DBT Therapists: Trained for Intensity, Grounded in Compassion

It was once said by our incredibly experienced DBT consultant that DBT therapists are the “Navy SEALs of therapy.” That really stuck with me. It just made sense. And honestly, I feel a sense of pride in that comparison. Like Navy SEALs, DBT therapists are trained to stay calm under pressure, move with precision, and keep a steady focus even when things get intense. We don’t avoid the hard stuff. We often work with clients who are in deep pain, struggling in many areas of their lives all at once.

That level of suffering can be overwhelming—for both the client and the therapist. It can leave you wondering, “Where do we even begin?” For me, DBT offers a way to navigate those moments. It’s both a compass and a toolkit. The structure and precision of the model help me stay grounded, even when someone sitting across from me feels like their world is falling apart. DBT gives us a framework to help our clients find their footing, one skill at a time.

On a personal level, I had to face my own history with emotional dysregulation. Growing up around intensity and anger left me uneasy with big emotions, especially when they showed up in the therapy room. Early in my work, I’d feel a pang of nervousness when a client became angry or overwhelmed. But DBT has helped me tune my response—so now, instead of flinching, I can hold space for whatever emotions come up.

Many of my clients are exquisitely sensitive people. They feel everything. Often, they’ve never been properly validated or taught how to manage that emotional sensitivity. My role isn’t to nurture them like a parent would, but to walk alongside them as a guide. Sometimes I think of myself as an emotional doula—helping clients move through discomfort and growth into something new and stronger.

Why do I recommend DBT? Because it’s powerful, structured, and compassionate all at once. Like Navy SEALs, DBT therapists are trained for complex situations that demand clarity, discipline, and commitment. We go deep with our clients. We stay calm when the emotional waters get rough. And we hold hope even when things look dark.

There’s nothing quite like watching someone move from despair to strength, from chaos to clarity. Those are the moments that remind me why this work matters. It’s not easy—but like any mission worth completing, it’s deeply meaningful.

If you’re someone who feels emotions deeply and wants support learning how to navigate them, our DBT programs may be a fit.
We’d love to walk alongside you.

➡️ Learn more at AwakeDBT.com or send a message to get started.