Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

I have received 75 hours of training in DBT-informed treatment and have been using it for 19 years.

I have utilized DBT first as a client and now as a clinician. DBT offers specific skills and behaviors rather than theoretical models of approaching behaviors and emotions. DBT is the sister of CBT and there is frequent overlap when discussing intervention. DBT also pairs well with trauma work which is why I utilize a combination of approaches.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive-behavioral treatment developed by Marsha Linehan. The therapy emphasizes the balance between acceptance and change, helping individuals develop skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

I belief growth happens in tension. I use the DBT model to integrate one's emotions and thoughts (feelings & logic) into behaviors that lead them into a healthier life.

I was appointed to a fellowship in the DBT Training Program at Columbia University, which was developed with DBT founder Marsha Linehan. There, I completed a year-long course of concentrated DBT study, received DBT Intensive Training through The Linehan Institute's training company, Behavioral Tech, and served a DBT-specific clinical field placment at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut. I have worked as a DBT therapist at group practices in New York City and Los Angeles.

Dialectical behavioral therapy focuses on high-risk, tough-to-treat patients. These patients often have multiple diagnoses.DBT was initially designed to treat people with suicidal behavior and borderline personality disorder. But it has been adapted for other mental health problems that threaten a person's safety, relationships, work, and emotional well-being.Borderline personality disorder is a disorder that leads to acute emotional distress. Patients may have intense bursts of anger.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive-behavioral treatment originally developed by Marsha M. Linehan. Diagnosed herself with BPD, Linehan had insight into how to improve treatment services for this population. The goal of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is to help people identify and use their strengths. In addition, this helps clients build self-esteem and positive feelings about life. Thus, DBT combines both cognitive and behavioral therapy techniques to further this goal.

DBT and RO-DBT (Radically Open DBT) are treatment modalities founded on the idea that the combination of your genetics and the environment you are in explain the ways we cope with stressors in life (whether helpful or harmful). Both models provide you with tangible skills to manage emotions and change behavior. RO-DBT addresses problems of "over control" such as restrictive eating disorders, perfectionism, self-judgment, rigidity, and treatment resistant depression.

Step into healing with Nick Worstell, a seasoned professional with a background in residential care and a specialty in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). With a wealth of experience in addressing complex issues, he bring expertise to those seeking transformation. Utilizing DBT's powerful tools, we create a nurturing space for growth, combining empathy with evidence-based techniques. Whether it's emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, or distress tolerance, our therapeutic jou

While working in a PHP/IOP setting, I was taught how to utilize DBT as a treatment modality. I provided interventions through DBT both "informally" as well as in a traditionally structured setting in DBT skills groups, individual therapy with diary cards, and attending DBT Consultation.

The skills of DBT are helpful in managing the daily difficulties of life, from emotional regulation to understanding and responding to situations. I also utilize the general approach of dialectics to better understand experiences and their meaning. In practice, this is often to try and resolve two opposing beliefs, or to incorporate material conditions and their impact into the emotional story being told.

I utilize DBT to help teach emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness techniques. The ultimate goal is to find a balance between who you are now and who you want to be after changing some aspects of yourself in the form of positive self-growth.

DBT is my primary method of treatment. There are four components of DBT: Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Distress Tolerance, and Emotion Regulation. This is a VERY practical treatment method that every human could benefit from. The skills that you'll gain from DBT are functional and effective. These skills require practice and you should expect to have homework in-between sessions. I can't wait to get started with you!

Our practice runs a DBT and RO DBT program with weekly skills group. Originally it was designed for people with Borderline Personality Disorder, which it's excellent at treating, but it's been shown through many studies to be helpful for many people. DBT helps us learn the skills to be more effective in life, have more control over our emotions while keeping them from having so much control over us, and helping us to be present with ourselves in the day to day.

I have utilized both structured and unstructured DBT interventions with clients for over 5 years.

DBT offers practical skills for managing tough emotions, staying grounded, and building better relationships. I use DBT tools in a down-to-earth way, helping you find what actually works in real life. It’s great for anxiety, emotional sensitivity, or feeling overwhelmed. We balance acceptance with change — learning to cope while also moving toward the life you want. These tools can be powerful when practiced consistently. I’ll support you in applying them in ways that feel doable and realistic.

I am Level 2 trained in DBT and have also completed training in utilizing DBT for trauma.