Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in Tucson & Across Arizona
At Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry, we understand how overwhelming it can feel when emotions take over. Whether you’re dealing with intense mood swings, frequent conflict, or difficulty managing stress, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) offers powerful, practical tools to help you feel more stable and in control.
DBT is all about learning how to cope with emotional intensity while building healthier habits, more meaningful relationships, and a more grounded connection to yourself.
What Is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a specialized type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy designed to help individuals manage overwhelming emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and improve relationships. It blends two key concepts: acceptance (learning to understand and tolerate your feelings) and change (developing new ways to respond to those feelings).
In DBT, you’ll learn and practice skills like:
- Mindfulness (staying present in the moment)
- Emotion regulation (managing intense feelings)
- Distress tolerance (coping with crisis without making it worse)
- Interpersonal effectiveness (communicating clearly and respectfully)
DBT is often structured with individual therapy, skills training, and ongoing support. At Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry, we offer DBT in both individual and group therapy formats.
Who Can Benefit from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?
DBT was originally developed for people with borderline personality disorder, but today it's widely used for anyone who struggles with emotional dysregulation or impulsive behaviors. It’s especially helpful if you:
- Feel emotionally overwhelmed or “too sensitive”
- Struggle with intense or chaotic relationships
- Find it difficult to handle anger, sadness, or anxiety
- Engage in self-destructive behaviors (like self-harm, disordered eating, or substance use)
- Have trouble navigating conflict or stress without shutting down or lashing out
- Want to develop greater emotional resilience and interpersonal skills
If you often feel like your emotions are in the driver’s seat, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy can help you pause, reflect, and respond in more balanced, intentional ways.
What to Expect in DBT Therapy
DBT is a structured, skills-based therapy that focuses on building emotional strength over time. Depending on your needs, your therapist may recommend:
- Individual DBT sessions, where you’ll explore personal challenges and practice skills
- Group DBT skills training, where you’ll learn and apply tools in a supportive group setting
- Homework or practice exercises to use between sessions and reinforce what you’ve learned
At the heart of DBT is a nonjudgmental, compassionate approach. We meet you where you are—with acceptance and support—while helping you move forward with clarity and intention
Take the First Step Toward Emotional Balance
If you’re ready to understand your emotions more clearly and respond to life with greater control and confidence, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy can help. Our team is here to support your growth every step of the way.
Call us at 520-780-8413 or request an appointment here.
We’re ready when you are.
Stephanie Hurst, LCSW
While both are evidence-based therapies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on changing unhelpful thought patterns, whereas Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) adds an emphasis on emotion regulation, mindfulness, and managing interpersonal relationships. DBT is especially helpful for people with intense emotions or relational struggles.
Not at all. While DBT was originally developed for people at high risk of self-harm or emotional dysregulation, it’s now widely used to help anyone struggling with stress, emotional overwhelm, or difficulty maintaining healthy relationships.
Group DBT focuses on skills training, where participants learn and practice tools like mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal communication. Groups are led by a trained therapist and offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space to learn and grow.
You can do individual DBT therapy, group therapy, or both. Some people begin with one-on-one sessions and later add a group, while others find group work to be especially helpful. We’ll work with you to create a plan that fits your goals and comfort level.
Yes. We offer virtual DBT sessions across Arizona, as well as in-person DBT therapy in Tucson. You can choose the format that works best for you.