What makes DBT different from other therapies that you offer at Ott Counseling?

DBT is a skills-based therapy that blends acceptance and change. It teaches specific tools like mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance, which help clients actively manage overwhelming emotions and patterns. This isn't just a therapy that takes place in our office - it provides you with practical tools to better manage your life outside of therapy.

Do I have to be in crisis to benefit from DBT?

Not at all! While DBT was originally developed for people in crisis, many individuals use it to improve relationships, reduce anxiety, or cope with chronic stress in daily life. These tools can be helpful for many different individuals & needs, not just those in crisis.

Is DBT used alone or combined with other therapies?

At Ott Counseling, DBT is often integrated with other therapies like cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, or other trauma-informed approaches to personalize your treatment and support long-term growth.

How long does DBT treatment usually last?

Treatment length can vary, but many clients find that several months of consistent sessions help build lasting skills. Your therapist will work with you to set goals and track progress together.

Can DBT help with relationship problems?

Yes! One of the core components of dialectical behavior training is interpersonal effectiveness, which helps you learn how to set boundaries, navigate conflict, and communicate more clearly in your relationships.

Is DBT only for people with Borderline Personality Disorder?

No. DBT was originally developed for BPD but is now widely used to help with anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional sensitivity, and more.

What ages is DBT therapy offered for at your office?

We offer DBT-informed therapy for teens, young adults, and adults. We adjust the tools and language to meet each client where they are developmentally.

Where do you offer dialectical behavior therapy sessions?

Ott counseling provides both in-person sessions in our Buffalo office as well as virtual sessions for anyone in the state of New York.

What should I expect during a DBT session?

Sessions typically include check-ins, learning and practicing new skills, and talking through real-life challenges using dialectical behavior therapy tools like emotion tracking or distress-tolerance exercises.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is rooted in teaching people how to live in the moment, cope healthily with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships with others. DBT focuses on four main areas including: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Originally developed for severe depression and suicidal ideation/self harming, it is highly effective at treating a variety of mental health struggles including personality disorders, mood disorders, and trauma.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, skills-based therapy designed to help people manage overwhelming emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and improve relationships. DBT is widely used to support clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, mood swings, and impulsivity. It combines mindfulness practices with tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and effective communication. At Ott Counseling, we often use DBT with both teens and adults who feel stuck in unhelpful patterns and are looking for a practical, supportive path forward. Therapy is tailored to each client’s needs and can be used on its own or integrated with other approaches for deeper healing.

What makes DBT different from other therapies that you offer at Ott Counseling?
DBT is a skills-based therapy that blends acceptance and change. It teaches specific tools like mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance, which help clients actively manage overwhelming emotions and patterns. This isn't just a therapy that takes place in our office - it provides you with practical tools to better manage your life outside of therapy.
Do I have to be in crisis to benefit from DBT?
Not at all! While DBT was originally developed for people in crisis, many individuals use it to improve relationships, reduce anxiety, or cope with chronic stress in daily life. These tools can be helpful for many different individuals & needs, not just those in crisis.
Is DBT used alone or combined with other therapies?
At Ott Counseling, DBT is often integrated with other therapies like cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, or other trauma-informed approaches to personalize your treatment and support long-term growth.
How long does DBT treatment usually last?
Treatment length can vary, but many clients find that several months of consistent sessions help build lasting skills. Your therapist will work with you to set goals and track progress together.
Can DBT help with relationship problems?
Yes! One of the core components of dialectical behavior training is interpersonal effectiveness, which helps you learn how to set boundaries, navigate conflict, and communicate more clearly in your relationships.
Is DBT only for people with Borderline Personality Disorder?
No. DBT was originally developed for BPD but is now widely used to help with anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional sensitivity, and more.
What ages is DBT therapy offered for at your office?
We offer DBT-informed therapy for teens, young adults, and adults. We adjust the tools and language to meet each client where they are developmentally.
Where do you offer dialectical behavior therapy sessions?
Ott counseling provides both in-person sessions in our Buffalo office as well as virtual sessions for anyone in the state of New York.
What should I expect during a DBT session?
Sessions typically include check-ins, learning and practicing new skills, and talking through real-life challenges using dialectical behavior therapy tools like emotion tracking or distress-tolerance exercises.

Blog Post: How Do I Know Which Kind of Therapy Is Right for My Child? (And Meet Our New Specialist)

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

What Age are your Clients?

Teens & Adolescents

Adults

Older Adults

We Love Dialectical Behavior Therapy For...

Dysregulation

Self Harm

Relationship Conflict

Mood Swings

Anxiety

Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Right For Me?

What makes DBT different from other therapies that you offer at Ott Counseling?

Do I have to be in crisis to benefit from DBT?

Is DBT used alone or combined with other therapies?

How long does DBT treatment usually last?

Can DBT help with relationship problems?

Is DBT only for people with Borderline Personality Disorder?

What ages is DBT therapy offered for at your office?

Where do you offer dialectical behavior therapy sessions?

What should I expect during a DBT session?

Meet Your Therapists

Laura Ott, LCSW, PMH-C (She/Her)

Nathaniel Whitcomb, LMSW (He/Him)

Courtney Costello, LMSW (She/Her)

Kate Tripi, MS (She/Her)

Alisa Chirico, MSW, MLA (She/Her)

Mary Gannon, M. Ed, LMSW (She/Her)

Brianna Nilsen, LMSW (She/Her)

Richard Manuel, LMSW (He/Him)

Saffi Rigberg, LMSW (She/Her)

Check out our latest therapy insights on our blog!

How Do I Know Which Kind of Therapy Is Right for My Child? (And Meet Our New Specialist, Mary Gannon)

Which Trauma Therapy Is Right for Me? A Breakdown of EMDR, Progressive Counting, & Brainspotting

You're Getting on My Nerves(ous) System

Explore Your Therapy Options

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Brainspotting

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Creative & Body-Based Interventions