SERVICES

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

What is DBT?

For individuals in Calgary and across Alberta who struggle with intense emotions and the harmful behaviors that can follow, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers a structured, evidence-based path toward meaningful change. If you’re searching for DBT Calgary services, our program provides comprehensive, life-changing treatment tailored to those facing emotion dysregulation.

DBT is built on the core principles of acceptance and change—validating the reality of emotional pain while also holding space for the possibility of transformation. Through a blend of individual therapy, group skills classes, and phone coaching, clients learn to manage their emotions without acting impulsively and to replace harmful patterns with effective, skillful behavior.

Created by Dr. Marsha Linehan for chronically suicidal individuals, DBT is now the gold standard for treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and has been adapted to support people with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use, and eating disorders. Our DBT Calgary programs are open to anyone struggling with emotional regulation, regardless of diagnosis.

DBT Calgary Program Outcomes

Our internal research shows that clients who complete a full year of our DBT program experience significant improvements:

•   45% increase in overall emotional state

•   45% decrease in problematic behaviors

•   42% reduction in BPD symptoms

•   38% average reduction in behavioral and functional challenges

•   25% reduction in emotion regulation difficulties

Data collected using BASIS-32, BSL-23, and DERS. Updated as of May 9, 2025.

Comprehensive DBT Program

Our Comprehensive DBT Calgary Program is recommended for the highest likelihood of improvement. This program includes:

    •    Weekly in-person individual therapy sessions

    •    A 24-week in-person DBT skills group

    •    Ongoing phone coaching for real-time support

This structured, year-long commitment helps clients deeply integrate DBT skills into their everyday lives. For those outside Calgary, we also offer a fully online version of this program to clients anywhere in Alberta.

DBT-Informed Therapy

In some cases, clients may be a better fit for DBT-Informed Therapy, which integrates DBT principles without the full structure of skills classes or phone coaching. This option is available based on clinical recommendations.

 

Online DBT Skills Class (Skills-Only Option)

If you’re looking to access DBT skills training in Calgary or Alberta without enrolling in the full program, we offer a 24-week Online DBT Skills Class. While participation in this class alone cannot be considered full DBT treatment, it can still be a helpful resource for learning the DBT skills.

 

DBT for Adolescents & Families (DBT-A)

We also offer DBT Calgary services for adolescents (ages 15–17) and their families.
Treatment is all of the following concurrently:

    •    Weekly individual therapy for the adolescent,

    •    An in-person, 2hr Multi-Family Skills Class weekly for 24 weeks,

    •    Phone coaching support for real-time skills use (as needed).

At least one parent must participate in the Multi-Family Skills Class and may also attend the first or last 10 minutes of their adolescent’s individual sessions as needed. The adolescent DBT program requires a one-year commitment for best outcomes. Please note: this program is not available online.

 

 

A LASTING PATH TO WELLNESS

The Inner Solutions™ Certified DBT Program

The Inner Solutions™ DBT program has been independently evaluated by the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification™ and has demonstrated fidelity to the DBT model, therefore is recognized as a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification™, Certified Program. This recognition reflects the need for accurate and full-fidelity delivery of DBT. Our mission is to assure those we work with that they are getting the highest standards of practice when entering into a treatment protocol.

We stand on the ethical delivery and practice of empirically supported, evidence-based treatments delivered from a team of determined, passionate professionals who are invested in bringing together all our knowledge to assist your struggles.

Note: Inner Solutions™ has the only Certified DBT Program in Western Canada, and Jessica Heil (Clinical Director and Clinical Supervisor) is Alberta’s only certified DBT clinician.