Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) at Fox Valley Institute
A mindful, balancing treatment
Fox Valley Institute for Growth and Wellness offers Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, in Naperville, Illinois, for clients across Warrenville, Wheaton, Lisle and Aurora. DBT teaches practical skills in four areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. It can help people who feel emotions very strongly, struggle in relationships or act on impulse when upset. Our DBT-trained therapists teach these skills in one-on-one sessions. Text or call (630) 718-0717, and an intake coordinator will check your insurance before your first visit.
Are you unhappy in your relationships? Do you find that you are often in conflict with friends, family, or a partner? Perhaps you feel isolated socially and find it difficult to make and keep healthy relationships. Do you feel highly stressed or easily frustrated? Are you struggling with a lot of anxiety or other strong emotion that you wish you can understand and control better? If so, perhaps DBT could help.
What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy developed by Marsha Linehan, PhD in the 1970s at the University Of Washington. It is based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tenets that focus on and help to change our maladaptive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that can cause us distress.

The main goal of DBT is to help us to keep in balance things that seem to be at odds or incompatible. For example, DBT regularly focuses on balancing acceptance and change. Through DBT we learn how to accept our positions in life and how the world currently is, while still encouraging us to identify and work on healthy change in areas of ourselves that we have control over.
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What is
learned
through DBT?
Mindfulness: These skills help us to live in the moment without worrying about things that may or may not ever happen in the future. We learn how to be non-judgmental with others or ourselves.
Distress Tolerance: These skills help us to cope with daily frustrations. We also develop the survival skills in times of high stress or crisis.
Emotional Regulation:
These skills help us to understand, express, and control our emotions better. Through emotional regulation we learn that we can tolerate difficult emotions and that we do not have to act on our emotions. We can learn to increase positive and decrease negative emotions.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: These skills help to improve our relationships with others. Interpersonal effectiveness teaches the tools to handle conflict and still maintain healthy relationships. We are able to recognize how to get our needs and wants met in a relationship.
Find Balance with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in Naperville
Do you find yourself struggling with overwhelming emotions, relationship conflicts, or stress?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) offers a structured approach to help you manage emotions, develop mindfulness, and improve relationships.
At Fox Valley Institute in Naperville, we use DBT to help individuals who experience intense emotions, anxiety, or difficulty handling interpersonal situations. This therapy combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles with mindfulness techniques, helping you accept your emotions while also working toward positive change.
How Does DBT Help?
DBT is effective for a range of emotional and behavioral challenges, including:
- Mood swings and emotional dysregulation
- Anxiety, depression, and stress
- Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships
- Impulsivity and self-destructive behaviors
- Struggles with self-acceptance and confidence
Our licensed therapists in Naperville work closely with clients to develop personalized treatment plans, helping them find balance in their daily lives.
What You Will Learn in DBT?
DBT teaches four key skills that empower individuals to handle life’s challenges more effectively:
1. Mindfulness – Focus on the present moment and develop self-awareness.
2. Distress Tolerance – Build resilience and learn healthy ways to cope with stress.
3. Emotional Regulation – Understand and manage intense emotions.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness – Improve communication and relationships.
Through structured therapy sessions, you’ll gain the tools needed to navigate difficult emotions and enhance your mental well-being.
Take the First Step Toward Emotional Balance
If you’re struggling with emotions, relationships, or stress, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy at Fox Valley Institute in Naperville can help. Our skilled therapists provide a safe, supportive space to help you gain confidence and control over your emotions.
📅 Schedule your DBT therapy appointment today!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)?
DBT is a form of talk therapy developed by Marsha Linehan, PhD, and built on the ideas of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It helps you balance acceptance and change, accepting where you are while working on the things you can control.
Who can benefit from DBT?
DBT can help people who feel overwhelmed by strong emotions, have mood swings, or struggle with anxiety, depression, stress or conflict in their relationships.
What skills will I learn in DBT?
DBT teaches four core skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. Together they help you stay present, cope with stress, manage emotions and handle conflict in a healthier way.
How is DBT different from CBT?
CBT focuses on changing unhelpful thought patterns. DBT uses CBT techniques too, and adds mindfulness and distress tolerance skills to help you accept and manage your emotions.
How long does DBT take?
It depends on you and your needs, so there is no set number of sessions. You and your therapist will talk about your progress along the way.
How do I get started with DBT?
Call or text (630) 718-0717. An intake coordinator will check your insurance, match you with a therapist and find an opening for your first appointment.
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As experienced, licensed and professional therapists, our goal is to help you resolve your challenges. Our door is always open to help you through any crisis.