San Fernando Valley DBT

Our Story

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy developed to help those struggling with overwhelming emotions, interpersonal effectiveness difficulties, and self-harming behaviors. In addition to treating Borderline Personality Disorder, DBT is also very effective at treating those diagnosed with depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and many other symptoms. The open skills group is an educational class that requires a commitment of time and energy; Clients need to be highly motivated to make the necessary changes that lead to less suffering and a creating a life worth living. The skills class is taught by two therapists and will focus on 4 training modules: Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Distress Tolerance. To participate in the group: - Clients must be willing to work hard and participate fully. - Clients must be participating in weekly individual therapy. - Clients must be willing to complete weekly homework assignments. - Clients are strongly encouraged to complete two cycles (one year) of training in order to fully integrate the skills. - Located at Sepulveda and Ventura Blvd. near the 405 and 101 Freeways. - New clients will be screened (to determine appropriateness) before entering the group. - Tuition is due at the first group of each month. (The group is not available through insurance.) - Clients will be allowed to enter the group at the beginning of each month or at the beginning of a new skills training module, whichever comes first. Wendy Douglas, LCSW has a decade of experience with DBT and was the former DBT team leader at L.A. County’s Edelman Westside Mental Health Clinic. She also provides talks and trainings to therapists learning about DBT. She currently has a private practice in Beverly Hills. Diane DeMartino, LCSW brings extensive experience in mindfulness-based meditation practice. She is currently providing DBT and other therapies to clients at L.A. County’s Harbor UCLA Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic. For more information contact: Wendy Douglas, LCSW, MSPH 310.285.8445 wendymdouglas@msn.com LCS24939