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DBT in Boulder, Colorado

At Flatirons Recovery, we offer compassionate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an evidence-based approach developed to help individuals navigate emotional challenges and build a life worth living. Our DBT in Boulder, Colorado, integrates mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills to support lasting recovery.

Understanding DBT

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that helps people manage intense emotions and reduce harmful behaviors. Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, it is now widely used to treat various mental health challenges.

What makes DBT unique is its blend of acceptance and change, teaching clients to accept themselves while working toward healthier behaviors. It draws from cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness to build awareness and emotional resilience.

At Flatirons Recovery, we offer DBT focusing on four core skills:

  • Mindfulness: Cultivating awareness and presence to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
  • Distress Tolerance: Learning strategies to manage painful emotions in healthy, non-destructive ways.
  • Emotion Regulation: Understanding, navigating, and reducing the intensity of emotional responses.
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness: Strengthening communication and relationship skills while maintaining self-respect.
A woman feeling empowered after DBT in Boulder, Colorado.

Who Benefits from DBT?

DBT is highly effective for individuals who experience overwhelming emotions, impulsivity, or relationship struggles. It is often used to treat borderline personality disorder, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.

Clients who benefit most are those seeking practical tools to regulate emotions, improve relationships, and make meaningful changes in their lives. At Flatirons Recovery, we use DBT in Boulder, Colorado, to help clients build emotional resilience and break free from destructive patterns.

What Makes DBT Effective

DBT is backed by decades of clinical research and is used in leading treatment centers across the country. Its structured, skills-based model empowers clients to take control of their emotional health through real, actionable strategies.

Unlike general talk therapy, DBT offers a hands-on framework that teaches clients how to live in the moment, tolerate distress, and manage emotions without becoming overwhelmed. It is this combination of practical skills and emotional insight that makes DBT so effective for lasting change.

How DBT Differs from CBT?

DBT and CBT both explore how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. However, each takes a distinct approach to guiding emotional healing and behavioral change.

CBT

CBT is goal-oriented, helping individuals identify and change negative thinking patterns that influence behavior. It is highly structured and focuses on challenging unhelpful thoughts to create more constructive outcomes.

DBT

DBT, on the other hand, goes a step further. It balances change with acceptance, teaching clients to accept difficult emotions while still working to make positive behavioral changes. DBT emphasizes the four core skills.

At Flatirons Recovery, we often use DBT for individuals who experience heightened emotional sensitivity or struggle with impulsive behaviors, especially in the context of substance use. While CBT focuses primarily on thoughts, DBT in Boulder, Colorado, centers more deeply on emotional experience and practical life skills.

How DBT Supports Addiction Recovery

Recovering from addiction often involves confronting intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, and overwhelming stress. That is where DBT for addiction becomes especially valuable. Our DBT approach for addiction includes:

  • Building emotional awareness: Clients learn to recognize emotional triggers without judgment.
  • Enhancing distress tolerance: Instead of turning to substances, individuals learn how to navigate distress with practical tools.
  • Improving impulse control: By strengthening mindfulness and self-reflection, clients gain more control over their behaviors.
  • Creating meaningful connections: Through interpersonal effectiveness training, clients rebuild healthy relationships and develop a stronger support system.

DBT at our center not only supports sobriety. It also builds lasting emotional strength as part of a holistic recovery journey. 

A man practicing mindfulness during DBT in Boulder, Colorado.

What to Expect in Our DBT Program 

At Flatirons Recovery, our structured DBT program is developed to provide comprehensive, practical support throughout the healing process. Whether you are dealing with emotional dysregulation or seeking DBT for addiction, our model ensures consistency, accountability, and growth. Our DBT program includes:

Individual Therapy Sessions

Meet one-on-one with a licensed DBT therapist to address personal challenges in a safe, confidential space. These sessions focus on applying DBT strategies that align with your recovery goals.

Group Skills Training

Join a supportive group setting to learn and practice core DBT skills like mindfulness and emotion regulation. This collaborative environment reinforces new coping strategies and encourages peer connection.

A study found that DBT skills training in a community setting reduced depression symptoms and improved functioning in people with severe mental health conditions.

Therapist Consultation Team

Our therapists meet regularly to review client progress and maintain fidelity to the DBT model. This team approach ensures high-quality, consistent care.

Each element of our program is grounded in evidence-based techniques and customized to meet the needs of those seeking dialectical behavior therapy in Boulder. This structure promotes both short-term improvements and long-term resilience.

A man experiencing the benefits of DBT in Boulder, Colorado.

Why Choose Us?

At Flatirons Recovery, we take pride in offering a unique, personalized approach to DBT in Boulder, Colorado. Here’s why clients trust us with their healing journey:

  • Expert-Led Therapy: Our licensed clinicians specialize in DBT and bring extensive experience in treating emotional and behavioral challenges.
  • Integrated, Whole-Person Care: We blend DBT with complementary therapies to support comprehensive and individualized healing.
  • Safe, Supportive Environment: Our Boulder facility offers a peaceful and nurturing space for personal growth and recovery.
  • Flexible and Accessible Options: We provide varied scheduling through day treatment, evening IOP, and individual sessions to fit your needs.
  • Ongoing Support and Community: Our aftercare and alumni programs help you stay connected and supported long after treatment ends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is DBT only for borderline personality disorder?

No. While originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT is now widely used for addiction, PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

How long does DBT treatment usually last?

Dialectical behavior therapy in Boulder typically spans several months, but the exact length depends on individual treatment needs and progress.

Can DBT help with relapse prevention in addiction recovery?

Yes. DBT teaches emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills that help reduce the risk of relapse and support long-term recovery.

What kind of support is available after the program ends?

We offer aftercare and alumni programs to help you stay connected and supported beyond treatment.

Do I need a diagnosis to start DBT?

No. You do not need a formal diagnosis if you are struggling with emotional regulation or impulsive behaviors; DBT may still be beneficial.

Can I do DBT while attending school or work?

Yes. Our facility offers flexible scheduling, including evening programs, to accommodate school, work, or family responsibilities.

Is DBT available as part of outpatient treatment?

Yes. We offer DBT within both day treatment and evening intensive outpatient programs for flexible support.

Start Building a Better Life With DBT in Boulder, Colorado

If you are ready to gain control over overwhelming emotions, break free from unhealthy patterns, and build a more balanced life, DBT in Boulder, Colorado, at Flatirons Recovery can help. Our experienced and compassionate team is here to guide you through evidence-based therapy customized to your path.

Reach out today to learn more about our DBT program options. Healing starts with one step. Let us take it together.