At our practice, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is more than just a set of skills or a treatment plan—it’s a relationship, a mindset, and a commitment to seeing our clients as capable, resilient, and worthy of growth. One of the most powerful parts of DBT is the foundation it’s built on: the 7 therapist assumptions
These aren’t just guidelines for therapists—they’re the lens through which we understand and interact with every person who walks through our doors (or logs into a session). When you come to see us, you’re not just getting therapy—you’re entering a space where these beliefs shape every interaction, every challenge, and every step forward.
Let’s break them down, and we’ll show you how they drive the work we do:
1. Clients are doing the best they can.
We believe that when you show up to therapy, you’re doing so with the tools you currently have—and that’s enough to begin. Life may have thrown a lot at you, and you’ve made it this far. That tells us you’re strong. We don’t judge where you are; we meet you there, with compassion and respect.
2. Clients want to improve.
Even when things feel stuck, chaotic, or overwhelming, we hold onto the belief that you want things to get better. You might not know how yet, and that’s okay. Wanting change—on any level—is enough to start. We trust that spark in you, even if you can’t see it yet.
3. Clients need to do better, try harder, and be more motivated to change.
This one may sound intense, but here’s how we see it: wanting things to improve and actually working for it are different things. Growth takes effort. It’s not always easy. But we’re here to help you build the motivation, resilience, and tools to take real action—even when it’s hard.
4. Clients may not have caused all of their problems, but they have to solve them anyway.
This one hits deep. You might not be responsible for everything that’s happened to you. Trauma, pain, and injustice may not be your fault. But healing? That part is yours—and we’re in it with you. DBT is about radical ownership and empowerment. You have the power to build a life worth living, and we’ll help guide you there.
5. The lives of suicidal individuals are unbearable as they are currently being lived.
We take suicidal thoughts and hopelessness seriously—and compassionately. If you’re struggling with these thoughts, we don’t just try to “make them go away.” We understand that something in your life feels unbearable, and our job is to help you make life feel more livable, meaningful, and safe.
6. Clients must learn new behaviors in all relevant contexts.
Skills don’t just belong in a therapy room. They belong in your relationships, at school or work, in your inner world, and in the messy, beautiful moments of real life. That’s why we teach, practice, and reinforce skills you can actually use wherever you are—because real healing happens outside the session too.
7. Clients cannot fail in therapy.
This is one of our favorites. You cannot fail here. You might struggle. You might miss appointments, have setbacks, or feel like giving up. But you’re not failing. You’re learning. Therapy is a process, not a test—and we’re committed to sticking with you through it all.
Our Mindset as DBT Therapists
When you come to our practice, know this:
We see you. We believe in your ability to grow. We expect the best from you while offering support and validation every step of the way. We don’t shame, we don’t judge—we just get real about what it takes to make meaningful, lasting change. And we’re in it with you.
Whether you’re new to therapy or have tried it before, our DBT approach is grounded in hope, honesty, and a deep respect for your journey.
Want to book with us? We’d love to meet you.
Reach out today, and let’s build something together.
Text/Call: 816.500.2070
Middle Path Counseling MO 