DBT Therapists in Vancouver

Browse 6 therapists offering DBT in Vancouver. 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

6 therapists for DBT in Vancouver

Browse 6 therapists offering DBT in Vancouver. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.

Jackie Dodd

Jackie Dodd

Hello! I'm glad you're here. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#11949) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (#11249171) and am able to support clients who reside in within Canada. My aim in any therapy session is to support you in a way that you find helpful, while holding a safe enough space to challenge beliefs and behaviours you deem unhelpful. I have varied work experience in the field of mental health, including several years working alongside individuals who live with the lasting impacts of trauma, substance use, mental health diagnoses, poverty, and homelessness. I am Canadian born and Indian, and part of my work is rooted in my lived experience existing between cultures to support clients who face similar struggles. My Masters of Counselling Psychology degree is supplemented by additional postgraduate training in cognitive behaviour therapy, mindful self-compassion, anti-oppressive psychotherapy, narrative therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and strengths-based listening. I incorporate an intersectional feminist lens in my work, and am continually learning to be a more effective ally to multiple communities (including Black, Indigenous, people with racialized identities, and LGBTQ2SIA+). Outside of Counselling work, I enjoy spending time with friends, animals, and my niece and nephews. I see clients in person or virtually at my Vancouver office on Monday evenings and Fridays, and offer virtual only sessions on Thursday evenings. If you would like to know more about how we could work together or know more about what the counselling process could look like in general, I invite you to book a free 20-minute consultation session (virtual or over the phone). My hope is that I can offer support that is helpful to you! Areas of Practice: - Depression - Anxiety - Stress Management -Identity and Cultural Concerns - Mental Health Diagnoses - Difficult Life Transitions - Grief and Loss - Trauma - Substance use Approaches Used: - Strengths based listening - CBT - Mindful Self-Compassion - Anti-Oppression Psychotherapy - Narrative Therapy - Dialectical Behavioural Therapy -Intersectional Feminist Lens The land I work, live and play on is the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and the Stó:lō Nations.

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Mila Loskutova

Mila Loskutova

Hi! My name is Mila Loskutova and I'm a registered clinical counsellor. I am a queer, immigrant settler woman. I am passionate about supporting folks healing from trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues and OCD. I use a mix of gentle talk therapy that helps individuals dive deeper into self-exploration and more structured approaches for specific concerns, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I am mindful and curious about how our identities and the systems we live in shape the way we move through the world. My approach is humanistic, anti-oppressive and sometimes irreverent. I enjoy helping people create and deepen meaning in their lives. I am available online and in person at my office at 315, 2083 Alma Street, Vancouver.

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Micah Jakobs

Micah Jakobs

My name is Micah, and I identify as a female first-generation immigrant. s a Filipino-Canadian, I am motivated to create a safe space for other people of colour individuals to feel fully seen and heard. Concurrently over the last 16 years, I have spent 5 years working with the elderly community (specifically those with dementia and Alzheimer’s), 5 years in healthcare helping families work through grief and loss, 11 years working with adults with acquired brain injury, and 10 years working under a social service capacity with youth across Bangladesh, Africa, India, and Nepal. In my professional identity thus far, I have gained valuable insights and skills that have contributed to my therapeutic journey. As a result, I have developed a holistic and person-centered approach to therapy that integrates evidence-based, strength-based, mindfulness, and somatic-based practices. I believe this approach best equips me to meet your specific concerns and needs. To me, therapy is a space where we can explore, discover, and tackle distressing thoughts, feelings, or behaviours that may be holding you back. In our sessions, you can expect me to provide you with tangible tools and strategies to foster meaningful change, and to create opportunities to experience vulnerability in a safe space. Our work together will focus on raising awareness in the present moment so that you may accept and live a life full of clarity and authenticity.

