What is DBT Like?
Supportive
The therapist helps the client recognize his or her strengths and develop these positive characteristics to build a life worth living.
Balances acceptance and change
People come to therapy in order to change, but DBT also recognizes that acceptance must be present so that the client can tolerate the pain and suffering of the here-and-now.
Cognitive
The therapist and client work together to identify and change beliefs, expectations and assumptions that often lead to problematic emotions and behaviors.
Behavioral
Even destructive behavior patterns exist for a reason – some positive “payoff results”. In DBT, the client and therapist identify new behaviors that can obtain the same “payoff” without the painful consequences.
Skill-oriented
Clients in DBT learn and enhance skills for managing emotions, relationships, and impulses.
Requires a collaborative relationship
DBT clients and therapists work as a team. Constant attention is paid to the relationship so that treatment can progress as effectively as possible.
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We are accepting adults (18+) for our wait list. Because, to our knowledge, we offer the only standard model DBT program in Hawaii (including all four elements listed above) the demand for our services is high and the wait for an opening can vary greatly. We encourage interested individuals to add their names to the list, but apologize for our inability to accept new clients as quickly as would be desirable.
Accepted Insurance
- HMSA
- UHA
- UHC
- HMAA
- Kaiser Permanente (by referral from Kaiser only)
- Medicare
- Quest
Individuals interested in being added to the waiting list should complete the form on this page..