Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) in Toronto
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If you find yourself stuck in cycles of emotional highs and lows, struggling with stress, or facing challenges in your relationships, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help. At Toronto Therapy Practice (TTP), we provide DBT support to manage difficult emotions, improve relationships, and reduce tension. Whether you're navigating the family-building journey, dealing with fertility struggles, adjusting to parenthood, or handling personal or professional stress, DBT equips you with practical skills to feel more in control and balanced.
With DBT, you’ll learn tools to regulate emotions, build healthier relationships, and respond to life’s challenges with greater ease.
What is DBT Therapy?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy that combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness practices. DBT focuses on helping people develop the skills to manage difficult emotions, communicate more effectively, and build healthier relationships.
Key Components of DBT:
Mindfulness: Staying present and fully engaged in the moment
Distress Tolerance: Coping with difficult situations without making them worse
Emotion Regulation: Understanding and managing intense emotions
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improving communication and relationships
How Does DBT Help?
Emotional Regulation: Helping individuals manage intense emotions.
Mindfulness Skills: Developing the ability to stay present in the moment.
Distress Tolerance: Acquiring techniques to cope with difficult situations.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improving communication skills and setting healthy boundaries.
Self-Compassion: Learning to treat oneself with kindness and understanding.
Crisis Management: Developing strategies to handle crisis situations.
Goal-Setting and Problem-Solving: Breaking down overwhelming problems into manageable steps.
DBT for Postpartum Depression (PPD) and Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)
Becoming a parent is one of life’s most transformative experiences, but it can also feel overwhelming. DBT offers practical strategies to:
Reduce emotional overwhelm and feel more grounded
Manage intrusive thoughts or anxious feelings
Stay grounded in the present moment, reducing anxiety about the future.
Improve communication and reduce conflict between partners
Find balance between self-care and caregiving
Foster greater emotional connection as new parents
Develop a kinder inner dialogue, countering negative self-talk and unrealistic expectations.
Navigate challenging moments with newborns or young children without becoming overwhelmed.
Supporting Couples Through Infertility and Pregnancy Loss
The family-building journey isn’t always straightforward—it can involve unexpected challenges, such as infertility, pregnancy loss, and parenting stress. DBT equips individuals with tools to stay emotionally regulated and improve communication during these difficult moments.
For Infertility & Pregnancy Loss: DBT helps couples process grief, frustration, and fear while maintaining connection and mutual support. DBT offers:
Validation: Learn to acknowledge and accept each other's feelings without judgment.
Emotional Resilience: Develop skills to cope with the rollercoaster of emotions during fertility treatments or after a loss.
Effective Problem-Solving: Work together to make decisions about treatment options or next steps.
Mindful Grieving: Process grief and loss while staying connected to your partner and your values.
DBT for Stresses of Parenthood
Becoming a parent is a joyful but challenging transition. DBT can help you:
Balance Self-Care and Child Care: Learn to prioritize your own well-being while meeting your child's needs.
Manage Parental Anxiety: Develop strategies to cope with worries about your child's health, development, or future.
Navigate Relationship Changes: Adjust to new roles and maintain a strong partnership while parenting.
Build a Support Network: Improve interpersonal skills to connect with other parents and access support when needed.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy at Toronto Therapy Practice
At Toronto Therapy Practice, our therapists bring extensive experience in perinatal mental health and family-building challenges. We tailor DBT therapy to meet your unique needs, helping you:
Rebuild emotional stability after the birth of a child or a difficult loss
Strengthen your relationship as you move through family-building stressors
Feel more in sync and connected with your partner, even in the midst of change
Manage tension and conflict with greater compassion and understanding
Meet the Team
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Mila Arsenijevic MSW RSW
Founder, Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
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Rebecca Songhurst MSW RSW
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
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Ruth Diemer MSW RSW
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
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Emilie Baillarino MSW RSW, MBA
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
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Alana Jackson MSW RSW
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
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Caroline Nikiel MSW RSW
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist