Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Skills-based support for emotions, relationships, and coping. Online across NY or in person in Clinton, NY.
DBT That Helps You Build Skills for Real Life
At Valerie Lighthall LCSW Counseling Services, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is used as a structured, skills-based approach to help you better understand and manage intense emotions, relationships, and stress. With over 15 years of experience, Valerie works with teens and adults who feel overwhelmed by their emotions or stuck in patterns that feel hard to change.
Sessions are available virtually across New York State and in person in Clinton, NY, with flexible daytime availability designed to fit into your routine. The focus is on helping you build practical skills you can use in everyday life.
When Emotions Feel Too Big or Hard to Manage
DBT can be especially helpful when emotions feel intense, unpredictable, or difficult to regulate, and when coping strategies don’t seem to be working the way you need them to.
You might notice:
Feeling overwhelmed by emotions that shift quickly or intensely
Struggles in relationships, including conflict or fear of abandonment
Feeling stuck between wanting change and feeling unable to make it
You don’t need to “hold it all together” before starting. DBT is designed to help you build stability from where you are now.
Building Skills for Stability and Change
DBT is a structured approach that focuses on building practical skills across four key areas: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It’s not just about understanding your emotions, it’s about learning how to respond to them in ways that support your goals and well-being.
Together, we can work on:
Increasing awareness of thoughts, feelings, and reactions
Learning tools to manage overwhelming emotions
Building healthier ways to cope with stress and crisis moments
Support That Fits Into Real Life
Starting therapy doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. DBT offers a structured and supportive path forward, focused on building skills step by step so change feels more manageable.
If you’re ready to feel more in control of your emotions and relationships, this is a place to begin.
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You can choose the format that works best for you, whether that is virtual sessions from home, in-person therapy in Clinton, or walk and talk sessions outdoors. Appointment times are offered during the day, creating a consistent and structured space for you to step away, reset, and focus on yourself.
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Virtual sessions offered across New York and in-person options in Clinton, NY.
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Services are private pay only, with superbills available for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
You don’t have to know exactly where things stand to begin. We start where you are and explore it together over time.
Getting started is simple.
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Getting started is simple. First, fill out the contact form with a few details about what you’re looking for. From there, you’ll be invited to schedule a free consultation to see if it feels like a good fit.
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This is a private pay practice, which means insurance is not billed directly. However, you can request a superbill to submit to your insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
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Both. Sessions are available in person in Clinton, NY and virtually for clients anywhere across New York State, so you can choose what works best for your schedule and comfort.
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I works with teens and adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and more. Whether you have a specific concern or just know something feels off, you are welcome here.