Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Ottawa & Westboro
Virtually Across Ontario

When emotions feel too big to handle, relationships keep falling into the same painful patterns, or you find yourself reacting in ways you later regret, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers something different. DBT gives you a toolkit of concrete skills to navigate emotional intensity, communicate more effectively, and make choices aligned with the life you want to build.

Our Registered Psychotherapists at Therapy with Empathy bring DBT to clients in Ottawa’s Westboro neighborhood and across Ontario through virtual sessions. We work with you to develop practical strategies you can use right away – not just in therapy, but in the moments that matter most.

DBT emerged in the 1980s when psychologist Marsha Linehan recognized that some people needed both validation and challenge in therapy. The word “dialectical” refers to holding two truths at once: accepting yourself exactly as you are while simultaneously working toward meaningful change.

Unlike traditional therapy that focuses primarily on talking through problems, DBT centers on skill development across four areas. You’ll learn mindfulness techniques to stay grounded when emotions escalate, distress tolerance strategies to get through crises without destructive behaviors, emotion regulation skills to understand and shift your emotional responses, and interpersonal effectiveness tools to express your needs while preserving relationships.

What sets DBT apart is its emphasis on practice. Between sessions, you’ll apply skills to real situations in your life, track what works and what doesn’t, and bring those experiences back to therapy. This active approach means you’re building capabilities that extend far beyond the therapy room.

Who Is DBT For?

DBT may be a good fit if you:

• Feel like your emotions hit harder and last longer than they do for others
• Notice patterns of pushing people away or clinging too tightly in relationships
• Engage in behaviors you know aren’t helping but feel unable to stop
• Have received diagnoses like borderline personality disorder, PTSD, or chronic depression
• Struggle with black-and-white thinking that makes situations feel impossible
• Want something more active than traditional talk therapy
• Need relationship skills that actually work when tensions run high
• Have tried other therapies but haven’t seen the changes you’re looking for

Ready to Build Skills That Make a Difference?

Book your free 15-minute consultation to explore whether DBT fits your needs. We’ll discuss your current challenges, explain how DBT might help, and answer any questions about getting started.

Therapy with Empathy
Westboro, Ottawa | Virtual across Ontario
Bilingual services available (English/French)