Find Balance and Relief With DBT Therapy in Orlando
When intense emotions, unstable relationships, or self-destructive patterns begin to take over, daily life can feel overwhelming and unpredictable. At Total Life Counseling in Orlando, our DBT specialists guide you through a structured, evidence-based process designed to help you regulate emotions, reduce crisis-driven behaviors, and build the skills you need to feel grounded, understood, and more in control of your life.
We provide comprehensive DBT therapy for borderline personality disorder, trauma recovery, chronic anxiety, depression, eating disorders, attachment wounds, and emotional dysregulation, helping you create lasting stability and healthier patterns in your relationships and daily life.
What is dialectical behavior therapy and how does it work?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), developed by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan, is an evidence-based treatment created to help individuals who experience intense emotions, chaotic relationships, or patterns of impulsive or self-destructive behavior. It combines mindfulness, emotional regulation strategies, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to help clients slow down, understand what they feel, and respond with clarity instead of overwhelm.
Emotional and Behavioural Signs That Signal It’s Time for Support
Behavioral disorders often show up in patterns that make daily life feel harder than it should. You might notice:
- Strong emotions that feel difficult to manage
- Conflicts in relationships or frequent mood shifts
- Impulsive actions that lead to regret
- Trouble calming down once overwhelmed
- Difficulty setting boundaries or handling stress
- Repeating coping behaviors that don’t actually help
If these signs feel familiar, it may be time to seek support. A structured, compassionate approach like DBT can help you understand what’s happening, feel more grounded, and create healthier ways of navigating daily challenges.
Total Life In The News
Total Life Counseling Trauma Experts Have Been Featured On Multiple TV Networks and News Stations:
Our Trauma experts have participated in over 200 national & local news interviews and they are here for you!
At Total Life Counseling Center our Counselors are Experts for National and Local TV, Radio and Print Media. We have an excellent reputation amongst graduate & private schools, attorneys, doctors, therapists, providers and corporations. We strive to ensure our therapists have diverse clinical backgrounds, to allow us to match each client to the therapist that will best meet his or her needs.
How Do I Know If DBT Is Right for Me?
If you often feel overwhelmed by your emotions, struggle with sudden mood shifts, experience relationship conflict, or find yourself reacting in ways you later regret, DBT may be a strong fit. It is especially helpful if you want structured support, practical tools, and a compassionate space to create healthier patterns in daily life.
How Does DBT Work?
DBT at Total Life Counseling offers a safe, steady, and understanding space where you can learn how to manage overwhelming emotions without feeling controlled by them. The approach blends compassion with practical tools to help you feel calmer, supported, and more in control.
Core DBT Skills
- Distress Tolerance
- Emotional Regulation
- Mindfulness
- Interpersonal Effectiveness
Other Helpful Skills You’ll Learn
- Self-awareness
- Setting Healthy Boundaries
- Reducing Self-Harm Urges
- Relaxation Tools
With time and support, these skills help you navigate stress with more confidence, communicate more clearly, and feel more grounded in your daily life.
We Offer Tele-Therapy and In-Person Counseling. Same Week Appointments Available!
Why Choose Total Life Counseling for Emotional and Behavioral Healing?
Why so many in Orlando trust Total Life Counseling for lasting emotional healing:
- Specialized Therapist Matching: We take time to understand your needs and pair you with the counselor whose expertise aligns best with your goals.
- Warm, Supportive Care: Our therapists create a safe, compassionate environment where you can open up without judgment.
- Clear Direction Early On: You receive a personalized plan and actionable steps within the first sessions, so you always know your next move.
- Private & Confidential Options: We offer discreet scheduling and in-home sessions for those who need additional privacy.
- Evidence-Based Treatment: We integrate DBT, CBT, EMDR, Gottman Method, and whole-person care to promote lasting emotional and behavioral change.
- Inclusive & Multilingual Team: Spanish and Portuguese-speaking therapists help ensure culturally sensitive support for individuals and families.
- Trusted Orlando Expertise: With over 20 years of serving Central Florida, TLC is known for accessible, reliable, and high-quality mental health care.
Testimonials
A Few Kind Words From Satisfied Clients
“He is doing so well! We are continuing with the diet changes and vitamins and his attitude is so much better. You were right! – kids don’t see you for very long [because of the diet, supplements and coaching]! We are so grateful for your help. We were in a bad place before we saw you and I am really amazed at the difference.”
Anne Marie
Parent
“So glad you duked it out with us. You always gave way above and beyond what I think most in your field would have. And I don’t think anyone else could have reached our teenage son as you did. Thanks from the bottom of my heart.”
Kristi
Parent & Teacher
“Jim, thank you again for giving so much of your time on Friday. The feedback I got from everyone that attended was extremely positive. I also gave a copy of your DVD to one of our teachers. Your help will make an enormous difference for Daniel both at home and at school.”
Anonymous
“We were so thankful to Total Life Counseling. Over the past five years, we had seen five other counselors/psychologists with our son, but in the last 1 1/2 years our son gained skills to cope. The ADHD/Social Skills group helped our son realize that he was not alone. The parenting skills group helped us know how to anticipate problems and equipped us to handle them. Thank you Jim and Total Life Counseling – you are an answer to prayer.”
