Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Inclusive, Trauma-Informed, and Neurobiology-Rooted Care for Your Mental Wellness
At Artemis Behavioral Health, we believe that therapy is more than just a weekly conversation; it is a collaborative journey toward building a life that feels worth living. Our practice is a woman-owned business dedicated to providing a disability-affirming, LGBTQIA+ inclusive, and culturally competent environment. We understand that the complexities of modern life can often lead to emotional overwhelm, and for many of our clients, traditional talk therapy hasn't quite reached the deep-seated roots of their distress. This is where Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers a transformative path forward.
Located in Williamsville, NY, our clinical team provides specialized support for teenagers and adults navigating the challenges of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic illness management. By integrating somatic interventions and evidence-based techniques rooted in neurobiology, we help you bridge the gap between your mind and body.
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
DBT was originally developed to treat complex emotional dysregulation and chronic suicidal ideation, but it has since evolved into a gold-standard treatment for a wide range of concerns, including severe anxiety, depression, and trauma. The word "dialectical" refers to the synthesis of two seemingly opposite concepts: Acceptance and Change.
In DBT, we work to accept you exactly as you are in this moment while simultaneously acknowledging that change is necessary for you to reach your goals. This "middle path" allows us to validate your experiences without getting stuck in the pain of the past.
The Core Philosophy: Radical Acceptance
Our approach to DBT is anchored in radical acceptance—the practice of accepting reality as it is, without judgment or resistance. As Peter Smiltins, a clinician on our team, notes, accepting the reality of the past is often the essential starting point to begin changing what can be changed in the present.
The Four Pillars of DBT Skills Training
At Artemis Behavioral Health, our DBT programs are structured around four essential skill modules designed to provide you with a comprehensive toolkit for emotional resilience.
Skill Module | Focus Area | Goal |
|---|---|---|
Interpersonal Effectiveness | Relationship Health | Communicating needs and boundaries while maintaining self-respect. |
Emotion Regulation | Mood Stability | Understanding and managing intense emotions to reduce vulnerability. |
Distress Tolerance | Crisis Management | Learning to survive emotional crises without making the situation worse. |
Mindfulness | Awareness & Presence | Developing the ability to stay in the present moment without judgment. |
1. Mindfulness: The Foundation of Awareness
Mindfulness is the core of DBT. It involves learning to pay attention, on purpose, to the present moment. For many of our clients struggling with PTSD or anxiety, the mind often pulls toward past traumas or future worries. Through mindfulness, we help you ground yourself in the "here and now," utilizing somatic interventions that connect your physical sensations to your emotional state.
2. Distress Tolerance: Navigating the Storm
When emotions become overwhelming, the impulse can be to engage in behaviors that provide short-term relief but cause long-term harm. Distress tolerance skills teach you how to "ride the wave" of intense pain without acting on destructive impulses. This is particularly vital for our clients managing chronic illness or recovering from traumatic events.
3. Emotion Regulation: Master Your Mood
If you feel like your emotions are in the driver's seat, emotion regulation skills can help you take back the wheel. We delve into the neurobiology of your emotions, helping you understand why your brain reacts the way it does. By identifying the functions of your emotions, you can learn to decrease your sensitivity to emotional triggers and increase positive emotional experiences.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Building Stronger Connections
Relationships are often the first thing to suffer when mental health is a struggle. These skills help you ask for what you need, say no effectively, and manage conflict while keeping your relationships—and your self-respect—intact. This is especially important for our LGBTQIA+ clients and those navigating complex family dynamics.
Specialized DBT Services at Artemis
We offer a multi-faceted approach to DBT to ensure that every client receives the level of care they need.
Comprehensive Individual DBT
Individual sessions allow for a deep dive into your personal history and specific triggers. Our clinicians, including owner Katie Oberg and staff members Kayla Simmons and Rachel Dixon, are committed to offering evidence-based, trauma-informed care. We use these sessions to apply DBT skills directly to your life's current challenges, ensuring that the work we do in the office translates to real-world change.
DBT-Informed Skills Groups
Groups provide a unique opportunity to learn and practice skills in a supportive, community environment. We will be offering groups for both teenagers and adults. Our clinicians, including those with extensive experience in leading DBT skills group, facilitate these sessions using a structured approach based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy theory.
DBT for LGBTQIA+ and Disability Communities
Our practice is a safe haven. We provide LGBTQIA+ affirming and disability-affirming care. We recognize that for these communities, emotional dysregulation is often exacerbated by systemic stressors. Our DBT services are tailored to address these unique challenges, ensuring that your identity is not only respected but integrated into your healing process.
Why Choose Artemis Behavioral Health?
Artemis is more than just a clinic; it is a practice founded on the values of inclusivity, empowerment, and scientific excellence.
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Trauma-Informed & Somatic Focused: We don't just talk about trauma; we understand how it lives in the body. Our integration of somatic interventions sets our DBT program apart from standard clinical approaches.
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Expert Clinical Team: Our clinicians are continuously expanding their expertise in modalities such as EMDR, IFS, and DBT to provide you with the most effective care possible.
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Accessibility & Flexibility: We offer both in-person sessions at our Williamsville office and telehealth services to reduce barriers to care. Our office is fully handicapped accessible, including parking and entry.
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Collaborative Care: We provide administrative support for billing and scheduling so that our clinicians can focus entirely on your care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DBT right for me?
If you struggle with intense emotions, frequent relationship conflicts, or feel like you are constantly in "crisis mode," DBT can be highly effective. It is specifically recommended for those with PTSD, chronic depression, and anxiety.
Do you offer telehealth for DBT?
Yes. We are committed to reducing barriers to mental health services and offer sessions via telehealth for clients across New York State.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept various insurance plans and also offer private pay options. Our administrative team can help you navigate your benefits.
How do I get started?
The first step is to schedule an intake session. During this meeting, we will discuss your history, goals, and determine which DBT format—individual, group, or a combination—is best for you.
Ready to Begin?
Your journey toward emotional balance and a life of purpose starts with a single step. At Artemis Behavioral Health, we are ready to walk that path with you.
ARTEMIS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
How to get started
because you don't have to do this alone.
HERE ARE THREE WAYS TO GET STARTED
Book a free 20 minute consult call
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(716) 295-9281
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