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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Calgary and Alberta

Find balance, emotion-regulation and self-compassion with dbt

Do you feel overwhelmed by intense emotions, struggling to manage distress, or caught in cycles of self-criticism? Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help you build resilience, regulate emotions, and develop a healthier relationships with yourself, and with others. At Still Leaf Psychology, we offer DBT therapy in-person in Calgary and virtually in Alberta to support teens, young adults, and adults in navigating life’s challenges with greater ease and self-compassion.

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Evidence-based therapy for eating disorders, dialectical behavior therapy, treatment for borderline personality disoder
Mindfulness books, mindfulness therapy, dbt

What is dbt?

A proven therapy for lasting change, resilience, and healthier relationships

DBT is an evidence-based therapy that blends change and acceptance skills in a strategic way to create movement and flow in the therapeutic setting. Originally developed for borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT is now widely used to support individuals with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, OCD, and trauma. This style of therapy can be helpful for anyone, but it is especially helpful for those who have felt incredibly stuck or have complex diagnoses.

DBT Focuses On Four Key Areas:

  • MINDFULNESS: Staying present in the moment without judgment
  • DISTRESS TOLERANCE: Coping with crisis situations without making them worse
  • EMOTION REGULATION: Understanding and managing overwhelming emotions
  • INTERPERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS: Communicating needs and setting healthy boundaries

How Can DBT
help you?

Many people feel stuck in patterns of emotional distress, impulsivity, or self-criticism. DBT equips you with tools to break these cycles and move toward greater stability and self-acceptance.

DBT May be right for you if you:

  • Struggle with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or impulsive behaviours
  • Experience overwhelming emotions that feel difficult to control
  • Have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships or setting boundaries
  • Feel stuck in cycles of self-doubt, guilt, or shame
  • Want to build emotional resilience and coping skills
Ashley Pettigrew, Registered Psychologist, Calgary AB

WHat to expect in dbt therapy

At Still Leaf Psychology, we tailor DBT techniques to your unique needs. Therapy sessions focus on learning practical skills, exploring emotions, and developing strategies for real-life challenges.

What Happens in a DBT Session?

  • Build resilience by developing distress tolerance strategies
  • Gain tools for effective communication and emotional balance
  • Practice mindfulness techniques to ground yourself in the present
  • Learn DBT skills tailored to your personal struggle

Whether you’re looking for structured sessions teaching DBT skills or an integrative approach that blends DBT strategies with other therapies like CBT and ACT, we will create a treatment plan that works best for you.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently Asked Questions about DBT

No! While DBT was originally designed for BPD, it is highly effective for anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, depression, and trauma-related challenges.

Yes! We offer online therapy sessions for clients across Alberta, so you can access DBT support from the comfort of your home. We also offer in person session at our Calgary office.

The length of therapy varies depending on individual needs and circumstances. Some clients benefit from short-term skills training, while others engage in long-term DBT support. Generally, most clients start out coming to therapy more frequently and space out sessions overtime. Traditionally, individual DBT treatment is done weekly.

Contact us through our contact page to see if DBT is a good fit for you.

Ashley Pettigrew, Registered Psychologist Calgary Office

“Mindfulness isn’t a place we get to, mindfulness is a place that we are.”

– Marsha linehan

Virtual therapy in Alberta, online therapy Alberta

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CONNECT?

Take the next step and get in touch with us today.

You don’t have to navigate emotional struggles alone. Therapy can help you find balance, resilience, and a deeper sense of self-worth. If you’re ready to start your healing journey, we’re here to support you.

Click on the link below to be taken to our contact page to get connected and start your journey. We look forward to meeting you!

CONTACT PAGE