Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in New Jersey

Who Can Benefit From DBT?

DBT is designed for anyone who struggles to manage intense emotions or feels trapped in unhealthy behavioral cycles.

You may benefit from DBT if you:

• Experience frequent mood swings or emotional outbursts
• Struggle with impulsivity, self-sabotaging behaviors, or perfectionism
• Have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships
• Feel emotionally “flooded,” numb, or on edge after stressful events
• Battle anxiety, depression, trauma, or burnout from chronic stress
• Find that other forms of therapy haven’t given lasting relief

DBT is particularly helpful for individuals with:

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• PTSD or complex trauma
• Eating disorders or disordered eating patterns
• Bipolar disorder and mood instability
• Substance use and relapse prevention challenges
• ADHD and emotional impulsivity

Parents of teens and young adults often turn to DBT when they notice reactivity, communication breakdowns, or risky behavior. In our adolescent programs, families learn the same skills together, creating shared language and strategies for daily life.

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How DBT Works at the Lukin Center

At the Lukin Center, DBT is delivered through an integrated model that combines structure with flexibility. Clients can choose between two main paths based on their needs and readiness:

1. Comprehensive DBT

A full treatment model following Dr. Linehan’s evidence-based framework. It includes:

• Weekly skills groups – Structured sessions for learning and practicing new techniques
• Weekly individual therapy – Personalized coaching to apply skills to real-life challenges
• Phone coaching – Brief, in-the-moment guidance for managing distress between sessions
• Consultation team – Regular collaboration between Lukin Center DBT clinicians to ensure consistent, high-quality care

Comprehensive DBT is ideal for individuals with chronic emotional dysregulation, self-harm urges, or complex mental health conditions that benefit from clear structure and accountability.

2. DBT-Informed Therapy

For clients who want to integrate DBT skills without the full program structure. Therapists weave DBT principles—such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation—into traditional sessions. This flexible approach suits individuals who want to enhance an existing therapy plan, target specific skills (communication, boundaries, crisis coping), or prepare for a future comprehensive round.

If you’re a clinician considering a referral or collaborative care, see our page for colleagues: DBT for Referring Therapists

Both models are available virtually and in person for residents of New Jersey and other participating PsyPact states, ensuring accessibility and continuity of care.

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A Unique, Life-Changing DBT Skills Program at the Lukin Center

We’re proud to offer a comprehensive and highly specialized DBT Skills Group, led by expert clinicians Amy Origlieri, Ph.D. and Shoshana Levie, LCSW.

This is not a typical group therapy session—it’s a transformative, skills-focused experience designed to equip participants with lifelong emotional and interpersonal tools.

Program Highlights

• Combines structured group learning with individualized one-on-one support
• Participants progress through three key modules:
  • Distress Tolerance
  • Emotion Regulation
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness
• Each module begins with two weeks of Mindfulness, establishing a foundation for deeper self-awareness and skill integration
• In individual sessions, clients apply group-learned skills to daily life—troubleshooting setbacks and reinforcing growth

Group Options

• Adolescent Multi-Family Group (Ongoing): Teens and caregivers learn DBT skills together for stronger communication and mutual understanding.
• Young Adult Group (Ages 18–24): Designed for emerging adults navigating independence, identity, and emotional regulation. Currently accepting waitlist applicants.

For Adolescents Only: sessions are held virtually every Thursday from 6:00 – 7:30 PM, allowing participants to join from anywhere while receiving the same high-level clinical care.

Group times may vary. If current sessions don’t fit your schedule, contact us to discuss alternatives or join our waitlist.

Why DBT?

DBT is one of the most research-supported therapies for improving emotional regulation, self-control, and communication. The skills learned here aren’t just for therapy—they’re for life.

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Inside a DBT Session – What to Expect

DBT sessions follow a clear, predictable structure designed to promote accountability and mastery. Each group or individual session may include:

1. Mindfulness practice – Grounding exercises to help clients become present and centered.
2. Homework review – Reflection on how skills were used throughout the week (what worked, what didn’t, and why).
3. Skills teaching – Introduction of new DBT techniques with real-world examples.
4. Role-plays or discussions – Applying skills to everyday scenarios and relationships.

Group sessions are more educational than emotional, meaning participants learn skills in a classroom-style format rather than processing personal stories in detail. This structure makes DBT approachable for individuals who feel anxious about traditional group therapy while still offering a strong sense of validation and community.

In individual sessions, you’ll also use diary cards to track target behaviors, urges, and skills usage; complete chain analyses to identify triggers and missing links; and set behavioral goals that align with your values. 

