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DBT Therapy in Portland: Your Path to Emotional Healing

July 1, 2025
Blog, DBT Therapy, Embrace Your True Self, Mental Health, Telepsychology Services
Dr. Matthew Mandelbaum

Are you looking for DBT therapy in Portland?

Finding the right therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re struggling with intense emotions or difficult relationships, or facing difficulty in managing your emotions and relationships.

If you’re in Portland, Maine, and searching for effective support, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) might be the solution you’ve been looking for. This evidence-based approach offers practical tools to help you manage emotions, improve relationships, and build a life worth living.

DBT combines Eastern and Western methods, integrating mindfulness from traditional Eastern practices with evidence-based Western psychological techniques to provide comprehensive treatment.

DBT has gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions, and the demand for skilled DBT therapists continues to grow.

At Groundbreaker Therapy, Dr. Matthew Mandelbaum provides specialized DBT services through a trauma-informed, virtual approach that makes quality mental health care accessible to individuals across Maine and beyond. Portland is also home to several DBT clinics offering specialized Dialectical Behavior Therapy services and training.

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a comprehensive therapeutic approach originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the 1980s. Initially created to treat individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, DBT has since proven effective for a wide range of mental health challenges.

The term “dialectical” refers to the balance between acceptance and change, two seemingly opposite concepts that work together in healing. DBT teaches you to accept your current situation while simultaneously working toward positive change.

DBT includes components from both eastern and western methods to provide a holistic approach to treatment. It draws on Western methods of psychological treatment while also incorporating mindfulness and acceptance strategies.

DBT as an Individual Therapy

While DBT is often known for its skills groups, it’s also a powerful form of individual therapy, and is highly effective when delivered as individual counseling.

In one-on-one sessions, clients work closely with a therapist to apply DBT skills to their personal experiences, build emotional regulation strategies, and receive support tailored to their unique goals and challenges.

The Four Core Components of DBT

DBT is built on four essential skill modules (also known as the “four pillars” of DBT) that work together to create lasting change:

Mindfulness

This foundational skill helps you stay present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment, while learning to live in the moment. Mindfulness techniques, such as the “5 senses” exercise, anchor you in the present moment and reduce overwhelming thoughts, allowing you to explore your thoughts and feelings more deeply.

Distress Tolerance

These skills help you survive crisis situations and handle difficult situations without making them worse through impulsive actions.

Techniques like self-soothing and radical acceptance provide practical strategies for managing distress, teaching you to tolerate difficult emotions without resorting to harmful behaviors.

Emotion Regulation

This module focuses on understanding and managing your emotions effectively, gaining control over emotional responses.

You’ll learn to identify emotions, understand their purpose, and use strategies like labeling emotions and opposite action to reduce emotional intensity, which is especially helpful for those experiencing emotion dysregulation.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

These skills help you navigate relationships more successfully.

You’ll learn assertiveness techniques, boundary-setting strategies, and how to ask for what you need while maintaining important relationships, as well as developing healthy coping strategies for relationship challenges.

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Who Can Benefit from DBT Therapy?

DBT therapy offers support for individuals facing various mental health challenges and life difficulties, including those who struggle with emotional or relational issues.

While originally designed for Borderline Personality Disorder, research has shown its effectiveness across multiple conditions, and its strategies are applicable to everyday life situations. DBT can also help individuals find motivation for change, supporting them in uncovering personal drive and engaging in the process of transformation.

Common Conditions Treated with DBT

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

DBT remains the gold standard treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and is also effective for other personality disorders, helping individuals manage intense emotions, unstable relationships, and identity issues.

PTSD and Trauma Responses

The therapy’s focus on distress tolerance and emotion regulation makes it particularly effective for trauma survivors learning to manage triggers and flashbacks.

Eating Disorders

DBT therapy helps individuals with eating disorders by teaching skills to manage intense emotions and reduce harmful behaviors. It supports healthier coping mechanisms and fosters self-compassion during the recovery process.

Anxiety and Depression

DBT skills help individuals break cycles of worry and negative thinking while building emotional resilience.

Emotional Dysregulation

For those who experience intense emotions that feel uncontrollable, DBT provides concrete tools for managing emotional reactivity.

Self-harm and Suicidal Ideation

The distress tolerance skills in DBT offer alternatives to self-destructive behaviors during crisis moments, and are also effective in reducing suicide attempts and substance abuse.

DBT can benefit teens, adults, and couples who want to improve their emotional well-being and relationships. The skills are practical and applicable to everyday life situations.

Why Choose DBT Therapy in Portland?

Portland, Maine, has always embraced a culture of wellness and mental health awareness. The city’s therapy-forward thinking creates an environment where seeking help is normalized and supported.

This progressive attitude toward mental health makes it an ideal place to begin your DBT journey to build a life worth living, as DBT helps individuals create more meaningful, resilient lives by teaching coping skills and emotional regulation.

Local Support and Resources

Portland offers numerous complementary resources that align with DBT principles. The Portland DBT Institute is a reputable local training and treatment center, providing specialized support and education in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

The city’s emphasis on mindfulness, with local meditation groups and wellness centers, provides additional support for your therapeutic journey. The natural beauty of Maine also offers opportunities for nature-based mindfulness practices that can enhance your DBT skills.

