Virtual DBT in Ontario

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What is Virtual DBT?

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) that was originally developed by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s. DBT is primarily designed to help people who struggle with intense emotional experiences, have difficulty regulating their emotions, and engage in self-destructive behaviours. Virtual means that you will be able to meet with a DBT therapist from the comfort and safety of your home.

DBT combines both behavioural and cognitive therapy techniques and incorporates elements of mindfulness practice. It is particularly effective in treating conditions such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), but it has also been adapted for other mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

Not sure what you need for therapy, you can read our blog post “CBT vs DBT: Which is Right for You”.

DBT Counselling Components

  1. Distress Tolerance: This aspect of DBT teaches individuals how to tolerate distressing situations without resorting to impulsive or self-destructive behaviours.

  2. Emotion Regulation: DBT helps individuals identify and label their emotions, understand the functions of different emotions, and learn strategies for effectively managing intense emotions.

  3. Interpersonal Effectiveness: DBT focuses on improving interpersonal skills, including assertiveness, communication, and conflict resolution, to enhance relationships and reduce conflicts.

  4. Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices are an integral part of DBT. They help individuals stay present in the moment, observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, and develop greater self-awareness.

DBT is often delivered through individual therapy sessions, group therapy, and skills training classes. It provides individuals with practical tools and strategies to cope with challenging emotions and behaviours, ultimately leading to improved emotional well-being and functioning in daily life.

*Please note that we don’t offer a full DBT program; instead, we offer DBT-informed therapy or DBT skills.

Meet our DBT Informed Therapist and her Dog, Teddy

  • Alana Weinberg, RSW, MSW is a registered social worker in Ontario. Learn more about Alana.

  • Her rate for DBT-informed sessions is $190/50-minute session.

Online DBT Therapist (Informed) in Ontario

“Research shows that Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has a high efficacy rate in treating borderline personality disorder (BPD), with approximately 50-60% of individuals experiencing significant reductions in symptoms (Linehan et al., 2006)..”

— Linehan, M. M., Comtois, K. A., Murray, A. M., Brown, M. Z., Gallop, R. J., Heard, H. L., ... & Lindenboim, N. (2006). Two-year randomized controlled trial and follow-up of dialectical behavior therapy vs therapy by experts for suicidal behaviors and borderline personality disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry, 63(7), 757-766.

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)? (Source: Psych Hub)

What are the Benefits of Learning DBT Skills?

DBT offers a wide range of benefits for people who undergo the treatment. These benefits can be particularly significant for those dealing with emotional dysregulation, self-destructive behaviours, and certain mental health conditions. Some of the key benefits of DBT include:

  1. Emotion Regulation: DBT you with the skills to understand, label, and manage your emotions effectively. This can lead to improved emotional stability and a reduced likelihood of unhelpful reactions to intense feelings.

  2. Reduced Self-Harm and Suicidal Behaviour: DBT has been shown to significantly reduce self-harming behaviours and suicidal thoughts or attempts, making it a valuable treatment option for individuals struggling with these issues.

  3. Improved Interpersonal Relationships: By teaching interpersonal effectiveness skills, DBT helps you enhance your communication, assertiveness, and conflict resolution abilities. This often leads to healthier and more fulfilling relationships.

  4. Enhanced Coping Strategies: DBT provides you with a toolbox of coping strategies and techniques, empowering you to deal with distressing situations, triggers, and crises without resorting to harmful behaviours.

  5. Increased Mindfulness: Incorporating mindfulness practices into daily life can lead to greater self-awareness, reduced reactivity, and an increased ability to stay present in the moment. This can be particularly helpful in managing stress and anxiety.

  6. Symptom Reduction: DBT has been effective in reducing symptoms associated with various mental health conditions, including borderline personality disorder (BPD), depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse.

  7. Improved Quality of Life: Ultimately, DBT aims to enhance your overall quality of life. By providing tools for emotional regulation and distress tolerance, individuals can experience greater life satisfaction and fulfillment.

  8. Empowerment: DBT empowers individuals to take an active role in their mental health treatment. Through skill-building and increased self-awareness, you can feel more in control of your emotional well-being.

  9. Long-Term Success: DBT is designed to be a long-term therapy approach, and its benefits often extend beyond the duration of treatment. The skills learned in DBT can be applied throughout your lifetime, helping you maintain emotional stability and well-being.

  10. Reduction in Hospitalizations: For people with severe and chronic mental health conditions, DBT has been associated with a reduced need for psychiatric hospitalizations, leading to improved quality of life.

It's important to note that the benefits of DBT may vary from person to person, and the effectiveness of the therapy depends on individual circumstances and commitment to the treatment process. DBT is typically delivered by trained therapists in individual and group settings, allowing individuals to receive tailored support and guidance.

DBT Self-Help Books

Calming the Emotional Storm: Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills to Manage Your Emotions and Balance Your Life (Sheri Van Dijk MSW, 2012)

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook

How do I get started with a Virtual DBT Informed Therapist?


You can book a free consultation directly on our website by clicking the tab below. At your first therapy session, your DBT therapist will get to know you by asking a series of questions and then creating an individualized treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Succulant on table

  • Online or virtual DBT is like regular therapy, but it's done through video calls or online platforms instead of in-person.

    You'll meet with a therapist who will teach you skills through discussions, exercises, and homework.

    You might also have access to resources like videos or worksheets to help you practice the skills between sessions.

  • Research suggests that online DBT can be just as effective as in-person DBT for many people.

    It allows you to access therapy from the comfort of your own home and can be more convenient for those with busy schedules or who live far from therapy offices.

    However, it's essential to find a qualified therapist and commit to practicing the skills regularly for the best results.

  • Virtual DBT can benefit anyone who struggles with intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, or difficulties in relationships.

    It's commonly used for conditions like borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. If you're willing to learn new skills and work on improving your mental health, online DBT could be helpful for you.

  • We have therapists who specialize in treating past traumas (or post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD) and can integrate DBT skills. However, it is best if you see Alana for some pre-trauma work (especially if you struggle with emotional regulation or unhelpful behaviours like self-injury severe substance use, or suicidal ideation).

    Once you have met your DBT goals, you could be transitioned to one of our trauma or PTSD therapists. You can read more about our trauma treatment here. We have one therapist (Celissa Vipond) who is trained in DBT PE (Prolonged Exposure).