DBT Skills: What You’ll Actually Learn

To make the program feel tangible, here are examples of skills commonly taught and practiced:

Mindfulness

• Wise Mind: Balancing emotion and reason to choose grounded actions
• Observe/Describe/Participate: Attend to experience without judgment
• One-Mindfully: Doing one thing at a time to reduce overwhelm

Distress Tolerance

• TIP (Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing): Rapid state-shifting during surges of emotion
• ACCEPTS & Self-Soothe: Short-term strategies for crisis survival
• Pros & Cons: Choosing the most effective behavior in the moment

Emotion Regulation

• Check the Facts: Reframe assumptions and reduce emotional intensity
• Opposite Action: Do the opposite of an unhelpful urge to shift the emotion
• ABC PLEASE: Build resilience through Accumulating positives, Building mastery, Coping ahead, and caring for Physical health (balanced eating, sleep, exercise)

Interpersonal Effectiveness

• DEAR MAN: Ask for what you need (Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear confident, Negotiate)
• GIVE: Keep relationships healthy and validating
• FAST: Maintain self-respect and boundaries

If you’re curious how these apply to your specific concerns (e.g., panic, perfectionism, conflict), see: What Can DBT Help With?

Comprehensive vs. DBT-Informed Therapy

Choosing between Comprehensive DBT and DBT-Informed Therapy depends on your goals, time commitment, and current level of support.

Outcomes, Commitment, and Fit

What success looks like:

• Fewer emotional spikes and faster recovery after stress
• Clearer thinking under pressure; more deliberate choices
• Improved relationships through boundaries, requests, and validation
• Less avoidance, more values-aligned action (school, work, parenting)
• Reduced self-harm urges and safer crisis coping

Commitment expectations:

• Attendance: Consistent participation in groups and individual sessions
• Practice: Short daily skill reps, weekly homework, and diary cards
• Collaboration: Open communication with your therapist; willingness to test new behaviors

Who it fits best:

• Individuals ready to learn, practice, and apply skills in real time
• Families who want a shared language for emotions and communication
• Clients who tried talk therapy before and want actionable structure

If you’re a clinician evaluating whether DBT at Lukin Center aligns with your client’s needs, we welcome collaboration: DBT for Referring Therapists

Why Choose the Lukin Center for DBT

The Lukin Center stands apart through a blend of clinical excellence and human connection.

• DBT-trained specialists: Every DBT clinician is professionally trained in evidence-based protocols.
• Integrated care: Individual therapy and groups are coordinated so clients learn, apply, and reinforce skills seamlessly.
• Compassionate philosophy: We balance validation and change—supporting where you are while helping you take the next step.
• Flexible access: Virtual sessions make DBT available across New Jersey and neighboring PsyPact states.
• Family involvement: In adolescent programs, caregivers learn alongside teens to build shared tools and stability at home.

At the Lukin Center, DBT is more than a set of techniques—it’s a partnership grounded in the belief that every person has the capacity for change.

Frequently Asked Questions About DBT

 1. How long does DBT take to complete?

Most comprehensive programs run about 25 weeks, divided into three modules. Each module begins with mindfulness training and builds from there. Some clients repeat a cycle to deepen mastery.

2. Can I keep my current therapist while doing DBT?

Often, yes. Many clients attend Lukin Center DBT skills groups while continuing individual therapy with their existing therapist (we coordinate care with proper releases).

3. Do I have to talk about personal issues in group?

DBT groups are skills-focused and educational, not process groups. You choose how much you share; the emphasis is on learning and practicing tools.

4. What’s the difference between DBT and CBT?

CBT targets thoughts and behaviors; DBT integrates mindfulness and acceptance with those tools. DBT is especially effective for emotion regulation and crisis coping.

5. Does DBT work for anxiety or trauma?

Yes. DBT helps reduce avoidance, regulate arousal, and build coping capacity—core needs in anxiety and trauma recovery. For details on conditions supported, visit: What Can DBT Help With?

6. Is there an option to learn more before committing?

Yes. You can schedule an intake, explore DBT-informed sessions, or watch a brief intro video here:

➡️ DBT Explained: Skills That Help You Cope

Get Started With DBT in New Jersey  

If you’re ready to take control of your emotions and relationships, DBT can provide the structure and skills to make it happen.

How to begin:

1. Reach out to our intake team. We’ll schedule a brief phone screening to determine whether Comprehensive DBT or DBT-Informed therapy is the best fit.
2. Meet your DBT clinician. Together, you’ll set personalized goals, review logistics, and choose session formats.
3. Join a DBT skills group or individual program. Whether you’re an adult, young adult, or teen, our specialists will guide you step by step.

Sessions are available virtually and in person for residents across New Jersey and select PsyPact states.

Ready to start your DBT journey?

Contact the Lukin Center today to learn more, or request placement in our next DBT Skills Group.