What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

At Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, we offer Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as part of our commitment to providing evidence-based care for individuals facing a range of psychological challenges.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that was initially developed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, but research has shown it to be highly effective for various other conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, anxiety, and difficulties with emotion regulation. DBT helps individuals manage intense emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and improve overall well-being.

The therapy focuses on four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills are especially helpful for individuals facing OCD and similar challenges, as they offer practical tools for managing distressing thoughts and behaviors. DBT can be delivered through individual therapy, group skills training, and ongoing support, with the approach tailored to meet the unique needs of each person.

At Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, we recognize that each person’s journey is unique. Our use of DBT is informed by the latest research and clinical best practices, ensuring our patients receive comprehensive, compassionate care. If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, intense emotions, or other behavioral health concerns, our team is here to support you with proven therapeutic approaches like DBT, helping you build resilience and a more fulfilling life.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are both effective therapies for managing emotional challenges, but they differ in their focus and techniques. CBT is primarily centered around identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It helps individuals challenge distorted thinking and replace it with more realistic, balanced perspectives, making it effective for a variety of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. CBT typically involves short-term, goal-oriented treatment with a focus on problem-solving and practical skills.

DBT, developed specifically to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder and severe emotional dysregulation, integrates mindfulness and acceptance strategies alongside traditional cognitive-behavioral techniques. While DBT also addresses thought patterns and behaviors, it places a strong emphasis on learning to regulate intense emotions, tolerate distress, and improve interpersonal relationships. It incorporates both individual therapy and group skills training, making it a more comprehensive and longer-term treatment, especially for those dealing with chronic emotional struggles. DBT’s focus on balancing acceptance and change sets it apart from CBT’s more straightforward cognitive restructuring approach.

While both CBT and DBT are offered at Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, your treatment plan will be tailored to best support your goals. CBT provides a structured pathway to challenge and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, especially those related to OCD and anxiety. DBT adds further support for emotional regulation and acceptance, making it an excellent option for those struggling with intense emotions or self-destructive patterns. Our goal is to help you achieve lasting relief and build a more meaningful, balanced life.

At Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) sessions are designed to provide a structured and compassionate environment, uniquely tailored to support individuals coping with OCD, anxiety, and related psychological challenges.

In a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) session with Dr. Katie Flanigan-Landeros, you can expect a structured and supportive environment designed to help you manage intense emotions, enhance relationships, and build healthier coping strategies. DBT integrates individual therapy with skills training in key areas, including mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Here’s what you might experience:

• Individual Therapy: In individual sessions, Dr. Flanigan-Landeros will help you explore your emotional triggers, thoughts, and behaviors. She will guide you in identifying patterns that contribute to emotional distress and teach you practical tools for managing difficult emotions. This may include examining specific challenges you’re facing and how to use DBT skills to cope effectively.

• Skills Training: In addition to individual therapy, DBT often includes skills groups where you learn valuable techniques such as mindfulness to stay present, distress tolerance to cope with crises, emotion regulation to handle strong emotions, along interpersonal effectiveness to enhance communication and relationships.

• Collaboration and Support: DBT is highly collaborative, and Dr. Flanigan-Landeros will work with you to set goals and track your progress. She will provide feedback, offer encouragement, and help you adjust your strategies to overcome barriers. Expect a non-judgmental, validating environment where you can feel safe to discuss your struggles and celebrate your progress.

Through consistent practice and skill-building, DBT helps you create meaningful change, improving your emotional well-being and ability to navigate life’s challenges. At the end of each session, you and your therapist will set practical goals or choose specific DBT skills to focus on before your next visit. This ensures ongoing progress and continual support, both in and out of the therapy room. At Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, you can expect DBT sessions to be practical, skills-based, and always tailored to your individual needs—helping you build resilience and confidence in managing life’s challenges.

At Dr. Katie Flanigan-Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, we understand that navigating insurance coverage for Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can be a complex process. Whether DBT is covered by your insurance depends on factors such as your specific provider, your policy details, and your location. Many leading insurance providers offer coverage for DBT, particularly for individuals dealing with conditions such as borderline personality disorder, chronic suicidality, severe emotional dysregulation, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Typically, coverage is granted when DBT is deemed medically necessary by a licensed mental health professional like Dr. Landeros.

Insurance plans often have specific requirements, such as ensuring DBT is provided by an in-network licensed provider. Dr. Katie Flanigan-Landeros is a licensed therapist, and our team can assist in verifying whether your insurance includes her services. However, some plans may limit the number of sessions covered, require pre-authorization, or only cover certain aspects of DBT, such as individual therapy, while excluding group skills training or phone coaching.

To confirm if DBT services at Dr. Katie Flanigan-Landeros OCD & Psychological Services are covered by your insurance, we recommend reaching out to your insurance provider directly. Inquire about your mental health benefits, any potential out-of-pocket expenses, and whether our practice is in-network for DBT. Our administrative team is also available to help verify your benefits and explore alternative payment options, such as sliding scale fees, if your insurance does not cover DBT. Understanding your insurance policy’s specifics will enable you to make informed decisions regarding your mental health treatment.

Dr. Katie Flanigan-Landeros offers the powerful therapeutic approach of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help individuals navigate emotional challenges and achieve lasting mental health improvements. With her expertise and compassionate approach, Dr. Flanigan-Landeros specializes in helping patients struggling with emotional regulation, relationship difficulties, and mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. DBT, a well-established treatment developed for those with borderline personality disorder, provides effective tools to manage distressing emotions, build healthier coping strategies, and foster more meaningful connections.

Why Choose Dr. Katie Flanigan-Landeros for DBT:

• Expertise in DBT: Dr. Flanigan-Landeros has extensive training and experience in DBT, using it to guide patients toward emotional balance and personal growth.

• Comprehensive emotional regulation: Through DBT, Dr. Flanigan-Landeros helps patients develop the skills needed to manage overwhelming emotions and reduce impulsivity.

• Building healthier relationships: Dr. Flanigan-Landeros teaches communication and interpersonal effectiveness, promoting more stable and fulfilling relationships.

• Mindfulness training: Dr. Flanigan-Landeros incorporates mindfulness techniques that enhance self-awareness, reduce stress, and improve decision-making.

• Tailored, results-driven approach: With a focus on individualized care, Dr. Flanigan-Landeros adapts DBT techniques to address each patient’s unique needs, ensuring a personalized path to healing and personal development.

For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 400 Continental Blvd FL 6, Suite A El Segundo, CA 90245. We serve patients from El Segundo CA, Santa Monica CA, Inglewood CA, Gardena CA, Torrance CA, Hawthorne CA, Culver City CA, Westmont CA, West Los Angeles CA and surrounding areas.