DBT Therapists in New Westminster

Browse 1 therapist offering DBT in New Westminster. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment originally developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s for people experiencing severe emotional dysregulation and chronic suicidal ideation. It has since been studied and adapted for a wide range of concerns, including eating disorders, substance use, depression, post-traumatic stress, and self-harm. The word "dialectical" refers to the core balance the therapy tries to achieve: accepting yourself as you are right now while also working to change the behaviours that are causing harm.

What to look for in a DBT therapist on Purple Lotus

  • Formal DBT training beyond introductory workshops
  • Experience with your specific concern (BPD, self-harm, eating disorders, etc.)
  • Clear description of what format they offer (comprehensive vs. DBT-informed)
  • Comfort with the structured, skills-focused nature of the approach

1 therapist for DBT in New Westminster

Browse 1 therapist offering DBT in New Westminster. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.

Jeff O'Neill

Jeff O'Neill

Understanding ADHD An ADHD diagnosis — whether brand new, years old, or still just a strong suspicion — can feel like a lot to carry. Maybe you've never been formally assessed, but you've spent years wondering why focus, motivation, and "normal" strategies never seem to work the way they do for everyone else. Or maybe you're worn down from fighting those same battles post-diagnosis. For women especially, that exhaustion often runs deeper — ADHD in women is frequently missed or misdiagnosed, and self-suspected ADHD is often waved off as anxiety, depression, or just "being too sensitive." Years spent masking, overcompensating, and second-guessing yourself can leave you running on empty, holding shame that was never yours to carry, and wondering where to go from here — assessed or not. You are not lazy, unmotivated, or broken. Your brain may simply be wired differently — and with the right support, that story can change. How I Can Help I work with adults at every point in their ADHD journey — diagnosed, self-identified, or still figuring out what's going on. This includes women and those exploring a possible late-in-life diagnosis, as well as people who suspect ADHD but haven't pursued formal testing, for whatever reason. As someone who lives with ADHD myself, I understand firsthand what it's like to navigate a mind that's busy, creative, and easily overstimulated. As an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) and Clinical Coach, I combine the depth of therapy with the practicality of coaching — helping you make sense of how ADHD (confirmed or suspected) shapes your identity, confidence, and relationships, while building real tools for everyday life. We can also talk through what assessment options look like, if and when that's something you want to explore. My Approach Most people with ADHD already know what they want to do — the challenge is closing the gap between knowing and doing. Part of that gap is emotional. Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) — the sharp emotional sting of perceived criticism or failure — quietly shapes relationships, careers, and self-worth in ways that often only click into place once ADHD enters the picture, whether that's through diagnosis or simple self-recognition. Mood shifts, emotional intensity, and trouble settling back down are core parts of ADHD, not personal failings, and they deserve focused, real support either way. I draw on CBT, DBT, and ADHD-informed coaching to work on both the emotional and practical sides of ADHD. DBT skills for regulation and distress tolerance map especially well onto ADHD life. Sessions stay structured but stay flexible — there's no judgment here for arriving late, needing to move, or not having a formal diagnosis yet. What We Can Work On RSD and emotional regulation, executive dysfunction and procrastination, ADHD burnout, self-suspected or undiagnosed ADHD, the specific realities of ADHD in women (masking, late diagnosis, hormonal impact), perfectionism and shame, communication and relationship struggles, workplace challenges, major life transitions, and living with ADHD — medicated or not, diagnosed or not. Virtual Therapy My practice is fully virtual — no commute, no transition time, no extra executive function spent just getting through the door. Let's work with your ADHD brain instead of against it, wherever you feel most at ease. If you're ready to build self-awareness, real-world skills, and confidence in your ADHD journey — whether or not you have a formal diagnosis — I'd be glad to walk alongside you. Additional Areas of Expertise While ADHD is my primary specialty, I also work with clients navigating addiction, anger management, and men's mental health issues. Addiction: I help clients understand the patterns behind their challenging behaviors. Whether it be substances, pornography, gambling, or social media—I can help develop healthier coping strategies to build sustainable recovery. I also support caregivers, partners, and family members affected by a loved one's addiction, working through boundary-setting, managing worry and frustration, and taking care of your own wellbeing while supporting someone you care about. Anger Management: We explore what's beneath the anger—frustration, shame, or feeling unheard—and develop tools for emotional regulation and communication that actually work in real life. Men's Issues: I create judgment-free space for men to explore emotions, relationship challenges, identity, and personal growth. Whether you're dealing with stress, transitions, or feeling stuck, we'll work through it together. Across all areas, my approach remains practical, collaborative, and grounded in compassion.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy used for?

DBT is most commonly used for borderline personality disorder, self-harm, and chronic suicidal ideation. It is also supported by research for eating disorders such as binge eating and bulimia, substance use, and depression with significant emotional dysregulation. The skills-based format makes it adaptable to a range of presentations where intense emotions are a central concern.

How is DBT different from CBT?

DBT was developed from CBT and shares its structured, evidence-based approach. The main differences are the emphasis on acceptance alongside change, the use of mindfulness as a core skill, and the explicit skills training format organized into four modules. CBT focuses more on changing unhelpful thoughts; DBT also targets emotional intensity and self-destructive behaviour patterns.

What are the four DBT skills modules?

The four modules are mindfulness (awareness without reactivity), distress tolerance (getting through crises without making things worse), emotion regulation (understanding and reducing emotional intensity), and interpersonal effectiveness (communicating clearly and maintaining relationships). Each module contains specific skills taught and practised over the course of treatment.

How long does DBT take?

Standard comprehensive DBT typically runs six months to a year, with weekly individual sessions and a weekly skills group. DBT-informed therapy can be shorter depending on your goals and presenting concerns. Your therapist can give you a clearer timeline once they understand what you are working on and what format of DBT fits your situation.

What is the difference between standard DBT and DBT-informed therapy?

Standard DBT is a comprehensive programme including individual therapy, a structured skills training group, phone coaching for crises, and a therapist consultation team. DBT-informed therapy draws on the same skills and principles but in a less intensive format, typically without the group or between-session coaching. Both can be valuable depending on the severity of the concern and what is available.

Is DBT effective for borderline personality disorder?

DBT has one of the strongest evidence bases of any treatment for BPD. Randomized controlled trials have shown it reduces self-harm, hospitalizations, and treatment dropout, while improving quality of life and emotional functioning. It was specifically designed for this population and remains a first-line recommendation in most clinical guidelines.

Can I do DBT online?

Yes. Many therapists offer individual DBT sessions online, and some skills training groups are also available virtually. The structured, skills-based format translates well to video sessions. Check each therapist profile for available formats, and ask specifically whether the group component is offered online if that is important to your care.

How do I find a DBT therapist in Canada?

Browse therapist profiles and filter by DBT as a modality. Look for therapists who describe formal DBT training, specify what format they offer, and have experience with the concern you are bringing. Reading their profile carefully will give you a sense of whether their approach matches what you are looking for before reaching out.

How do I find a DBT therapist in New Westminster?

Browse therapists in New Westminster who list DBT as a modality. Look for providers who describe their training background, whether they offer comprehensive DBT or a DBT-informed approach, and whether they have experience with your specific concerns. Many therapists in New Westminster also offer online sessions if in-person availability is limited.

Is DBT covered by insurance in New Westminster?

Coverage depends on your extended health benefits plan and the therapist's designation. In New Westminster, sessions with a registered psychologist, psychotherapist, or clinical social worker may be eligible for reimbursement. Check your plan for covered designations and annual session limits. Some employers also offer EAP coverage that includes DBT-trained providers.

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