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

You are not lazy, broken, or beyond help. Maybe you're struggling to keep up with school, constantly putting things off, or feeling like your emotions are bigger than you know how to handle. Maybe frustration turns into anger before you have a chance to understand what's happening. Maybe you've developed habits or relied on substances to cope with stress, boredom, anxiety, or feelings you don't quite know what to do with. Or maybe you're simply tired of feeling like you're working twice as hard as everyone else just to keep your head above water. Whatever brings you here, I want you to know something: **There is usually more going on beneath the behaviours we struggle with, and understanding those patterns is where meaningful change begins.** I'm a Clinical Counsellor with a particular passion for working with ADHD, emotional regulation, anger, and addiction. My approach is grounded in the belief that people don't need more judgment or lectures about what they should be doing differently. They need to understand themselves, develop practical skills, and have someone in their corner while they work toward change. ADHD: Understanding Your Brain, Not Fighting It As someone who lives with ADHD myself, I understand how frustrating it can be. Whether it's procrastination, difficulty getting started, emotional overwhelm, relationship struggles, or feeling like you're constantly falling behind, ADHD can affect almost every part of life. I hold an MA in Counselling Psychology and am an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP). I combine counselling and ADHD-informed coaching to help you understand your executive functioning profile, identify your strengths and challenges, and build a practical toolkit that works with your brain rather than against it. We can work on: - Executive dysfunction, procrastination, and time management. - Emotional regulation and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD). - ADHD burnout, perfectionism, and shame. - Relationship and communication difficulties. - ADHD in women, masking, and late diagnosis. - Navigating school, work, and major life transitions. You don't need a formal ADHD diagnosis to begin exploring these challenges. Anger: There's Usually More Beneath the Surface Anger can be confusing, overwhelming, and sometimes damaging to the relationships that matter most to us. Maybe you find yourself reacting more intensely than you intended, struggling to let things go, or feeling like frustration builds until it eventually boils over. Rather than simply focusing on controlling anger, I want to help you understand it. We explore what's happening beneath the surface, whether that's shame, stress, feeling unheard, past experiences, or difficulty regulating emotions. Together, we work on recognizing triggers, managing emotional intensity, communicating more effectively, and responding to difficult situations in ways that better reflect the person you want to be. Addiction: Understanding the Patterns and Finding a Different Way Forward Sometimes the behaviours we struggle with started as ways of coping. Substances, gambling, pornography, or even excessive social media use can become ways to escape, manage uncomfortable emotions, or find temporary relief from life's pressures. The problem is that what initially helps us cope can eventually become something that takes control. I work with individuals who want to better understand their relationship with these behaviours, identify the patterns keeping them stuck, and develop healthier ways of managing stress, emotions, and everyday challenges. I also support partners and family members affected by someone else's addiction, helping them navigate boundaries, frustration, worry, and their own wellbeing. My Approach I draw on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and ADHD-informed coaching. My work combines emotional support with practical skill development. I don't believe understanding your challenges and learning how to manage them should be separate processes. Our sessions are collaborative, structured, and flexible. We'll work together to identify what's getting in your way and develop strategies you can actually use outside of counselling. You don't have to arrive with everything figured out. You don't need to know exactly what's wrong or have a perfect explanation for what you're experiencing. My goal is to help you understand yourself better, feel more in control of your choices, and build a life that feels more manageable and meaningful. You don't have to keep navigating everything on your own.

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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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