Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Linehan’s (1993) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been enormously influential in creating interest in mindfulness-based techniques. Like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, DBT is rooted in Buddhist thought. DBT employs mindfulness practice without traditional sitting meditation, although DBT providers are encouraged to practice meditation. It was developed for people who may be too emotionally dysregulated and chaotic to maintain formal practice, which they may find too intense. Having taken a year’s sabbatical to train in Zen monasteries in California and Germany (Butler, 2001), Linehan incorporated skills in DBT that emphasize remaining attentive to the present moment but which do not necessarily involve formal meditation. For example, DBT participants practice observing their thoughts and emotions, observing a specific aspect of their external world, and other related skills. DBT has been demonstrated to be effective in clients with borderline personality disorder, particularly in reducing self-harming behaviors and suicide attempts behaviors and keeping clients in treatment (Linehan, Cochran, & Kehrer, 2001).


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Our Colleagues Say it Best

"Portland Psychotherapy is a unique practice. It not only provides knowledgeable, compassionate and highly effective treatments for their clients, but it is also a place where the therapists are actively involved in cutting edge clinical research to find ever more effective ways to serve their clients to help improve the quality of their lives. I know all of the therapists in this practice through participation in an ongoing peer consultation group for over 2 years, and I can say without hesitation that these are the professionals I would send my family and friends to if they needed help."

-S.B.

"This clinic is run by leading experts in the field, using evidence based methods that have been shown to work. If you are facing complex or long-standing problems then this is definitely the place to go. You will receive treatment from experienced, compassionate, well trained therapists who will deliver a high level of care. I have known and worked with Jason Luoma for over 6 years and can tell you that he is very committed to helping people develop lives that are fulfilling and satisfying."

- M.W.

"Portland Psychotherapy is a unique and valuable resource in our community as it is staffed by therapists trained in various specialty areas. Drs. LeJeune and Luoma, who started the clinic, are highly respected professionals in the community, known for their extensive knowledge and expertise as therapists, researchers, and trainers. I have referred several of my clients to Portland Psychotherapy and have been most impressed and reassured by the feedback I have received about their experience. I have no hesitation about continuing to refer my clients to Portland Psychotherapy and appreciate the high quality of care that is provided by the professionals in this practice."

- M.B.

"Portland Psychotherapy is special. I have the utmost confidence in each of the clinicians here. They are compassionate, genuine, and have formed a model clinic in the scientist-practioner tradition. They are committed to effectively implementing research-supported treatments and also work to advance the science in our field through psychotherapy research. The clinic enjoys an outstanding reputation among other mental health professionals as a top-notch evidence-based practice. This is a place I would refer a family member or close friend."

- B.G.

Upcoming Training Events

ACT on Life: Stop Struggling and Start Living
Tuesday or Wednesday nights 5:30 - 7:00 pm, start date to be determined