Starting DBT Therapy in Denver: Your First Session
What to Expect During Your First Appointment and How to Feel Prepared
Maybe you’ve been thinking about starting DBT therapy in Denver for a while now. Maybe someone you trust — a friend, a doctor, a partner — suggested it, and you finally looked it up. Or maybe you’ve been quietly struggling with intense emotions, and you’re ready to try something new.
Whatever brought you here, there’s a good chance you’re feeling a mix of hope and anxiety right now. That’s completely normal. Walking into your first DBT session can feel intimidating — you might worry about being judged, about having to relive painful experiences, or about not knowing what to say. We hear these concerns all the time at Mountainside Behavioral Health, and we want you to know: those feelings make complete sense, and you don’t have to have it all figured out before you walk through our door.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect at your first DBT therapy appointment — before, during, and after — so you can feel a little more prepared and a lot more at ease.
What Happens Before Your First DBT Session
Your journey with Dialectical Behavior Therapy at Mountainside actually begins before you sit down with a therapist. Here’s what the process looks like leading up to your first appointment.
Free Phone Consultation
When you reach out to us, we’ll schedule a brief, no-pressure phone consultation. This is your chance to share a little about what’s going on and ask any questions you have about our practice. It’s also our chance to make sure we’re the right fit for you.
During this call, you might talk about:
- What symptoms or challenges you’ve been experiencing
- What you’re hoping to get out of therapy
- Whether you’ve been in therapy before (and what that experience was like)
- Practical questions about scheduling, session length, or cost
This call is free, and there’s absolutely no obligation. Think of it as a conversation, not a commitment.
Intake Paperwork
Before your first appointment, we’ll send you some intake forms to fill out. These typically include:
- Background information — basic details about your history, current symptoms, and what’s bringing you to therapy
- Consent forms — standard paperwork that explains your rights, confidentiality, and how therapy works
- Questionnaires — brief assessments that help your therapist understand where you’re starting from
We know paperwork isn’t the most exciting part, but it serves an important purpose. It gives your therapist a head start so your first session can be spent connecting with you rather than collecting basic information.
What Your First DBT Session Actually Looks Like
Now for the part you’re probably most curious — and maybe most nervous — about. Here’s what your first DBT session at Mountainside Behavioral Health in Denver typically involves.
The Setting
Our Denver office is designed to feel calm and welcoming — not clinical or cold. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted warmly and shown to a comfortable space. Individual sessions last approximately 45 minutes, giving you and your therapist plenty of time to connect without feeling rushed.
What Your Therapist Will Ask
Your first session is primarily about getting to know you. Your therapist — whether that’s Dr. Emily Biggs-Heisler, Anabelle Brecker, LCSW, Audrey Fisher, LPC, or Dr. Diana Huizar — will guide the conversation with gentle, open-ended questions. You might talk about:
- What’s been going on lately — the emotions, situations, or patterns that made you seek support
- Your history — not an exhaustive deep dive, but enough context to understand where you’ve been
- Your goals — what would “better” look like for you? What do you want to change?
- Your strengths — because DBT isn’t just about what’s hard; it’s also about recognizing the resilience you already have
This session is a two-way conversation. Your therapist will also share a bit about how DBT works and what treatment might look like moving forward.
What You Won’t Be Asked to Do
Here’s something important: your first DBT therapy appointment is not about diving into your deepest, most painful experiences right away. You will not be asked to:
- Share everything about your past in one sitting
- Relive traumatic events before you’re ready
- Perform any exercises that feel uncomfortable without discussion first
DBT is a structured, evidence-based approach that moves at a pace that works for you. Your therapist will build trust with you first — always.
Common Fears About Starting DBT (and Why They’re Normal)
If you’ve been Googling “what is DBT like” at 2 a.m., you’re not alone. Let’s address some of the most common fears people have before their first DBT session.
“I’m afraid of being judged.”
Every therapist at Mountainside Behavioral Health is trained in compassionate, nonjudgmental care. That’s not just a buzzword — it’s a core principle of Dialectical Behavior Therapy itself. DBT was developed around the concept of radical acceptance, which means your therapist meets you exactly where you are, without criticism. Our female-owned practice was built on the belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and empowered.
“What if I cry?”
Then you cry, and that’s perfectly okay. Tears are not a sign of weakness — they’re a sign that something matters to you. Your therapist will be right there with you, and tissues are always within reach.
“What if I don’t know what to say?”
You don’t need to come prepared with a speech. Your therapist is skilled at guiding the conversation. If you feel stuck or blank, that’s completely fine. Sometimes the most honest thing you can say is, “I don’t know where to start,” and that’s a perfectly good place to begin.
