Why Pacific DBT Collaborative

The path to finding a therapist that ticks (checks) all the boxes can often be a long and frustrating journey. With so many names, websites, modalities, acronyms, and general information out there, potential clients can find themselves unsure of where to start. We understand this challenge at Pacific DBT.  Therapy is deeply personal; it can feel overwhelming to find someone to place one’s trust in. Our hope for clients is that they may find a fit that matches their goals and needs; perhaps we can show you why Pacific DBT might be that fit. 

Patrik Karlsson, one of our therapists, reflects on his journey to our practice:

The sun had just set in the distance and I watched the remaining birds in the air find their ways into nests for the evening. I picked up the phone and called former colleague, friend, Charese Allen–someone whom I greatly respected for her integrity and reputation for high quality work.

It was a time in my life when I had recently made a decision to unmoor from a long time leadership position with a major health care organization in the Bay Area and yearned for a transition into a more clinical role again. Nothing called to me as much as returning to my roots as a DBT trained therapist.

And only Pacific DBT was considered.

Why?

It has to do with Charese. She started Pacific DBT Collaborative, and from what I had witnessed, she brought that same set of values to create something truly spectacular. To create a program that rested on the foundations of decades of research; was rooted in compassionate and humane delivery of services; and a strong emphasis on delivering meaningful results for her clients. 

I called her and sheepishly asked if I could speak with her. The first few seconds then transformed into an excitement as she spoke of how Pacific DBT was deeply invested in helping people who had suffered tremendous hardships in life punctuated by revolving bouts of intense emotions. She spoke of creating a team of gifted clinicians who prioritize learning, showing up with humility and curiosity, and having a love for the clients they treat. She spoke of Pacific DBT not as a clinic but as a home. A home for both therapists and clients alike. 

The stigma that comes with seeking mental health is pervasive in our society and that stigma is tripled when someone mentions Borderline Personality Disorder. Pacific DBT has not only embraced the idea that BPD is treatable, but that folks diagnosed with BPD can have successful lives and even thrive. Moreover, Pacific DBT has expanded and is able to treat many different conditions and provide help and support to people who find themselves in a myriad of life situations. The treatments are based in science and delivered in humane and warm ways by a team of therapists that prioritize warm and compassionate connections; a team of therapists that believe in continually education and striving to be the best therapists at every juncture of treatment; a team of therapists that acknowledge their own fallibility as part of their clinical practices.

The values Patrik speaks of are the core of how we practice at Pacific DBT. We understand the importance of high quality, evidence-based practices; we also understand that the human experience in the room is just as important. We’ve seen the benefit of fidelity to an evidence-based model; we also know that sometimes what's needed is flexibility and a personalized approach. Therapy is not a one size fits all, and we hope to meet our clients where they are, session by session, moment by moment. 

Dealing with mental health challenges can feel lonely. Perhaps you’ve felt like nobody understands your experience; maybe the weight or intensity of your emotions leaves you feeling exhausted and isolated. Maybe you’ve spent a lifetime struggling with perfectionism, or find yourself waking up all hours of the night ruminating about the past or caught in worries about the future. Maybe it's not you that struggles, but a child or loved one, and you aren’t sure how to help. You may even have thoughts about hurting yourself or have wished to disappear. These obstacles can feel overwhelming, and often clients do not know where to start. You are not alone, and your wellbeing matters. You are not a diagnosis; not a list of symptoms, a problem to be solved, something to be fixed. You are a human being, having a human experience. Many times, the challenges folks face are perfectly understandable reactions to immense difficulties they are facing in their lives. We focus on helping our clients create a life worth living, so that even when life is painful, we can find a way to connect with our values. 

At Pacific DBT, clients not only benefit from high quality therapy, but from a team of therapists all working together to support a community of clients. As part of fidelity to the DBT model, we meet weekly for team consultation, where we focus on supporting one another so we can better support our clients. In this way, clients not only have access to their own individual therapist; they can be assured that they indirectly have access to the expertise of an entire team of highly trained and talented clinicians.  

So as a client, why choose Pacific DBT to provide you with mental health care?

• We are intensively trained in comprehensive DBT and bring our expertise to your sessions.You deserve therapy grounded in evidence, not guesswork. Our team is led by DBT-Linehan Board Certified clinicians who specialize in treating BPD with skill, precision, and empathy.

• We understand the pain of being misunderstood—even by other providers—and offer a space free from judgment. Many clients with BPD have felt labeled, dismissed, or blamed in past care. Here, you're met with   respect and warmth, not stigma.

• We combine skills classes and individual therapy to support your growth and connection. Healing happens in relationships. Our structured approach helps you build skills and practice them with real support.

• We bring compassion and an unyielding commitment to you, our client. You are not “too much.” You are not “broken.” We’re in this with you, fully and fiercely.

• We see your suffering—and we also see your potential. Life with BPD can feel overwhelming, but with the right treatment, things can change. We’re here to help you build a life worth living.

We at Pacific DBT are here for you, contact us today to get started on your DBT journey. www.pacificdbt.com/contact