Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if this type of therapy is right for me?
If you often feel overwhelmed by your emotions, struggle with reactivity, or notice patterns in your relationships that you want to change, this approach may be a good fit. We focus on helping you better understand those patterns and respond differently in the moments that matter.
Who is DBT therapy for?
DBT is helpful for anyone who feels like their emotions are harder to manage than they would like or tend to take over in important moments.
It can be especially helpful if:
- You feel emotions very intensely or quickly
- You have a hard time staying in control during emotional situations
- You react in ways you later regret
- Your emotions are impacting your relationships
- Your reactions sometimes feel bigger than the situation or difficult to stop once they start
- You have tried to change these patterns but are not sure how
DBT focuses on helping you build the skills to slow things down, respond differently, and feel more stable and in control.
Can DBT help with intense emotions or emotional reactions?
Yes. DBT is specifically designed to help individuals who feel emotions very strongly or have difficulty managing reactions in the moment. It focuses on building skills to create more control, awareness, and stability.
What is DBT and how is it different from other therapy?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, skills-based approach that helps you understand your emotional responses and learn how to manage them more effectively. DBT focuses on practical tools like mindfulness, emotional regulation, and communication skills that you can use in everyday situations. The focus is on real-life application, not just talking through experiences.
Do you offer DBT therapy in Westlake, Ohio?
Yes. We offer Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) both in-person in Westlake, Ohio and through telehealth sessions. This approach is especially helpful for individuals and couples who experience intense emotions or difficulty managing reactions.
Do you offer therapy for relationship issues?
Yes. We work with individuals and couples who want to better understand their relationship patterns, improve communication, and navigate emotional reactions more effectively.
For couples, we focus on helping you break out of repetitive conflict cycles, communicate more clearly, and feel more understood by each other. We use structured approaches, including DBT skills and the Gottman Method, a research-based approach to couples therapy that focuses on improving communication, reducing conflict, and strengthening connection.
Do you accept insurance?
We are a private pay practice, which allows for more flexibility, privacy, and individualized care. In some cases, you may be able to use out-of-network benefits depending on your insurance plan.
Most insurance plans do not cover couples therapy, which is one reason many couples choose private pay. Private pay also allows us to focus on the relationship as a whole, rather than requiring a diagnosis for one person.
If cost is still a concern, we provide sliding scale payments in select situations. We don’t want finances to prevent you from getting the help you need.
What does sliding scale mean?
Sliding scale means that in certain cases, session fees can be adjusted based on financial need. A limited number of reduced-fee spots may be available depending on current availability. If cost is a concern, we can talk through options during your consultation.
Do you offer virtual therapy sessions?
Yes. We offer both in-person sessions in Westlake, Ohio and telehealth appointments for clients who prefer to meet virtually.
What can I expect in the first therapy session?
The first session is focused on understanding what brings you to therapy, your current challenges, and what you would like to work toward. It is also a chance to ask questions and get a sense of whether this feels like the right fit.
What is the 15-minute consultation?
This is a short, no-pressure call where you can ask questions, share what you are looking for, and decide if this feels like a good fit before scheduling a full session.
How often will we meet?
This depends on your needs and goals. Many clients start with weekly sessions and adjust over time as progress is made.
What if I am not sure I am ready for therapy?
That is completely normal. The consultation can be a helpful first step to explore your options without committing to ongoing sessions.
How long does therapy take?
The length of therapy varies depending on your goals. Our focus is on helping you build skills and create meaningful, lasting change that you can apply in your daily life.
What types of clients do you typically work with?
We specialize in working with individuals who experience intense emotions, relationship challenges, and patterns they want to better understand and change.
Still have questions?
If you’re not sure where to start, that’s completely okay. We can talk through what’s going on and help you figure out the next step.