Accessibility to Quality Care

With providers like Groundbreaker Therapy offering virtual services, Portland residents have access to specialized DBT treatment without geographical limitations.

This virtual approach removes barriers such as transportation issues or scheduling conflicts that might otherwise prevent you from receiving consistent care.

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Finding the Right DBT Therapist in Portland

Choosing the right DBT therapist is a crucial step on your journey to emotional healing. In Portland, you’ll find a variety of mental health professionals, but it’s important to seek out someone with specialized training in dialectical behavior therapy.

Look for a licensed professional counselor, psychologist, or clinical social worker who has completed DBT-specific training and, ideally, practices full fidelity DBT. This means they follow the comprehensive DBT model, which includes individual therapy, skills training groups, and phone coaching.

DBT Therapy at Groundbreaker Therapy

At Groundbreaker Therapy, Dr. Matthew Mandelbaum brings over 20 years of experience to his DBT practice as a licensed professional counselor who is extensively trained in DBT.

His approach is deeply rooted in trauma-informed care and specifically designed for highly sensitive, intelligent individuals who may have struggled to find effective treatment elsewhere.

Specialized Approach

Dr. Mandelbaum’s practice focuses on providing personalized, evidence-based therapy, which may also incorporate commitment therapy techniques, that honors each client’s unique needs and circumstances.

His expertise in DBT is combined with a deep understanding of trauma and its impact on emotional regulation and relationships.

Comprehensive Services

The practice offers various DBT-informed services, including:

  • Individual DBT therapy sessions
  • DBT-informed therapeutic approaches
  • Skills training tailored to individual needs
  • Support for professionals in demanding fields
  • Group therapy and DBT group sessions

Inclusive and Affirming Care

Groundbreaker Therapy is committed to providing culturally competent care that affirms LGBTQIA+ individuals and other marginalized communities.

This inclusive approach ensures that all clients feel safe, understood, and supported throughout their therapeutic journey, helping them feel understood in a validating and accepting environment.

What to Expect in a DBT Session

DBT therapy follows a structured approach that balances skill-building with individual therapeutic work. Sessions are designed to help clients learn skills for emotional regulation, mindfulness, and communication, while also incorporating targeted interventions based on evidence-based practices.

Understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident as you begin treatment.

Session Structure

Each DBT session typically includes:

  • Check-in about your current emotional state and recent challenges
  • Review of homework assignments and skill practice
  • Learning new DBT skills or deepening existing ones
  • Application of skills to real-world situations
  • Developing strategies to manage overwhelming feelings
  • Planning for skill use between sessions

The Role of Homework

DBT emphasizes the importance of practicing skills outside of therapy sessions. You’ll receive homework assignments designed to help you integrate new skills into your daily life.

This might include mindfulness exercises, emotion tracking, or practicing interpersonal effectiveness techniques.

Virtual Therapy Options

As a member of PsyPact, Dr. Mandelbaum can provide teletherapy services to residents across Maine and many other states.

Virtual sessions offer the same quality of care as in-person meetings while providing greater flexibility and accessibility.

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Overcoming Challenges in DBT Therapy

Starting DBT therapy is a courageous step, but it’s normal to encounter obstacles along the way.

Many people struggle with motivation, especially when practicing new skills feels unfamiliar or difficult. Emotional reactivity, self-doubt, or the urge to return to old coping mechanisms can make it tempting to give up.

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The Groundbreaker Therapy Difference

What sets Groundbreaker Therapy apart is Dr. Mandelbaum’s commitment to challenging traditional therapeutic approaches while maintaining the highest standards of care.

Groundbreaker Therapy offers full fidelity DBT, ensuring clients receive comprehensive, evidence-based treatment. His mission focuses on empowering clients to overcome emotional barriers and build resilience.

Expertise and Credentials

Dr. Mandelbaum holds a PhD in psychology and has extensive training in DBT and trauma-informed care. While he does not hold a PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health Certification), he recognizes the value of PMH-C credentials for clinicians specializing in perinatal mental health, trauma, and emotional regulation, especially when working with women and BIPOC communities.

His specialized experience with highly sensitive individuals makes him uniquely qualified to address the complex needs of his clients.

Personalized Treatment

Every client receives a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs, goals, and circumstances.

This individualized approach ensures that your therapy experience is relevant and effective for your unique situation.

Client Success Stories

The impact of Dr. Mandelbaum’s work is evident in client testimonials. Dr. Mandelbaum and his team love working with clients to support their growth and healing.

One client shared: “With Dr. Mandelbaum’s teaching, I put into practice meditation and mindfulness to help me clear my thoughts. I used to just be stuck in my thoughts. Now, I use my skills to stop thinking about my problems all the time.”

Another client noted: “Dr. Mandelbaum has helped me become more positive and see the light in the dark. I can hear his voice inside my head telling me to do something positive. I like me more now; that’s what matters most.”

Frequently Asked Questions About DBT

How much does DBT therapy cost?

Groundbreaker Therapy operates as a private-pay practice, which means services are not directly covered by insurance networks.

