Do you often criticize yourself for your thoughts and emotions?

Is it hard for you to express yourself clearly when talking to your loved ones?

Are you finding it challenging to cope with overwhelming emotions?

What is

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Skills Coaching?

DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) is different from traditional talk therapy, which typically involves exploring feelings and processing past experiences. While talk therapy often focuses on understanding the "why" behind emotions, DBT is all about the "how" — how to manage emotions, handle stress, and navigate relationships in the present moment.

DBT Skills Coaching takes this approach even further, offering a psychoeducational experience that emphasizes learning and applying concrete, practical skills. Instead of diving deep into your past or processing your feelings at length, skills coaching is designed to teach you actionable tools like distress tolerance, emotion regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills help you better cope with challenges in everyday life.

Think of DBT Skills Coaching as a toolkit for managing emotions and behaviors, equipping you with strategies you can use right away, rather than traditional therapy, which might focus more on understanding your feelings over time.

What you

will learn!

Practical skills to handle difficult emotions, navigate challenging situations, and improve relationships through learning four main skill areas:

  • Helping you stay in the present moment and better understand your thoughts and feelings.

  • Teaching you how to manage crises and emotional pain without making impulsive decisions.

  • Assisting you in identifying and regulating intense emotions to avoid emotional overwhelm.

  • Equipping you with tools to communicate more effectively, set boundaries, and maintain healthier relationships.

  • Check-In

    The session often begins with a check-in where you are asked how you’ve been feeling, what challenges you’ve encountered, and whether you used any DBT skills since the last session. This is a chance to review real-life situations where skills were applied, discussing what worked or what didn’t.

  • Identifying Current Challenges

    We will then identify any immediate challenges you are facing. These could include emotional struggles, interpersonal conflicts, or any stressors. You are encouraged to be specific about the issue and how it impacts your emotional state.

  • Learning or Reviewing a DBT Skill

    Next, the coach will introduce or review a specific DBT skill that is relevant to your current challenges. You may be guided through role-playing exercises or other practical ways to practice the skill. The goal is to ensure that you feel confident and comfortable using the skill in real-life scenarios.

  • Homework Assignment and Planning

    Homework is assigned based on the skill that is taught that session. Homework is used to practice skills in various scenarios between sessions.

Skills Coaching

Skills Coaching

Darcy’s Rate

$285

60 min

I offer a free 20 minute initial phone consultation

  • SLIDING SCALE

    I occasionally offer a sliding scale based on household income. I reserve several slots in my schedule for clients who need sliding scale fees. When possible, I will work with you to ensure that therapy is financially sustainable.

  • INSURANCE

    I operate as a private pay provider and do not bill insurance directly for treatment. Choosing to pay privately offers benefits such as enhanced privacy and greater control over our therapeutic work. While I don't bill insurance myself, some insurance companies do offer reimbursement for out-of-network therapy services. I can provide you with a “super bill,” which is a detailed receipt including the necessary codes for the services rendered and my license number. You can submit this super bill to your insurance company to request possible reimbursement. It's a good idea to contact your insurance provider beforehand to understand their reimbursement policies for out-of-network providers, as reimbursement is not always guaranteed.