT, mindfulness isn’t just “relaxation”—it’s the bedrock of all growth. When you're aware of your own experience, you can begin to engage it, understand it, and respond wisely.
Distress Tolerance
Life doesn’t come with a pause button. DBT gives you tools—not to avoid pain, but to sit courageously within it. Techniques like self-soothing and radical acceptance help you lean into discomfort without reacting destructively .
This isn’t about enduring for endurance’s sake—it’s about choosing life in the midst of hardship, knowing that there is a reason you can only tolerate small amounts of hard, but that there is also so much hope for resilience and growth as you heal.
Emotion Regulation
Some emotions feel volcanic—overwhelming, sudden, or paralyzing. DBT offers a roadmap when we feel lost and out of control: naming feelings, reducing vulnerability, and changing emotion-driven behaviors.
It’s about gaining authority over emotional experience, not reacting like we always have.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Relationships can leave us with so many scars, and so many unhealed and unseen wounds. And they can heal us. DBT provides guidance on how to hold boundaries, advocate for what you need, and affirm others—all while honoring your own dignity .
You learn to say “no” or “yes” with grace, honesty, and integrity.
How we approach DBT at Dwell Christian Therapy
DBT here is comprehensive, relational, and faith-integrated as clients desire:
Individual Therapy: Weekly one-on-one sessions where we explore targets (like reducing self-harm, depression, or panic), apply skills, and explore current issues and concerns.
Skills Group Therapy: A collaborative, supportive environment where clients learn—and practice—DBT skills in community (in person, Greensboro, NC).
Phone Coaching Sessions: Real-time encouragement for when that anxiety hits or relationships feel rough—available outside sessions.
Consultation Team: Trauma-informed therapists meet regularly to ensure you’re getting consistent, high-quality care, with shared wisdom and accountability.