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If your teen is struggling with intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, self-harm, or feeling disconnected, you may have heard about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)—and for good reason. DBT is one of the most effective treatments for teens with emotion regulation challenges. At the Houston DBT Center we offer standard DBT (skills class and individual therapy) as well as the […]

What Is Perfectionism? Perfectionism isn’t the same as striving for excellence. It’s the belief that anything less than perfect is unacceptable. For perfectionists, success isn’t about growth—it’s about avoiding failure, shame, or judgment. Perfectionism often shows up as: How Perfectionism Triggers Anxiety Perfectionism and anxiety are closely linked. In fact, perfectionism is often a hidden driver […]

Everyone wants to do a good job. But when your need for control, order, and perfection takes over your life—and causes stress in your relationships, work, or health—it may be more than just “being particular.” It may be Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD). OCPD is often misunderstood. It’s not the same as OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). People with OCPD […]

Have you ever reached the end of the day and wondered where all your time went? Or found yourself reacting to stress in ways you later regretted—snapping at someone, ignoring your needs, or slipping into old habits? Setting a daily intention can help you live more purposefully instead of just reacting to whatever comes your way. Let’s […]

Have you ever said “yes” when you really wanted to say “no”? Or felt drained after agreeing to something that didn’t feel right for you? You’re not alone. Learning how to set healthy boundaries is one of the most powerful things you can do for your mental health — but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Many of […]

If you have ADHD, you already know how frustrating it can be to manage time, focus, and daily tasks. But what many people don’t realize is that perfectionism is a hidden struggle for many adults and teens with ADHD. Not recognizing this concern, which may be surprising to many, can mean that treatment is less effective than […]

When adults go through trauma, it can leave deep emotional scars. People with trauma or PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) often feel intense emotions. They may experience flashbacks, panic, and a constant sense of danger, even when the trauma is over. If you have PTSD, you might notice some or all of these symptoms: PTSD SYMPTOM […]

If your teen struggles with loneliness despite being responsible, intelligent, or socially skilled, they may have an overcontrolled (OC) coping style. In Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT), we understand loneliness in OC teens as stemming not from a lack of social skills, but from difficulty expressing warmth, openness, and flexibility in relationships. Why Do Overcontrolled […]

If you’re an adult who struggles with self-harm, you are not alone. Some people harm themselves by cutting, burning, or hitting when they feel overwhelmed, numb, or out of control. These actions are often used as a way to cope with painful emotions or to feel something when emotions feel shut off. A DBT-based adult IOP in […]

Every couple disagrees. In fact, if you never argue, that might be the real red flag. What separates thriving relationships from struggling ones isn’t whether conflicts occur—it’s the skills you use when they do. Relationship researchers John and Julie Gottman have spent over four decades observing how couples interact during disagreements. Their findings reveal something […]

Rejection is hard for everyone. If you often feel hurt by rejection or criticism, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with emotional pain when they feel judged, left out, or not good enough. But did you know there are actually two different things that can cause this? Emotionally sensitive people may suffer from rejection sensitivity. They worry […]

Have you ever heard the story about a person walking down the same street every day and falling into the same hole? It goes like this: Chapter One: I walk down the street. There’s a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I’m lost… it takes forever to get out. It’s not my fault. Two: I’m […]