Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Pasadena, CA

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a research-supported form of cognitive behavioral therapy originally developed by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan. It focuses on helping people balance two important ideas:

• Acceptance of yourself as you are
• Change toward healthier behaviors and emotional responses

DBT is widely used to help people who experience:

• Intense emotions
• Difficulty managing stress
• Relationship conflicts
• Impulsive behaviors
• Chronic anxiety or depression

The approach combines practical coping skills with compassionate support, helping clients create meaningful, sustainable change.

How DBT Works

DBT focuses on four core skill areas that help people navigate life more effectively:

Mindfulness

Mindfulness skills help you stay grounded in the present moment and develop greater awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and reactions.

Emotion Regulation

These skills help you better understand and manage intense emotions so they don’t control your decisions or relationships.

Distress Tolerance

Distress tolerance techniques help you cope with painful emotions and difficult situations without making things worse.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

You’ll learn how to communicate more clearly, set healthy boundaries, and build stronger, more balanced relationships.

Who Can Benefit From DBT?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy can be helpful for individuals experiencing:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Emotional overwhelm
• Relationship difficulties
• Self-esteem struggles
• Mood instability
• Stress or burnout

DBT skills are especially helpful for people who feel like their emotions are very intense or difficult to regulate, or who find themselves stuck in repeating patterns in relationships or behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meet Your DBT Therapists in Pasadena CA

Our therapists offer DBT-informed therapy for clients in Pasadena and throughout California via Telehealth.

Sairah Abassi, LCSW

Sairah Abassi, LCSW provides therapy for individuals and couples across California and Colorado, using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients manage stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationship dynamics. Her warm and practical approach focuses on building mindfulness, emotional resilience, and effective communication, especially for those healing from past trauma or looking to create more balance in their lives.

Hannah Pasternak, LCSW

Hannah Pasternak, LCSW is a therapist specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), helping clients develop effective skills for managing intense emotions and navigating life’s challenges. Her work emphasizes mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—tools that support individuals dealing with anxiety, relationship challenges, workplace stress, and the long-term effects of trauma. Hannah creates a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients can safely explore their experiences. By combining DBT strategies with a strengths-based approach, she helps clients build resilience, foster personal growth, and develop healthier relationships with themselves and others.

Schedule an Appointment with a DBT Therapist Near You

If you’re interested in learning more about Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Pasadena, our Intake Coordinator would be happy to speak with you about whether DBT may be a good fit for your needs. Taking the first step toward therapy can feel vulnerable, but it can also be the beginning of meaningful change.

To learn more or book a free consultation, contact our Intake Coordinator at 949-236-1990 or intakes@lisaeatontherapy.com. You can also visit our Get Started page to learn more.