DBT Therapy in Iowa
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for anxiety, trauma, emotion regulation, and life transitions — in-person in Colfax and telehealth statewide
Schedule a Free ConsultationWhat Is DBT?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based therapy originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan for people who experience emotions intensely and struggle to manage them effectively. The word "dialectical" refers to the balance of two seemingly opposite ideas: accepting yourself exactly as you are while also working to change the things that aren't working.
DBT has been extensively researched and is now one of the most widely used therapies for anxiety, trauma, depression, self-harm, and borderline personality disorder — but its skills are practical and helpful for anyone who wants to build emotional resilience and live a more grounded life.
DBT is the primary approach I use with nearly every client — not because it's trendy, but because it works. The skills are practical, teachable, and transferable to real life. You'll leave sessions with tools you can actually use at school, work, home, and in relationships.
The Four DBT Skill Modules
DBT teaches skills across four interconnected areas. In our work together, we'll draw from all four depending on what you need most:
Mindfulness
The foundation of all DBT skills. Mindfulness teaches you to observe your thoughts and feelings without being controlled by them — to notice what's happening inside you without immediately reacting. It's about being present, on purpose, without judgment.
Distress Tolerance
Life will always have painful moments you can't immediately fix. Distress tolerance skills help you survive those moments without making things worse — through grounding techniques, self-soothing strategies, and radical acceptance of what you can't change right now.
Emotion Regulation
Learn to understand your emotions, reduce their intensity, and change emotional states that are making your life harder. This module helps you stop emotions from running the show — and start making choices that align with your values, not just your feelings.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Build healthier relationships, set boundaries, ask for what you need, and say no without guilt. This module helps you navigate the social world with more confidence, clarity, and self-respect.
Who DBT Helps
DBT was originally developed for severe emotional dysregulation, but its skills are effective for a wide range of concerns. I use DBT-informed approaches with clients experiencing:
DBT + Faith-Based Integration
For clients who want it, I can thoughtfully weave Christian faith into our DBT work — exploring how concepts like grace, acceptance, and hope connect to DBT's core principles. Radical acceptance, for example, resonates deeply with many faith traditions. For clients who don't want faith integration, that's completely fine — the skills work regardless.
DBT Frequently Asked Questions
Is DBT only for people with borderline personality disorder?
No. While DBT was originally developed for BPD, research has shown it's effective for anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, eating disorders, substance use, and anyone who struggles with intense emotions or impulsive behavior. The skills are practical and universally applicable.
How is DBT different from regular talk therapy (CBT)?
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) focuses primarily on changing unhelpful thought patterns. DBT builds on CBT but adds a strong emphasis on acceptance — the idea that you can acknowledge and validate your current experience while also working to change. DBT also places more emphasis on practical skill-building and the therapeutic relationship.
Do I need to do "full DBT" with diary cards and skills groups?
Standard comprehensive DBT includes individual therapy, a skills training group, phone coaching, and therapist consultation. At Heart & Vine, I offer DBT-informed individual therapy — meaning I use DBT skills and principles in our one-on-one sessions without requiring a full DBT program. This is appropriate for most clients who aren't in acute crisis.
How long does DBT therapy take?
It depends on your goals and what you're working through. Many clients notice meaningful progress within 3–6 months of consistent sessions. Some prefer to continue longer to deepen skills and work through more complex issues. We'll regularly check in on your progress together.
Do you offer DBT via telehealth?
Yes. DBT-informed therapy is available via secure telehealth for clients anywhere in Iowa — the skills translate just as well to video sessions. Many clients actually find it easier to practice skills in their natural environment when doing telehealth.
Ready to Learn DBT Skills?
I'd love to help you build the tools to navigate life with more calm, clarity, and confidence. Reach out to get started.
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