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Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Empathetic & practical behavioral therpay

Rockridge (Oakland) based psychotherapist, with over 20 years of experience helping clients feel better while developing skills to maintain and improve their long-term mental health.

 Behavioral Therapy

My Approach

My approach is empathic, interactive, and practical —qualities that allow me to work collaboratively with a wide range of clients to reach their goals. I have been described by my clients as very nurturing, knowledgeable, and direct in my approach.

My work is informed by my training in various therapeutic orientations including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) 


I assess the best therapeutic approach for each client on an individual basis and often incorporate relevant pieces from the above frameworks. Generally speaking, most teens and young adults benefit from a short-term, solution-focused approach that promotes real-world skills.

CBT and DBT are evidence-based approaches that are especially effective with these age groups. When working with individual adults and parents,  I combine insight-oriented therapy along with these behavioral approaches.

Mindfulness, increased emotional security, and positive interpersonal communication are areas most clients of all ages and stages benefit from.

Finally, I provide parent coaching as part of my practice, either in conjunction with treating the child or independently. Here, I leverage my training as a Positive Discipline parent coach.

 Behavioral Therapy

Services

I am a Rockridge (Oakland)-based psychotherapist (LCSW #20537) with over 20 years of experience helping clients feel better while developing skills to maintain and improve their long-term mental health. 

Child Therapy

Teen and Young Adult Therapy

Adult Therapy

Family Therapy & Parent Coaching

About DBT

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-basedmethod to help manage overwhelming emotions and tolerate distress without turning to self-destructive behaviors. DBT achieves this outcome by teaching practical skills in the following areas: 

  • Mindfulness 
  • Emotion regulation 
  • Distress tolerance
  • Interpersonal effectiveness

 

In addition to these behavioral skills. DBT also focuses on helping clients accept their circumstances, feelings, and thoughts without judgment. Acceptance does not mean giving in to a life of suffering. Pain is an inevitable part of life; however, often we suffer more than necessary without the coping skills needed to manage difficult emotions.  

Some of us are hardwired to be highly sensitive or more emotional than others. Unfortunately, deep feelers are often stigmatized and told that they are “overly emotional,” “dramatic,” “overreactive,” “too intense,” or “too sensitive.” DBT helps people learn how to validate and trust their emotions and experiences without turning on themselves. DBT focuses on acceptance and validation while providing the behavioral change skills that can lead to a more positive life experience.

Adolescence and early adulthood is an emotionally tumultuous time for everyone, but it can be especially challenging for young people with sensitive dispositions.

 

DBT is an effective technique for:

  • Insomnia and other sleep issues 
  • Social anxiety
  • General anxiety and worry
  • Panic attacks
  • Obsessions and compulsions
  • Depression
  • Fears and phobia
  • Separation anxiety
  • Test anxiety
  • Performance anxiety
  • Eating and body image issues

My Approach

A Personal Approach to Therapy

I have developed a specialty through extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Relational Therapy, and Family Systems Theory.
At the core of my practice is a commitment to the following two goals for my clients:

  • To gain greater insight into the challenges you face, and in so doing, feel better
  • To acquire the long-term and practical skills necessary for personal well-being and success.
Reach Out

”

“I began working with Courtney when I had just finished my freshman year of high school and we continued working together until my junior year in college. I had had a less than satisfying therapeutic experience before coming to her, so it was incredible to experience the safe environment that Courtney provided in her space. I felt listened to, seen, and as a young person that was life changing for me.

C.F.

”

“My husband and I worked with Courtney on parent coaching while our daughter was in therapy with her. Courtney could not have been any more insightful, compassionate, and available. Courtney helped us support our daughter while completely respecting the therapist/client relationship. Courtney is so skilled in working with both adolescents and adults and she is able to balance what each needs. In our case, she did it beautifully and sensitively. I cannot recommend Courtney highly enough!”

M.F.

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Response to COVID-19

In accordance with the shelter in place mandate, Lennard Counseling is now conducting all of our sessions exclusively via secure video conference or telephone call.

Teletherapy has proven to be effective and can benefit children, teens, and adults. We are here for you during this difficult time. We are presently accepting new clients and have appointments available. 

Please call or text (510) 250-2754, 

Email us at courtney@lennardcounseling.com. 

Learn more about teletherapy.

Response to COVID-19

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