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Lexie Morgan

Lexie Morgan

Are you looking for a ‘hype you up’ but call you on your shit therapist? I might just be your gal! Are you dealing with perfectionism? Going through a break up? Contemplating making a big life change? Experiencing grief, stress, overwhelm or loneliness? I prioritize authenticity in therapy, and aim to help people untangle themselves from problems that hold them back. I work with you as we navigate the peaks & valleys of life experiences. I often support, students, hospitality workers, parents, teachers, nurses, shift workers, ski patrollers, guides & 'first timers' to therapy. Life can be messy & complex. Are you looking for a ‘hype you up’ but call you on your shit therapist? I might just be your gal! Are you dealing with perfectionism? Going through a break up? Contemplating making a big life change? Experiencing grief, stress, overwhelm or loneliness? I prioritize authenticity in therapy, and aim to help people untangle themselves from problems that hold them back. I work with you as we navigate the peaks & valleys of life experiences. I often support, students, hospitality workers, parents, teachers, nurses, shift workers, ski patrollers, guides & 'first timers' to therapy. Life can be messy & complex. My office located in the Kitsilano neighbourhood of Vancouver at 4th & Arbutus. I offer virtual counselling via telehealth throughout BC. *Insurance* Counselling is covered or reimbursed by many extended benefits programs. I am registered with many major Canadian insurance providers: Canada Life | Great-West Life Green Shield Canada Manulife Medavie Blue Cross Mines & Associates SunLife AMS - UBC Student Benefits Vail Resorts EAP *Education & Registration* I hold a master's degree in counselling from City University and a bachelor's degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria. I am dual licensed with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) as a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC). License Numbers: RCC # 20414 CCC # 11250646 *A bit more about how I work & my background* Lexie (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor practicing on the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) territories. Lexie’s approach to counselling is characterized by warmth, authenticity, and compassion, with a goal of fostering a relaxed environment where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Lexie roots her work in a trauma informed, anti-oppressive, social justice lens. This may involve looking beyond the individual to understand their experiences within broader social and cultural contexts, as she joins clients on the path to self-discovery, healing, and change. Lexie has over ten years of experience working in the field of mental health. She draws on her experience providing counselling and practical supports to diverse communities, including children and families with complex medical and mental health needs, new immigrants and LGBTQQ2S+ folx. She has worked as a grief and loss counsellor at a hospice, provided crisis and suicide prevention support and developed industry specific work place mental health trainings for the hospitality and tourism sector. Montira Mental Health was born out of Lexie’s own experience as a hospitality manager at different backcountry lodges across British Columbia. As a lodge manager, Lexie observed the intersection of mental health and personal challenges within remote and isolated live/work environments which lead to high rates of burnout amongst her staff. ​​The transient nature of tourism dependent communities, seasonal employment, high cost of living and limited access to low barrier community mental health offerings further impacted her staff. Lexie’s connection to the outdoor community is born out of years of living, working, and recreating in the Rocky, Purcell, Selkirk and Coast mountains. She is an avid backcountry skier, trail runner, and hiker who finds a deep sense of connection to herself and her community through time spent in the outdoors. To learn more, please see my website: montiramentalhealth.com

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Nicole Grant

Nicole Grant

I work with children, teens and adults seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma and life changes. I am trained in CBT, DBT and EMDR.

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Amy Kobelt

Amy Kobelt

My journey to becoming a counsellor started with my own appointment in a counselling office. I remember feeling nervous about the process, but eventually felt inspired by my own healing journey to support others in the same way that counselling has helped me heal and grow. I am passionate about self-growth and discovery, and I love supporting you to better understand your past, make connections and build skills for a better and stronger future. I work from a trauma informed and attachment model and I strongly believe that part of the healing process that happens in counselling is through the therapeutic relationship. I work collaboratively with you to meet your goals in counselling, and I am truly honoured every time someone chooses to invite me into that journey – I know it is not easy! I welcome working with diverse clients of all ages, cultures, genders, sexual orientations and abilities and I currently work with clients ages 12 and up. I specialize in relational and childhood trauma, eating disorders, relationship concerns and anxiety. I am trained in EMDR, OEI and Lifespan Integration Therapies - all of these therapies are designed to help you process traumatic events or negative self beliefs and bring you healing from your past. Trauma disconnects us from ourselves and our bodies and so part of our work will be to help you become more connected to yourself, your feelings and your body. If you have any questions about this please reach out for a consultation call - I would love to chat with you to see if I'm the right fit for you.

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Looking beyond Vancouver? Browse all DBT therapists in Canada.

DBT therapists in Vancouver — at a glance

accepting new clients
5/ 6
offer online sessions
6/ 6
offer sliding scale fees
3/ 6

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 Vancouver?

Browse therapists in Vancouver 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 Vancouver also offer online sessions if in-person availability is limited.

Is DBT covered by insurance in Vancouver?

Coverage depends on your extended health benefits plan and the therapist's designation. In Vancouver, 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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