Tim & Janet
Parents
Licensed Counselors & Therapists
Meet Our Team of Certified & Experienced Professionals
Total Life Counseling Center consists of Licensed Counselors, Masters Level Therapists, Espanol Counselors, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Business Coaches, Image Enhancement Coaches who provide counseling for emotional, mental, physical and spiritual care including marriage, individual, family, substance abuse and more. Our team of certified and experienced professionals, dedicated to serving a comprehensive spectrum of mental health and relationship issues such as couples, women and men’s issues, children and teens with oppositional defiance, video game addiction, ADHD, ASD, anxiety, depression, and trauma survivors, is here to support and guide you through your journey towards healing and navigating life transitions. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of the counseling provided but also builds trust within the community and among potential clients, who may be seeking support.
We offer next level counselors specialized in areas such as relationships, video game & drug/alcohol addictions, abuse, trauma, depression, and ADHD. Our Therapists are EMDR (eye movement desensitization) trauma therapy trained, cognitive behavioral therapy, specialize in ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Children, and are also professional Gottman method marriage couples counselors to give the best results to couples and to provide the best comprehensive spectrum of mental health and relationship care for our clients.
Struggling with Anger? We offer 8 hour anger management group therapy!
Discounted Rates and the president of Total Life Counseling Center Jim West does not want to turn people away and we have counselors at various levels of experience at a discounted rate that are trained by our next level counselors!
Jim West
MA, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR, national certified counselor
President, Counselor, Guest Speaker, Author, Social Skills, ADHD, ODD, ASD, children, teens, and more!
Dana West
MSW, Licensed clinical social worker
Vice President, Counselor, Guest Speaker, Addictions, Trauma, Couples, Abuse, and more!
Mathew Martin
MS, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Counselor, Coach, Guest Speaker, Marriage, Individual Males, Substance Abuse and more!
Brandon Feinberg
MS, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Male Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in ADHD, Asperger Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and more!
Lyris Steuber
MS, licesned marriage & family therapist
Counselor, Coach, Marriage & Family, Play Therapy, Divorce, Adolescent and more!
Valerie Ware
Psychologist and Behavioral Specialist
Psychological Evaluator, Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Anxiety, Gifted, Career Pathways, and emotional assessments.
Gemima McMahon
MA, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in Women’s issues, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Cutting, Couples, Children and Teenagers and more!
Pedro Michael Valdez IV
MA, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in personality disorders, trauma, depression, and anxiety for individuals, families, and couples.
Audrey DeBruler
MS, LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Children, Adolescents, Young Adults, Faith Based Counseling, Trauma Recovery, Anxiety and more!
David Duany
MA, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in ADHD, Social Skills, and Anger Management counseling for children, young adults, and families.
Katherine Waldheim
MS, Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Trauma, anxiety, couples counseling, and child & adolescent counseling services and more!
Total Life Blog
BPD, PTSD & Trauma Tips From our TLC Therapists
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the components of DBT therapy?
DBT includes individual DBT therapy, group skills, skills training, and phone coaching between sessions. These elements work together to help clients develop emotion regulation skills, distress tolerance skills, mindfulness skills, and interpersonal effectiveness skills that support long-term positive changes.
What is the 24-hour rule in DBT?
The 24-hour rule means clients agree not to contact their therapist for phone coaching within 24 hours after engaging in self-harm or suicide attempts. This guideline supports responsibility, strengthens treatment goals, and maintains the integrity of the therapeutic process.
Who is not appropriate for DBT?
DBT may not be appropriate for individuals who are unwilling to participate consistently in group therapy, skills training group, or individual sessions. People with severe substance abuse or unstable medical concerns may need stabilization before beginning dialectical behavioral therapy.
What should I expect during my first DBT therapy session in Orlando?
During your first session, your therapist will review your history, clarify treatment goals, and explain how dialectical behaviour therapy works. You will also learn how DBT treatment combines new skills with talk therapy to support healthier relationships and emotional balance.
Is DBT therapy available online or in-person in Orlando?
Yes. Total Life Counseling offers both online and in-person DBT treatment options. Clients can choose the format that fits their needs while still receiving structured support, access to a DBT consultation team, and guidance from trained mental health professionals.
What mental health conditions does DBT therapy treat in Orlando clinics?
DBT is an effective treatment for a range of mental health conditions, including the treatment of borderline personality disorder, mood instability, substance use concerns, relationship issues, and difficulty managing emotions. It can also support individuals coping with suicidal thoughts or impulse control challenges.
Who are the top DBT therapists or centers in Orlando?
Total Life Counseling is widely recognized in Orlando for experienced DBT therapists and a strong therapeutic process supported by a consultation team. TLC provides individual DBT therapy, group therapy, and comprehensive DBT skills training programs to support long-term progress.
How can I find DBT therapy groups or classes in Orlando?
DBT skills training groups can be found through local clinics, therapists, or community mental health services. Many programs offer group skills, group sessions, and structured classes focused on emotion regulation, interpersonal relationships, and mindfulness skills to improve quality of life.