CBT/DBT Associates
Lisa A. Napolitano, Ph.D.
New York, NY 10022
212-546-9200

What is DBT?
What is DBT? Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was developed by psychologist Marsha M. Linehan to treat problems in emotion regulation. It balances the use of change techniques from cognitive-behavior therapy with acceptance strategies from Zen practice. It is designed to address problems in regulating emotions, impulse control, assertiveness, and distress tolerance. Clients learn cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness skills to better identify and manage their emotions, including anxiety and depression. They then practice applying those skills to better tolerate life events and improve their ability to interact effectively with others.

DBT is a multi-component treatment consisting of the following elements: 1) once weekly individual therapy; 2) once weekly skills training group; and, 3) phone coaching by the individual therapist on the use of skills.

Although DBT was originally designed to treat chronically suicidal and self-injurious behavior, it has since been adapted to treat a variety of other problems including binge eating disorder and depression.

Comprehensive DBT Program

CBT/DBT Associates offers a comprehensive DBT program consisting of individual DBT, DBT skills training group, and telephone coaching. Clients can receive all of their treatment services at CBT/DBT Associates or select specific components of the program to meet their individual needs. 

Individual DBT: Individual DBT is an essential component of effective DBT. Individual therapists work collaboratively with clients to change problematic behaviors and cultivate self-acceptance. Phone coaching on the use of DBT skills is provided by the individual therapist. 

Skills Training Groups: DBT Skills Training groups are conducted on an ongoing basis. The groups are led by DBT therapists who have completed intensive training and meet once a week for 90 minutes. Participants have the option to attend the Monday Group, which meets from 5:30-7:00 p.m., the Tuesday Group, which meets from 7:00-8:30 p.m., or the Thursday Group, which meets from 5:30-7:00 p.m. It takes approximately 22 to 24 weeks to complete the 4 skills training modules: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. However, mastery of the skills may require repetition of the cycle. For this reason, clients will have the opportunity to continue skills training at the conclusion of the 24-week cycle to repeat the four skills training modules.

Graduate group: This group is for individuals who have already completed basic skills training, but would like to continue working on integrating skills into their daily lives. The format of this group is less topical than basic skills training, and meets bi-monthly on Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 pm.

Target Population:
This group is appropriate for individuals with long-standing difficulties with affect and impulse control, eating disorders, anger management problems, and self-destructive behavior. 

Our program is geared towards relatively high functioning individuals. As such, clients must be working full time, attending school, or volunteering to participate.

More Intensive Treatment
For individuals requiring more intensive and structured treatment than our program provides, we recommend the following residential treatment programs:

Silver Hill Hospital, 208 Valley Road, New Canaan, CT 06840, 866-542-4455

Gunderson Residence, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, 877-451-6466

Useful Links
Behavioral Tech, LLC

National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder(NEA-BPD)

Treatment and Research Advancements-National Association for Personality Disorder

Recommended reading for information on Borderline Personality Disorder:

Chapman, A.L., Gratz, K.L., & Hoffman, P.D. (2007). The borderline personality disorder survival guide: Everything you need to know about living with BPD. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.

Gunderson, J.G., & Hoffman, P.D. (2005) Understanding and Treating Borderline Personality Disorder: A Guide for Professionals and Families. American Psychiatric Publishing Inc.

Linehan, M.L. (1993). Cognitive Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. New York: Guilford.

Porr, V. (2010). Overcoming borderline personality disorder: A family guide for healing and change. New York: Oxford. 

For information, please contact Dr. Napolitano at 212-546-9200.