• Home
  • Therapy
  • About
  • Contact
  • Resources
    • Recommended Reading
    • Mental Health Apps
    • YouTube Playlists
    • Links
  • For Providers
    • Training & Supervision
    • Private Practice
    • Luma
  • Blog
  Caroline Fleck, PhD - Psychologist, and Expert Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
  • Home
  • Therapy
  • About
  • Contact
  • Resources
    • Recommended Reading
    • Mental Health Apps
    • YouTube Playlists
    • Links
  • For Providers
    • Training & Supervision
    • Private Practice
    • Luma
  • Blog


Dialectical Behavior Therapy
​

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed by Marsha M. Linehan, PhD. Early in her career, she treated many clients with problems related to impulsivity, unsatisfying relationships, and suicidal behavior.  In an effort to better treat these common, but poorly understood problems, Dr. Linehan combined the proven principles of cognitive-behavior therapy with strategies to communicate and help clients cultivate acceptance. 

An important feature of DBT is its emphasis on behaviorism - the study of how behaviors are learned and maintained.  In DBT, clients learn a range of skills to replace ineffective patterns of behavior. DBT is thus often referred to as a "doing" therapy, as opposed to a "talking" therapy.  The treatment is oriented around helping clients solve problems, rather than simply providing a space in which to discuss them.   

DBT in NY Times

Picture
To read the front page NY Times article about Dr. Linehan, click on the image.
Picture


​Who It Helps
​​

The question of who should pursue DBT is one that continues to be explored in research. Studies have consistently shown DBT to be effective in treating borderline personality disorder (BPD) - a condition characterized by extreme mood swings, problems with impulse control, feelings of emptiness, and intense relationships.

The latest findings suggests that DBT is effective for conditions such as substance abuse, suicidality, self-injurious behaviors, binge eating, as well as problems related to anger.  
Picture


What it Entails


​
Clients in DBT participate in individual therapy, as well as a skills training class, each week. This dual focus is designed to optimize opportunities for learning new skills, while also providing a space in which to discuss how to use these skills to effectively manage symptoms and problems.
​

Individual Therapy

  • Weekly, 45-60 minute individual therapy sessions
  • Clients tracks their progress towards relevant thoughts, emotions, behaviors, & therapy goals
  • Sessions are organized around treatment priorities
  • Clients experiment with applying the skills they are learning to resolve actual problems & symptoms

Skills Training

  • Weekly sessions that are didactic in nature, like a class
  • Typically provided in a group format. 
  • Skills taught pertain to: emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, & mindfulness
  • Clients receive handouts & assignments to help them master the skills

​
Picture


Additional Information


​For more DBT resources including recommended reading, smartphone apps, videos, and links, check out our resources. If you are considering DBT and would like to speak with Dr. Fleck, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us. Dr. Fleck carries a limited number of DBT clients at a time and meets weekly with a team of other DBT therapists for consultation as is required. If her caseload is full, she can provide you with referrals for other local DBT providers.


650-429-8828
451 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View, CA, 94043
718 University Ave., Suite 214, Los Gatos, CA, 95032
caroline@drcarolinefleck.com

​Dr. Fleck has offices in Mountain View , CA ,and Los Gatos, CA., and provides therapy  and consulting to clients in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley including Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Altos, Cupertino, Campbell, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, San Jose, Gilroy, Redwood City, Belmont, Foster City, San Mateo, San Francisco, and the East Bay. Video conferencing therapy is also available for select clients in California and Washington state.

Dr. Caroline Fleck

650-429-8828
451 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View, CA, 94043
​718 University Ave., Suite 214, Los Gatos, CA, 95032
​caroline@drcarolinefleck.com

Policies

Privacy Policy

Teen Privacy

Providers

Training & Supervision

Private Practice

​
Luma

Resources

Recommended Reading

Mental Health Apps

YouTube Playlists

​Links
​Dr. Fleck has offices in Mountain View , CA ,and Los Gatos, CA., and provides therapy  and consulting to clients in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley including Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Altos, Cupertino, Campbell, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, San Jose, Gilroy, Redwood City, Belmont, Foster City, San Mateo, San Francisco, and the East Bay. Video conferencing therapy is also available for select clients in California and Washington state.
  • Home
  • Therapy
  • About
  • Contact
  • Resources
    • Recommended Reading
    • Mental Health Apps
    • YouTube Playlists
    • Links
  • For Providers
    • Training & Supervision
    • Private Practice
    • Luma
  • Blog