DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)

Our DBT Programs

DBT is an intensive outpatient program for people who have not been successful in standard outpatient therapy, or clients who are moving from residential or partial hospitalization for extra support. Our DBT program is a welcoming and inclusive space for all. We welcome all races, religious belief systems, ethnic backgrounds, and LBGTQ+.

DBT Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

  • Adult DBT IOP (18+)
  • Adolescent DBT IOP (12-17)

Both Programs Include:

  • One hour of individual therapy with a DBT-trained therapist and
  • Two hours of DBT Skills Training Group weekly.
  • Consistent attendance is a major component of DBT IOP and attendance contracts will be implemented as part of treatment.
  •  Most clients will participate in the DBT program for between six to twelve months. Length of treatment is variable based on medical necessity and goal attainment.

Adolescent DBT IOP Note:

  •  The adolescent program requires parent/guardian attendance & participation in all Group Skills Training Sessions. This parent involvement is essential to DBT treatment for adolescents.

Brief DBT Groups:

  • Brief DBT Group for Adults (18+)
  • Brief DBT Group for Adolescents (12-17)

Brief DBT Groups Include:

  • 1 hour of DBT Skills Group weekly for a duration of 12 weeks
  • About The Therapy Settings:  

Individual Therapy: Available to take place virtually or at any of our 3 office locations in Northfield, Farmington, & New Prague.

DBT Groups: Available in-person or virtually.

About DBT Therapy

DBT utilizes mindful awareness to help people increase their emotional and cognitive regulation by learning about the triggers that lead to reactive states, and helping to assess which coping skills to apply in the sequence of events, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to help avoid undesired reactions.

Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches: 

  • Mindfulness: the practice of being fully aware and present in the moment.

  • Distress Tolerance: the ability to tolerate discomfort.

  • Interpersonal Effectiveness: positive communication skills, conflict resolution skills and perspective taking.

  • Emotion Regulation: the ability to handle a variety of emotions in an effective manner.

Who may benefit from DBT?

  • Adults and Adolescents who are experiencing:
    • intense emotions, distress that’s difficult to manage, and relationship difficulties. 
    • symptoms of anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, PTSD, substance abuse, self harm urges, suicidal ideation, and more.
    • challenges in daily functioning at home, work, school, or other settings 
    • behavioral concerns including avoidance, intense anger/reactivity, substance use, impulsivity, dissociation, isolation, disordered eating, interpersonal conflicts, and more.
    • difficulty reaching their mental health goals through individual therapy alone.

Benefits of DBT Therapy

Why DBT?

Those who complete DBT often report:

  • Improvement in their self-esteem, the quality of their relationships, and an overall increased ability to maintain emotional stability and experience joy
  • Improvement in functioning and quality of life due to successful repeated practice and application of new coping skills 
  • Reduction in depression, anxiety, anger, suicidal and self harm urges

DBT balances Acceptance and Change by:

  • Teaching how to acknowledge your current emotions, thoughts, and experiences without judgment, while also…
  • Teaching how to develop healthier coping strategies, improve your relationships, and experience a greater sense of balance and well being
  • DBT is an empirically supported treatment, meaning it has been studied extensively and has been repeatedly proven to be effective.

Why DBT at Secure Base?

  • Our Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) for both adults and adolescents are certified by the MN Department of Human Services as an adherent DBT program. This means our programming diligently follows the evidence-based approach to DBT and our providers have been extensively trained in DBT.
  • The DBT care team consists of certified DBT professionals who are committed to a compassionate approach that balances validation and change strategies. 
  • Services that work with your schedule! We offer in person and virtual options as well as evening groups.

Meet Your DBT Providers

Haley Raifsnider, LPCC

Director of Dialectical Behavior Therapy Services

​Therapist in Northfield & via Telehealth

Emily DBTtherapist supervisor in Minnesota

Emily Like Schuleman, MS, LPCC

New Prague Site Supervisor​

Therapist in New Prague, Farmington, & via Telehealth

Shelly Malone, MA

​Therapist in Northfield & via Telehealth

Julie Beckmann MSW, LGSW

​Therapist in Farmington & Telehealth

Aaron Minnesota therapist

Aaron Close, LPCC, LADC

​Therapist in Northfield, Farmington & Telehealth

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based therapy that has been proven effective for helping people manage overwhelming emotions by strengthening their ability to handle distress.