Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Orange County

therapist at voyagers conducting dbt therapy in orange county.

At Voyager Recovery Center, we believe that healing begins with understanding, connection, and the right tools to manage life’s emotional storms. Our Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program in Orange County offers a powerful, evidence-based pathway to well-being—especially for individuals struggling with intense emotions, self-destructive behaviors, or complex mental health conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

Our DBT therapists are trained in delivering comprehensive DBT programs that combine individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and a compassionate therapeutic environment tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re dealing with emotional dysregulation, substance abuse, eating disorders, or persistent feelings of emptiness or instability, our DBT program is designed to help you build a life worth living—a core value of DBT’s founder, Dr. Marsha Linehan.

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a form of psychotherapy developed to help individuals who experience intense emotional pain and have difficulty managing their behaviors in response to distress. Originally created to treat BPD, DBT is now used to support individuals with a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and self-harm.

Unlike more traditional forms of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), DBT is specifically designed to:

  • Balance acceptance with change through dialectical thinking
  • Address patterns of emotional dysregulation and impulsivity
  • Teach practical coping skills to tolerate distress and reduce harmful behaviors
  • Strengthen the ability to manage relationships and communicate effectively

DBT blends elements of CBT, mindfulness practices, and Zen-informed philosophies to help clients develop a healthier relationship with their emotions and the world around them. It has become one of the most evidence-based treatments for individuals who feel overwhelmed by their feelings or caught in cycles of crisis.

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Core DBT Skills That Support Healing

The heart of DBT lies in its structured skills training. At Voyager Recovery Center, our DBT skills groups teach clients key modules that empower emotional healing and build long-term resilience, including:

Mindfulness:

Staying grounded in the present moment and learning to observe emotions without judgment

Distress Tolerance:

Managing crises without resorting to harmful behaviors such as self-harm, substance use, or emotional shutdown

Emotion Regulation:

Identifying emotional triggers and learning to reduce vulnerability to intense feelings

Interpersonal Effectiveness:

Communicating needs clearly, setting boundaries, and improving relationships with others

Our DBT program goes beyond worksheets and checklists—it’s about fully integrating these life-saving skills into your day-to-day reality. Whether you’re working through triggers, navigating a conflict with a loved one, or practicing radical acceptance, you’ll have the support of trained clinicians every step of the way.

Who Can Benefit from DBT?

Many people first come to DBT therapy feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or misunderstood. DBT is especially helpful for those who:

  • Experience intense mood swings or chronic emotion dysregulation
  • Struggle with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or urges to escape emotional pain
  • Deal with substance use disorders or eating disorders alongside emotional challenges
  • Have been diagnosed with BPD or exhibit similar traits such as black-and-white thinking, unstable relationships, or fear of abandonment
  • Are navigating adolescence, identity formation, or traumatic life events
  • Feel “too sensitive,” “too reactive,” or “too much” and have never found therapy that truly worked

We also support families and partners seeking help for a loved one. Many individuals with BPD or high emotional sensitivity benefit from knowing they’re not alone—and neither are you.

DBT at Voyager Recovery Center: What to Expect

When you join our DBT program in Orange County, you’ll have access to a full level of care designed to meet your emotional and clinical needs. Depending on your situation, we may recommend:

  • Weekly individual therapy sessions focused on applying DBT skills to your real-life challenges
  • A weekly DBT skills group, also known as group skills training, where you’ll learn and practice new coping techniques in a supportive setting
  • Between-session phone coaching to help you use DBT tools when you’re in crisis or struggling to cope
  • Access to adjunct therapies such as CBT and trauma-focused therapy for deeper support

Our treatment philosophy is rooted in collaboration, respect, and transparency. We don’t just tell you what to do—we walk beside you as you transform your relationship with yourself and others. And because emotional healing isn’t linear, we’re here to adjust your treatment plan as your needs change over time.

Why DBT is So Effective for Complex Emotional Needs

Traditional talk therapy can feel frustrating when you’re drowning in emotion. DBT is different. It’s designed specifically for people who feel things deeply and react intensely—and that’s not a flaw; it’s part of your wiring. Our role is to help you learn how to work with your emotions rather than fight them.

Some of the most impactful benefits of DBT include:

  • Decreased urges to engage in harmful behaviors
  • Improved ability to manage intense emotions without shutting down
  • Stronger, healthier relationships and better interpersonal effectiveness
  • Enhanced self-worth, motivation, and sense of purpose
  • Greater emotional awareness, mindfulness, and presence

The structure and accountability of DBT also provide a framework for long-term success, especially for clients who haven’t responded well to other mental health treatments. It’s not easy—but it’s incredibly effective.

Women receiving dbt therapy in orange county.

A Safe, Compassionate Space for DBT in Orange County

At Voyager Recovery Center, we’ve created a healing space where clients can explore vulnerability without judgment. Located in Orange County, with easy access from Tustin, Newport Beach, and surrounding California communities, our treatment center is designed to feel safe, warm, and empowering. We offer both in-person sessions and telehealth options to meet you where you are.

We proudly serve adolescents, adults, and families across the region, tailoring our approach to your age, stage of life, and unique story. Whether you’re beginning your mental health journey or returning for a higher level of care, our dedicated team of therapists, counselors, and support staff is here to guide you.

We also accept many insurance plans and offer flexible scheduling to make mental health support more accessible.

Start Your DBT Journey Today at Voyager Recovery Center

Healing is possible. Even if you’ve struggled for years with self-harm, substance use, unstable relationships, or emotional chaos, Dialectical Behavior Therapy can help you rewrite the narrative. Our comprehensive DBT program in Orange County is here to walk with you through the fire and into a place of grounded, sustainable wellness.

At Voyager Recovery Center, we don’t just treat symptoms—we help you reclaim your life. If you or a loved one is ready to explore DBT in a supportive, structured, and compassionate environment, we’re here to help. Reach out today to learn more about our program, speak with a member of our clinical team, or schedule your first consultation.

Because you deserve a life that’s not just about surviving—it’s about thriving.