DBT THERAPY in Philadelphia & Montgomery County  |  in-person & virtual

DBT Therapy

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When big emotions are running the show

Sometimes emotions move so fast or hit so intensely that it becomes hard to slow things down, communicate clearly, or respond in ways that actually feel good afterward. You might find yourself overwhelmed by emotions, conflict, shutting down completely, reacting impulsively, or feeling emotionally exhausted from trying to keep it all together.


At Green Fig, we use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help people better understand and navigate those patterns. Its a highly effective, skills-based approach designed to help you navigate intense emotions and real-life challenges.

DBT gives you practical tools to regulate your emotions, tolerate distress without making things worse, stay grounded in the present, and communicate more effectively in your relationships.

It’s not just about insight — it’s about learning what to do differently, so you can feel more steady, in control, and aligned in your day-to-day life

in-person sessions in Philadelphia
online DBT therapy for residents of Pennsylvania

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What is DBT therapy?

DBT is an evolution of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). While CBT focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts in order to change emotions and behaviors, DBT places more emphasis on changing behaviors first-using practical skills that, over time, help you shift how you feel and think.

DBT combines acceptance (learning to understand and validate your experiences) with change (learning practical skills to respond differently). The goal isn’t to get rid of your emotions-it’s to help you handle them in a way that works for your life.

DBT focuses on four core skill areas:

  • MINDFULNESS – staying present and grounded instead of getting pulled into overwhelm or overthinking

  • DISTRESS TOLERANCE – getting through intense moments without making things worse

  • EMOTION REGULATION – understanding and managing emotions more effectively

  • INTERPERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS – communicating clearly, setting boundaries, and navigating relationships with more confidence

Can DBT therapy help me?

DBT can be helpful if you tend to:

  • feel emotions intensely or have trouble slowing things down once activated

  • struggle to communicate your needs without guilt, fear, or conflict

  • swing between bottling things up and feeling emotionally flooded

  • feel stuck in repeating patterns in relationships or self-worth

  • use coping strategies that help in the moment but hurt later

  • feel emotionally exhausted from trying to hold everything together

DBT therapy is for anyone who wants better tools to navigate intense emotions and respond to life more effectively.

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Gold-colored mountain bike with a front suspension fork and thick tires.

in-person sessions in Philadelphia
online DBT therapy for residents of Pennsylvania

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Benefits of DBT therapy

DBT therapy has many benefits, well-documented in research. DBT can help you:

  • feel more in control of your emotions instead of overwhelmed by them

  • respond more thoughtfully instead of reacting on impulse

  • build healthier, more effective communication in your relationships

  • set boundaries with more confidence and less guilt

  • reduce overthinking and feel more grounded in the present

  • break patterns that keep you stuck

  • feel more steady, clear, and aligned in your day-to-day life

  • build confidence and self-compassion

Big emotions can make you feel out-of-control — and like your reactions are stuck on repeat. Build stability and resilience with DBT therapy.

Big emotions can make you feel out-of-control — and like your reactions are stuck on repeat. Build stability & resilience with DBT therapy.

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Just the tools — DBT coaching

We also offer DBT coaching if you want learn to use DBT skills without the in-depth exploration of therapy.

DBT therapy looks at deeper patterns and past experiences, while DBT coaching just focuses on the practical skills and how to fold them into your daily life.

DBT coaching is for you if insight isn’t the goal — you just want to practice these skills you’re learning in real time.

in-person in Philadelphia  |  virtual across Pennsylvania

Life can be challenging, but you don't have to navigate it alone.

FAQs

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, skills-based approach that helps you manage intense emotions, handle stress, and improve your relationships.

    It works by combining practical tools with deeper understanding, so you can respond to situations more effectively in real time.

  • DBT isn’t just for one diagnosis — it’s helpful for anyone who feels overwhelmed by emotions, struggles with anxiety or overthinking, has difficulty in relationships, or wants better ways to cope with stress.

    It’s especially useful if you’re looking for practical, actionable tools.

  • DBT can help with anxiety, emotional overwhelm, mood swings, relationship challenges, impulsive behaviors, and difficulty coping with stress.

    It’s also effective for people who feel stuck in patterns they can’t seem to change.

  • DBT skills are practical tools you learn and practice in therapy to help you manage emotions, tolerate distress, stay present, and communicate effectively.

    These skills are designed to be used in real-life situations- not just talked about in session.

  • Many people start noticing changes as they begin using the skills in their daily life.

    DBT is often structured over several months, but progress depends on your goals, consistency, and how often you practice the skills outside of sessions.

  • Yes.

    While DBT is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), it focuses more on teaching skills to change behaviors in the moment, which then helps shift emotions and thoughts. It also emphasizes balancing acceptance and change.

Ready to get started?

Book a call

Just use the button below to get in touch. We’ll find a time to meet that works for you.

1

We’ll chat

We’ll have a FREE 20-minute chat to see if we’re a good fit.

2

Set your session

If we’re a match, we’ll book your session and I’ll send you onboarding.

3

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Silhouette of a roller skate with four wheels and a high-top shoe design.

Reach out to ask about DBT therapy.