In Part 1 of our series on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), we explored the first two essential components of DBT: individual therapy and skills training groups. Together, these elements provide a structured yet personalized foundation for learning critical life skills like mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
But the DBT model doesn’t stop there. What makes DBT distinct and highly effective is the comprehensive support system it provides between sessions—for both clients and therapists. In Part 2, we’ll cover the remaining core components of DBT: phone coaching, therapist consultation teams, and the commitment to treatment that ties it all together.
Phone Coaching: Real-Time Support Between Sessions
One of the most unique features of DBT is phone coaching. Life doesn’t wait for your next therapy appointment—and DBT acknowledges that. Phone coaching offers clients access to their therapist between sessions for guidance in real time.
The purpose of phone coaching is not to replace therapy sessions but to help you:
- Apply DBT skills to real-life situations as they arise
- Prevent impulsive or harmful behaviors during moments of crisis
- Strengthen the habit of using learned skills when emotions are high
These calls are typically brief and solution-focused. For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to handle a difficult conversation or emotional surge, your therapist can help you decide which skills to use in the moment. This immediate support bridges the gap between therapy and daily life, increasing the likelihood that DBT skills become second nature.
Therapist Consultation Teams: Support for the Therapist, Better Care for You
DBT isn’t just a treatment model for clients—it also provides a structured support system for therapists through regular consultation team meetings. DBT therapists are often working with individuals who have complex emotional and behavioral needs, so maintaining their effectiveness, empathy, and focus is crucial.
A DBT consultation team is a group of DBT clinicians who meet weekly to:
- Review challenging cases and ensure treatment stays on course
- Support each other in maintaining fidelity to DBT principles
- Prevent therapist burnout and increase resilience
- Share strategies and perspectives for client care
This collaborative approach ensures that your therapist is continuously growing, learning, and supported—ultimately improving the quality of care you receive. It’s one of the reasons why DBT is both rigorous and sustainable as a long-term treatment approach.
The Importance of Commitment in DBT
DBT requires an active and ongoing commitment—from both the client and the therapist. When entering a DBT program, clients are asked to commit to:
- Attending scheduled individual and group sessions
- Practicing skills between sessions
- Participating in phone coaching when necessary
- Collaborating honestly with their therapist
This commitment is critical because DBT is designed to address deeply rooted emotional patterns and behaviors that don’t change overnight. Sticking with the program—even when it feels difficult—is often the key to long-term success.
Therapists, in turn, commit to providing comprehensive, structured, and compassionate care that respects the client’s experiences while guiding them toward healthier coping strategies.
Is DBT Right for You?
DBT is more than just a therapy—it’s a comprehensive system designed to create lasting change. Whether you struggle with emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, or behaviors that negatively impact your life, DBT offers a proven pathway forward. You can read more about how therapies like DBT help with mental health challenges on the Behavioral Tech website, founded by Dr. Marsha Linehan, the developer of DBT.
At the Counseling Center of Maryland, our trained DBT therapists are here to guide you through every step of the process, from individual therapy to skills training groups, phone coaching, and beyond.
If you’re ready to start your DBT journey or want to know if DBT is right for you, contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
