Listening with love

Behavioral therapy describes a broad range of techniques and behaviorism used to change maladaptive behaviors. The goal is to reinforce desirable behaviors and eliminate unwanted ones. 

Rooted in the principles of behaviorism, a school of thought focused on the idea that we learn from our 20th-century environment, this approach emerged during the early part of the 20th century and became a dominant force in the field for many years. Edward Thorndike was one of the first to refer to the idea of modifying behavior. 

Unlike the types of therapy that are rooted in insight (such as psychoanalytic therapy and humanistic therapies), behavioral therapy is action-based. Because of this, behavioral therapy tends to be highly focused. The behavior itself is the problem; the goal is to teach people new behaviors to minimize or eliminate the issue.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy (psychotherapy). It’s based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but it’s specifically adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps people understand how thoughts affect emotions and behaviors.

“Dialectical” means combining opposite ideas. DBT focuses on helping people accept the reality of their lives and their behaviors and learn to change them, including their unhelpful behaviors.

Dialectical behavior therapy was developed in the 1970s by Marsha Linehan, an American psychologist.

What is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) used for?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is especially effective for people who have difficulty managing and regulating their emotions.

DBT has proven to be effective for treating and managing a wide range of mental health conditions, including borderline personality disorder (BPD), self-harm, suicidal behavior, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder, eating disorders, specifically binge eating disorder and bulimia, depression, anxiety.

It’s important to note that the reason DBT has proved effective for treating these conditions is that each of these conditions is thought to be associated with issues that result from unhealthy or problematic efforts to control intense, negative emotions. Rather than depending on efforts that cause problems for the person, DBT helps people learn healthier ways to cope.

Barbara Mendoza is a certified Behavioral Therapy Coach in Houston, TX.

Barbara's coaching draws from Therapeutic  Coaching, Cognitive  Therapy Coaching (CTC), Dialectical Therapy Coaching, Rational  Emotive Behavioral Coaching , Guided Imagery and Visualization Techniques, The  Enneagram of Personality, Mindfulness, Professional Listener 

2,500+ hours of training

Barbara has completed over 2000 hours of training, which includes working as a Behavioral Therapy Coach, OCD therapy coach, self-study in psychotherapy, mindfulness, the enneagram of personality types, undergoing personal psychotherapy, and coaching herself. She was extensively trained and certified as a Behavioral, cognitive, Dialectical therapy Coach, OCD and response and exposure prevention coach.

From a prestigious skin care specialist to a passionate Behavioral therapy coach 

Before becoming a Behavioral Therapy coach, Barbara graduated with honors as a Bilingual Medical Assistant and licensed Medical Aesthetician at the Institute of Cosmetology and Massage (ICE). Later, she became certified as an Aesthetic Medical Injector and in the treatment of Migraine and cluster headaches using Neurotoxins at Aesthetic Medical Partners (AMP).

Her extensive experience in medical care and her unrelenting passion for understanding the human mind enables her to guide her patients in discovering their true selves and transforming their negative self-perceptions in a different history. 

Barbara founded BM Skincare in 2014 and became a successful 5-star medical aesthetician. Her company garnered support from renowned figures in the Houston area.

However, after being diagnosed with PTSD, Severe Anxiety, and Depression, and having obtained her mental and spiritual balance through practicing self-behavioral therapy and Mindfulness, Barbara found out her reason to be helping others with their mental health and well-being. So, she made the difficult and brave decision to shut down BM Skincare. She had spent 4 years building and retraining as a Behavioral Therapy and OCD coach.

A Master of Resilience

Barbara truly understands human suffering and is compassionate, having personally overcome major trauma, racism, breakdown, interracial relationships, OCD, PTSD, body dysmorphia, stress, and depression.  As Barbara says, you are a human being, not a problem. Educate yourself, understand yourself, and love yourself.