“What if DBT isn’t for me?”
That’s exactly what the first session helps you figure out. If DBT isn’t the best fit, your therapist will be honest with you and help you explore other options. Our team is trained in multiple approaches including CBT and trauma-informed care, so there’s always a path forward.
Understanding Individual DBT vs. DBT Skills Groups
One question we often hear from people exploring what to expect from DBT therapy is: “What’s the difference between individual DBT and a skills group?”
Individual DBT Therapy
Individual sessions are one-on-one meetings with your therapist. This is where you’ll work through personal challenges, process emotions, and apply DBT skills to your specific life situations. These 45-minute sessions are deeply personalized to your needs and goals.
DBT Skills Groups
DBT skills groups in Denver are structured classes where you learn the four core DBT skill sets alongside others who are on a similar path:
- Mindfulness — being present in the moment without judgment
- Distress Tolerance — surviving crisis moments without making things worse
- Emotion Regulation — understanding and managing intense emotions
- Interpersonal Effectiveness — communicating your needs while maintaining relationships
At Mountainside, we offer both adult DBT skills groups (Tuesdays, 11 AM–1 PM) and teen multi-family skills groups (Mondays, 5 PM–7 PM). Many clients benefit from participating in both individual therapy and a skills group simultaneously — your therapist will help you determine the right combination for you.
Which One Should You Start With?
Many people begin with individual therapy to establish a foundation, and then add a skills group when they’re ready. But there’s no single “right” order. During your first DBT session, your therapist will discuss what makes the most sense for your situation.
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
Preparing for your first appointment doesn’t require much, but here are a few things that can help:
- A form of identification — for your intake records
- Your completed intake paperwork — if you haven’t already submitted it online
- Insurance information — Mountainside is out-of-network, but we provide superbills you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement
- A notebook or journal — optional, but many people find it helpful to jot down thoughts or skills they want to remember
- An open mind — you don’t have to believe therapy will work right away, but a willingness to try goes a long way
- Your questions — anything you want to ask, no matter how small it seems
And most importantly, bring yourself — exactly as you are right now. You don’t have to be in a certain headspace, have a certain level of “readiness,” or feel any particular way. You just have to show up.
What Happens After Your First Session
After your first DBT therapy appointment, your therapist will typically:
- Summarize what you discussed — so you’re both on the same page
- Outline a preliminary treatment plan — a flexible roadmap for your therapy journey
- Schedule your next session — consistency is key in DBT, so regular appointments help build momentum
- Provide any initial resources — this might include a mindfulness exercise, a worksheet, or simply something to reflect on before your next visit
You might leave your first session feeling relieved, emotionally tired, hopeful, or some combination of all three. All of those responses are normal. What matters is that you took the first step.
Begin Your Healing Journey in Denver
Starting therapy takes courage — and the fact that you’re researching what to expect at your first DBT session tells us you already have plenty of it.
At Mountainside Behavioral Health, our experienced, compassionate team of therapists specializes in DBT therapy in Denver for adolescents and adults navigating intense emotions, trauma, anxiety, depression, and more. As a female-owned Denver practice, we’re deeply committed to creating a space where you feel safe, supported, and genuinely cared for.
You don’t have to keep struggling alone. Your first session is simply a conversation — one that could change the direction of your life.
Request a Consultation — our free phone consultation is the easiest way to get started. We’d love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your First DBT Session
How long does a first DBT session last?
Your first DBT session at Mountainside Behavioral Health in Denver typically lasts about 45 minutes. This gives you and your therapist enough time to get to know each other, discuss what brought you to therapy, and begin outlining what your treatment might look like — all without feeling rushed.
Do I have to talk about everything in my first session?
Absolutely not. Your first DBT therapy appointment is about building a connection with your therapist and sharing what feels comfortable. You set the pace. Your therapist will never pressure you to share more than you’re ready to discuss, especially in your first meeting.
What’s the difference between DBT and regular talk therapy?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach that focuses on teaching concrete skills — like mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance — that you can use in your daily life. While traditional talk therapy may focus primarily on exploring feelings and past experiences, DBT actively equips you with practical tools to manage intense emotions and improve relationships.
Can I do DBT therapy online in Colorado?
Yes. Mountainside Behavioral Health offers telehealth DBT sessions for clients throughout Colorado. If you prefer the convenience of meeting from home, your therapist can provide the same quality of care through a secure video platform. Just let us know your preference when you request a consultation.
Ready for Your First DBT Session?
Mountainside Behavioral Health is a female-owned behavioral health practice in Denver, Colorado, specializing in DBT and CBT for adolescents and adults. Request a free consultation to take your first step today.