Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Skills Groups (DBT) in Westford, MA

Facilitated by Lisa Wessan, LICSW
DBT Therapist and Skills Trainer
Tel: 978.710.8039
For DBT Contact Form, please click HERE.

Ancient spirals represent the winding journey
inward we must take if we are to truly love and
know ourselves. From that journey, we return
with more power and wisdom.

What does "dialectical" mean?

"The term "dialectical" means a synthesis or integration of opposites. The primary dialectic within DBT is between the seemingly opposite strategies of acceptance and change. For example, DBT therapists accept clients as they are while also acknowledging that they need to change in order to reach their goals. In addition, all of the skills and strategies taught in DBT are balanced in terms of acceptance and change. For example, the four skills modules include two sets of acceptance-oriented skills (mindfulness and distress tolerance) and two sets of change-oriented skills (emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness)."

~ Dr. Marsha Linehan, Founder

For example, in this moment you are good enough and perfect as is, AND you could improve...both beliefs are equally true. Embracing the paradox, or dialectical thought, is healthier than fighting with the reality of it. We hold many dialectical beliefs in our minds which can be very stressful if not understood on this level.

~ Lisa Wessan

How will DBT help you improve?

Learn to better manage your
Impulsiveness
Self-Destructive Behavior
Distress of past events/traumas
and crises

Learn to better control your
Emotional Responses
Overwhelming Feelings
Attention and Focus
Staying in the Present, Mindfulness
Reduce Negative Judgments about
Self and Others

Learn to Improve your
Ability to Communicate Effectively

with Other People
Set Healthy Boundaries
Be Assertive, Cope with Conflict
Negotiate Solutions with
Dignity and Respect

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Who attends these groups?

We welcome anyone who wants to get better (mature teens and up). You do not need a formal diagnosis to be here....I am confident that someday these four modules will be taught in all elementary schools!

Plus, our groups reflect the interests of a non-binary community, with trans, LGBTQ and all unassigned labels included. We love diversity, and welcome the full rainbow of human experience.

ROLLING ENROLLMENT:

Classes fill up quickly in advance. Please contact me prior to the next open enrollment period.

PLEASE NOTE...

Enrollment requires an Initial Consultation with me to see how I can best serve you in the group, and if this group is a good fit for you. Please call me at 978.710.8039 or email to inquire.

DAYTIME DBT SCHEDULE

EVENING DBT SCHEDULE

TUITION AND REFUND POLICY

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LOCATION:

Westford Center for Counseling
& Holistic Therapies
234 Littleton Road, Suite 1-D
Westford, MA 01886

(Free parking, handicapped accessible)

With DBT, you learn to access your "Wise Mind"

DBT

DBT skills help you practice emotional regulation so you can blend acceptance with positive action plans to improve your life. Once you can accept yourself where you are, you can improve and go forward without shame, blame, regret and guilt. This is one of the benefits of working the DBT skills, to release your painful past and boldly go forward with more inner peace and stronger coping skills.

I have been honored to witness many DBT graduates practice better emotional regulation, gain mindful insights, take more positive actions and transform their lives with the power of DBT Skills.

It is exciting to witness these solution-focused sessions turn into amazing results for our group members. That's why I love teaching DBT Skills!

With Hope and Courage,
Lisa Wessan

Lisa Wessan, LICSW
DBT Therapist and Skills Trainer

We use Dr. Marsha Linehan's DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets (2nd edition, spiral bound). Please use this ISBN number to avoid ordering the wrong edition:

ISBN # 978-1-57230-781-0

NOTE: This textbook was written with the intention of a trained facilitator explaining the material and working through the exercises within a group setting. It is not intended to read on your own, as there are gaps in understanding and sections that need to be explained and demonstrated.

Wessan In the news...click HERE to read articles written by or about Lisa Wessan.