DBT Therapy in Calgary – Treatment for Emotional Regulation & Trauma

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy

Takeaway: Looking for effective DBT therapy in Calgary? Our licensed DBT therapists specialize in borderline personality disorder (BPD), anxiety, and emotional regulation, providing evidence-based treatments to help you build better coping skills and lead a more balanced life.  

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) in Calgary, Alberta equips you with skills to navigate extreme emotions regulate reactions.

Connect with a therapist today for a free consultation and explore how DBT with Shelly Qualtieri & Associates and can be a transformative part of your therapeutic journey.

What is dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) empowers individuals with mental health disorders to cultivate emotional focus and resilience through an evidence-based therapeutic process encompassing these key steps and components:

Mindfulness Skills: DBT integrates mindfulness techniques, allowing patients to focus on the present moment without judgment. 

Distress Tolerance: DBT equips you with practical tools to navigate distressing situations without resorting to harmful behaviors. 

Emotion Regulation: Central to Dialectical Behavioural Therapy is the development of skills to understand and manage intense psychological trauma effectively. Therapists guide patients in creating a stable emotional foundation.

Interpersonal Effectiveness: DBT helps cultivate communication and relationship skills to navigate interpersonal challenges. Patients will learn assertiveness and boundary-setting, enhancing their relational interactions.

When embarking on a therapeutic journey with DBT at Shelly Qualtieri & Associates, therapy involves a collaborative and empathetic exploration of these components.

Book your therapy session today

3 Best Calgary DBT Therapists

1. Adrianna Rabeda-Kowalczak

Adrianna combines her neuropsychology background with Dialectical Behavioural Therapy to help people navigate life's challenges. Her strength-based, solution-focused approach emphasizes self-compassion and future-oriented healing. She creates authentic, judgment-free spaces where clients can process trauma while building practical resilience tools for meaningful change.

  • Credentials: Registered Provisional Psychologist

  • Clientele: Adults

  • Location: 4503 Brisebois Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2L 2G3, Canada

  • Virtual therapy?: Yes

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2. Lorena Koenig, MSW

Lorena integrates trauma-informed care with a holistic wellness approach, addressing mental, physical, and emotional health simultaneously. Her evidence-based methods, including DBT, CBT, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy, help clients process trauma while building lasting change. She emphasizes empowering clients to take charge of their healing journey through strong therapeutic relationships.

  • Credentials: Registered Social Worker

  • Clientele: Teens 16+, adults

  • Virtual therapy?: Yes

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3. Marizabel Forno

Marizabel offers specialized care for athletes, individuals with acquired brain injuries, and those with emotional dysregulation. Her person-centred, evidence-based approach combines traditional therapy approaches like DBT with sports psychology principles. She helps clients build mental resilience and emotional regulation skills while addressing trauma's impact on performance and identity.

  • Credentials: Registered Provisional Psychologist, Provisional Sports Psychologist

  • Clientele: Children 5+, adolescents 12+, adults, families, couples

  • Location: 4503 Brisebois Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2L 2G3, Canada

  • Virtual therapy?: Yes

book with marizabel

Regain Emotional Mastery with our DBT Therapists

DBT sessions or group therapy excels at addressing various behaviours, symptoms of eating disorders, and mood disorders.

Primary Conditions We Treat:

  • Anger & Impulsivity

  • Anxiety & Overwhelm

  • Depression & Sadness

  • Guilt & Shame

  • Fear & Jealousy

  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

  • Eating Disorders

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

  • Self-Harming/Suicidal Ideation

  • Sexual Abuse and Assault

Who our DBT services are for

Dialectical behavioural therapy proves highly beneficial for both teens and adults by providing practical tools to regulate emotions, navigate challenges, and enhance overall psychological health.  Connect with a therapist today to discuss your concerns.

Empowering Teens with DBT:

Dialectical behavioural therapy equips teens with valuable tools for emotion regulation, improved mental health, strategies for mood disorders, and decision-making, fostering a smoother transition through the challenges of adolescence.

Supporting Adults with DBT:

Even with the best intentions, dysregulated adults or those with a lack of distress tolerance skills can create unintentional challenges and conflict in their homes, relationships, and workplace. With practical DBT skills, adult individuals can enhance relationships and create a fulfilling life. 

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FAQs about DBT in Calgary

  • In Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), individuals embark on a transformative journey, gaining heightened emotional awareness, problem-solving skills for overwhelming emotions, and enhanced communication abilities. Backed by research, dialectical behaviour therapy has proven efficacy in reducing suicide attempts, self-injury, and hospitalizations, as well as effectively addressing substance abuse.

    This evidence-based therapy carries some underpinnings of attachment theory and guides individuals in navigating stress, trauma, negative thoughts, and relationship issues, fostering a personalized and impactful therapeutic experience.

    We offer therapy in person and phone coaching. Book your free consultation.

  • While both Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) share roots in cognitive-behavioral principles, they differ in focus and application. CBT Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy primarily addresses thought patterns and behaviours, aiming for cognitive restructuring. On the other hand, dialectical behavioural therapy extends beyond that to encompass emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, building social skills, and mindfulness, making it a more comprehensive approach suitable for those seeking a broader skill set for navigating life's challenges.

  • Dialectical behaviour therapy is generally effective for a broad range of individuals, but it may not be suitable for those seeking a more traditional, insight-oriented therapy or for building distress tolerance skills. Individuals who are resistant to structured, skills-based approaches or who are not ready for active participation in the therapeutic process might find dialectical behaviour therapy less suitable. Furthermore, if immediate crisis intervention is necessary, dialectical behaviour therapy may not be the primary option since it focuses on longer-term skill-building and emotional regulation. Always consult with a qualified mental therapist to determine the most appropriate treatment for your unique needs and concerns.

Embrace your emotions with DBT therapy in Calgary.

At Shelly Qualtieri & Associates, our expert therapists specialize in is dialectical behaviour therapy and other treatments to empower you to develop essential skills and awareness.

At the core of our treatment modality is the fusion of acceptance and change. We validate the reality of your pain while instilling the belief that change is achievable.

Experience the difference at Shelly Qualtieri & Associates, where there are no waitlists and rapid response times, ensuring we're here for you when you need us most.

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