Couples & Families Therapy Program

Our couples and families program is based on the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, but is not a comprehensive DBT program. It is intended for those who have challenges in their relationships, but who are otherwise functioning at a high level (for example, not suicidal or engaging in self-harm). If one or more of the individuals struggles broadly with emotion dysregulation or impulsive behaviors, we ask that you consider our adult comprehensive DBT program, as it would better suit your needs and also allows for couples and family sessions as needed.

In this program, we apply the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help high-conflict couples and families decrease destructive conflict and find more peace and intimacy in their relationships. A large emphasis is on developing effective emotion regulation and communication skills, including clear and tactful assertiveness combined with validation. These strategies help couples and families address toxic communication, reactive anger, and long-standing feelings of hurt and resentment. We use scientifically-established strategies to reduce emotional sensitivities that lead to conflict behaviors.

Program Components for Couples & Families

Therapy Sessions (weekly)
Focused on solving and coping with relationship conflict.
Couples bring this completed questionnaire to each session

Phone Coaching (between sessions)
Help with applying the skills when difficulties with your partner or family member arise.

Books
Couples read The High Conflict Couple (Audio) and Reconcilable Differences.

Videos, Articles, and Handouts

Preparing for Therapy

Please fill out our inquiry form to request help at DBTCSD. We will contact you within 1-2 business days to discuss your needs and schedule your first session.

Please read and complete the following forms prior to your first session. These forms and questionnaires are necessary for us to begin therapy with you. Filling them out ahead of time will allow us to start your therapy more quickly. If you prefer, you may arrive early and complete these forms in our waiting room or during your first session. Also, purchase the needed books.

Patient Information form
Consent form (read only - we will provide a copy for you to sign at your first session)

Authorize your other mental health providers to send us your information:

Release of Information (former) - records from your former therapist or hospital
Release of Information (current) - records from your current psychiatrist

These questionnaires are useful for the parents of teen clients and for couples therapy:

Couples questionnaires

These screening questionnaires are for each partner or family member to help us assess your needs:

BSDS
SBQ
QIDS
BSL
SPDQ
PCL
GADQ
PDSR