Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

852 people sought dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) help in New Jersey in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), Cigna | Evernorth, +4 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Life Transition, Relationships, +4 more

As your therapist and fellow traveler on life's journey, I’m here to support you on your path toward well-being and a life filled with meaning.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, AmeriHealth Administrators, AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage, +22 more
Anger, Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, Stress, +6 more

As a licensed therapist, I look forward to collaboratively creating therapeutic goals with you that best serve your needs and help you overcome the di... As a licensed therapist, I look forward to collaboratively creating therapeutic goals with you that best serve your needs and help you overcome the difficulties that you are facing today. Read more

35 more therapists available in New Jersey

Give us a call to schedule your next appointment, or browse through our full list of available providers.

Michelle Nirenberg

Hear from Michelle Nirenberg, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Michelle Nirenberg's profile

What is your go-to approach for dialectical behavior therapy?

My go-to approach for helping people in dialectical behavior therapy is educating them on the many different coping skills and how they can be used with so many different diagnoses. There are basic skills such as relaxation techniques and distraction techniques; however, TIPs, STOP, and learning to use pros and cons are useful. Learning how to incorporate mindfulness into one's daily regimen is very helpful. When working with someone who experiences depression, teaching about opposite reaction, fortune telling, catastrophizing, and practicing self-validation are all helpful. I usually provide a link to a specific DBT Workbook that includes handouts to cover during sessions and then worksheets for the client to use as homework.

What tools do you teach in dialectical behavior therapy?

I teach the following tools in dialectical behavior therapy:

  • Opposite action: Identify emotions you want to change, assess whether your emotion and its intensity is justified by facts, assess the emotion's effectiveness, and (if necessary) act opposite to your action urges until your emotion changes.
  • PLEASE skill: Treating PhysicaL illness, balance Eating, Avoid mood-altering substances, balance Sleep, get Exercise.
  • FAST skills: be Fair, no Apologies, Stick to values, be Truthful.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in dialectical behavior therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in dialectical behavior therapy when they are able to recognize which coping skills to use and the skills become second nature. The client will also be able to identify and use mindfulness skills to evaluate themselves and their behaviors.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement dialectical behavior therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in dialectical behavior therapy by working on the homework presented to them, which helps them to better understand the process. The client will use journaling and “The Ultimate List of Emotions” to help them identify their genuine emotions, feelings, and thoughts.

What should someone do to prepare for starting dialectical behavior therapy?

To prepare for their first dialectical behavior therapy session, an individual can practice being open-minded and nonjudgmental. I prefer that my clients stay far away from Google when learning about new techniques. The client should understand the importance of dedicating themselves to therapy, making sure they are present for the sessions, and doing the homework that is assigned to them.

Starting Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Toms River therapists and counselors accept 29 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • AmeriHealth Administrators

  • AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage

  • AmeriHealth New Jersey

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey | BCBS - HMO

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Self-pay costs at Toms River
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
My therapist is Lesley Petersen and I have been a patient of hers for about four months now. She has been helping me through a stressful situation that I have been going through. I would recommend her because she is easy to talk to and non-judgmental.
Read more My therapist is Lesley Petersen and I have been a patient of hers for about four months now. She has been helping me through a stressful situation that I have been going through. I would recommend her because she is easy to talk to and non-judgmental.
Danielle Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
☆☆☆☆
awfully. Goes on vacation for two weeks. Double books me. Calls me one minute before our scheduled meeting time. Says the other person is inside the office and cannot see me. says to me I will call me that night and then says to me via a text message that I will call in the morning. Calls me at 11:am. We have our session where she keeps adding restrictions on me and says "it's nothing personal". Speaks very low that I cannot hear.Tells me she sees 50 people weekly and cannot talk on the phone.
Read more awfully. Goes on vacation for two weeks. Double books me. Calls me one minute before our scheduled meeting time. Says the other person is inside the office and cannot see me. says to me I will call me that night and then says to me via a text message that I will call in the morning. Calls me at 11:am. We have our session where she keeps adding restrictions on me and says "it's nothing personal". Speaks very low that I cannot hear.Tells me she sees 50 people weekly and cannot talk on the phone.
Martin Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
☆☆☆☆
I will tell everybody I know not to use thrive works.
Mark Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Robin is incredible. She is kind, compassionate, empathic, and extremely patient. She provided me with a safe environment that allowed me to vent comfortably. Robin was extremely helpful and provided me with excellent coping mechanisms that I will carry and use daily. She is truly extraordinary!
Read more Robin is incredible. She is kind, compassionate, empathic, and extremely patient. She provided me with a safe environment that allowed me to vent comfortably. Robin was extremely helpful and provided me with excellent coping mechanisms that I will carry and use daily. She is truly extraordinary!
Toms River Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Robin made me feel so comfortable and it was easy to ease into change.
Toms River Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Thriveworks is great and really cares for clients, I fully recommend them! And I honestly cannot say enough good things about Sharon Ryan. I never feel wrong, crazy, or judged while speaking with her. She is so comforting and provides excellent, accurate insights. I really appreciate her interest and understanding as well as her flexibility for appointments. I’ve been struggling with losing interest in hobbies that I once loved. With Sharon’s help, I’ve developed new interests I’ve always wanted to try and expanded my horizons. Thank you so much, truly, from the bottom of my heart!
Read more Thriveworks is great and really cares for clients, I fully recommend them! And I honestly cannot say enough good things about Sharon Ryan. I never feel wrong, crazy, or judged while speaking with her. She is so comforting and provides excellent, accurate insights. I really appreciate her interest and understanding as well as her flexibility for appointments. I’ve been struggling with losing interest in hobbies that I once loved. With Sharon’s help, I’ve developed new interests I’ve always wanted to try and expanded my horizons. Thank you so much, truly, from the bottom of my heart!
Toms River Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I recommend checking out Thriveworks to find a mental health care provider that can suit your needs. The owners are sweet, genuine people who make it their mission to help others by connecting therapists and those who want a little guidance. Your mental health is important (especially these days) and you don't need to being in a crisis to see a therapist! In fact, its better to seek out a therapist before you can't cope on your own.
Read more I recommend checking out Thriveworks to find a mental health care provider that can suit your needs. The owners are sweet, genuine people who make it their mission to help others by connecting therapists and those who want a little guidance. Your mental health is important (especially these days) and you don't need to being in a crisis to see a therapist! In fact, its better to seek out a therapist before you can't cope on your own.
Toms River Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
If you're looking for counseling, this is definitely the place to go!
Toms River Dec 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Toms River is located inside Allen Street Professional Center, between Water Street and Wilsey Way. Across Allen Street, you'll find Gallipoli Wealth Management. Our building is just around the corner from Huddy Park.

Phone number

(732) 795-5217

Languages spoken by NJ providers

  • English
  • Spanish
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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