However, many health insurance plans offer 50-80% reimbursement for out-of-network therapy services. The practice provides documentation to help you seek reimbursement from your insurance provider.

What is the 24-hour rule in DBT?

The 24-hour rule is a distress tolerance technique that encourages you to wait 24 hours before making important decisions when you’re in emotional distress.

This waiting period allows intense emotions to decrease and helps prevent impulsive choices that you might later regret.

Is DBT covered by insurance?

While DBT is an evidence-based treatment that many insurance companies recognize, coverage varies by plan.

Since Groundbreaker Therapy is a private-pay practice, you’ll need to pay for services upfront but can often receive partial reimbursement through your insurance’s out-of-network benefits.

Who is DBT not recommended for?

DBT may not be suitable for individuals with certain conditions, such as severe cognitive impairments that prevent skill learning, active psychosis, or those who are not willing to commit to the structured approach of DBT.

A thorough assessment with a qualified therapist can help determine if DBT is right for you.

How long does a typical DBT program last?

Traditional DBT programs often last 12-18 months, but the length of treatment varies based on individual needs and progress.

Some people benefit from shorter, skills-focused approaches, while others may need longer-term support.

How effective is DBT for treating specific mental health conditions?

Research consistently shows DBT’s effectiveness across various conditions.

Studies indicate significant improvements in emotional regulation, reduction in self-harm behaviors, and decreased hospitalization rates among individuals with BPD. The therapy has also shown positive outcomes for PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders.

Building Your DBT Skills Toolkit

The beauty of DBT lies in its practical approach to emotional wellness. The skills you learn become tools you can use throughout your life, helping you navigate challenges with greater confidence and resilience, and equipping you to address life’s challenges using DBT skills.

Counseling can also support the development of these skills, providing guidance and structure as you work toward emotional regulation and personal growth.

Mindfulness in Daily Life

Mindfulness skills help you stay grounded in the present moment, reducing anxiety about the future and rumination about the past. Simple exercises like mindful breathing or the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique can be used anywhere, anytime.

Distress Tolerance for Crisis Moments

When emotions feel overwhelming, managing overwhelming feelings with distress tolerance skills provides immediate relief. Techniques like cold water on your face, intense exercise, or self-soothing activities can help you get through difficult moments without making them worse.

Emotion Regulation for Long-term Stability

Understanding your emotions and learning to regulate them effectively creates lasting change. Skills like opposite action—doing the opposite of what your emotion urges you to do—can help break negative cycles and build new, healthier patterns.

Interpersonal Effectiveness for Better Relationships

Strong relationships are crucial for mental health and life satisfaction. DBT’s interpersonal effectiveness skills teach you how to ask for what you need, set boundaries, and maintain relationships even during conflicts, while also fostering self-acceptance through healthier communication and understanding.

Therapy Outcomes: What You Can Achieve with DBT

Dialectical behavior therapy offers hope for real, lasting change.

Through consistent practice and support, many clients experience significant improvements in their emotional well-being and relationships. Some of the most common outcomes of DBT include:

  • Improved Emotional Regulation: Learn to identify, understand, and manage your emotions, reducing emotional dysregulation and reactivity.
  • Healthier Coping Strategies: Replace self-harm, substance use, or other compulsive behaviors with effective distress tolerance and mindfulness skills.
  • Stronger Relationships: Develop interpersonal effectiveness skills to set boundaries, communicate your needs, and resolve conflicts more constructively.
  • Reduced Emotional Distress: Experience fewer episodes of overwhelming feelings, anxiety, or depression, and gain tools to handle life’s challenges with greater resilience.
  • Increased Self-Acceptance: Cultivate self-compassion and acceptance, letting go of harsh self-judgment and building a more positive relationship with yourself.
  • Decreased Risk of Suicide Attempts: Research shows that DBT significantly reduces suicidal ideation and behaviors, offering hope for those struggling with intense emotional pain.

Whether you’re seeking help for eating disorders, personality disorders, or simply want to learn skills to manage emotions more effectively, DBT can empower you to create meaningful change and live a life aligned with your values.

Getting Started with DBT in Portland

Taking the first step toward DBT therapy can feel daunting, but remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The skills you learn in DBT can transform your relationship with your emotions and improve your overall quality of life.

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Conclusion: Your Path Forward with DBT Therapy

Embarking on DBT therapy in Portland is a powerful step toward emotional healing and personal growth. With the support of a skilled DBT therapist and a commitment to practicing new skills, you can transform the way you respond to life’s challenges.

DBT offers practical strategies, grounded in both eastern and western methods, to help you manage overwhelming feelings, improve relationships, and build a life you truly value.

If you’re ready to take control of your emotional well-being, reach out to a DBT clinic or licensed professional counselor in Portland today.

Remember, healing is possible—and you don’t have to walk this path alone. With dedication, support, and the right therapeutic approach, you can achieve greater self-acceptance, resilience, and hope for the future.

Learn More About DBT Therapy

Want to dive deeper into how DBT works and how it can help? Here are 10 trusted resources to help you explore the foundations, uses, and benefits of Dialectical Behavior Therapy: