Dialectical Behavior Therapy

- Strength-Based, Goal-Oriented -

Compassion & structure, taught as real-life skills—so you can feel better and live more fully.

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You might be navigating intense emotions, relationship stress, or cycles that haven’t budged—even after trying “all the things.” You want practical tools that work in real life, not just ideas that sound good on paper.

If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place.

I’m Kristen Joyce, LMHC, and I offer individual therapy (virtual across Massachusetts) and run the Northampton Center for Dialectical Behavior Therapy, where adults, parents, couples, and families learn DBT skills that lead to real change. I take a flexible, integrative approach, helping clients tap into their innate strengths to reduce emotional overwhelm, manage conflict more effectively, and build confidence, resilience, and greater enjoyment in life.

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“Kristen beautifully and compassionately coached our entire family (ages 15, 13, and 9 year old kids and two adults in our forties)… we are still putting the skills into practice…we are so grateful… and cannot recommend her highly enough.”

Everyone needs help from time to time.

Now is your time.

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Through DBT-informed therapy and structured programs, you’ll learn practical skills to create meaningful change and live a happier, healthier life, a life worth living.

What you may be struggling with (and how I can help):

  • Emotions that feel too big, too fast. Learn emotion regulation to reduce intensity and rebound faster.

  • Conflict and communication gridlock. Build interpersonal effectiveness to set boundaries, ask for needs, and protect relationships.

  • Stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. Develop distress tolerance so you can ride the waves without making things worse.

  • Trauma and tough life events. Integrate skills and supports while moving toward a life that feels worth living.

Areas of Specialization:

  • Life Transitions (e.g., divorce, college, relocation)

  • Stress Management

  • PTSD & Trauma Recovery

  • ADHD

  • Adoption-Related Issues

  • Family & Communication Difficulties

  • LGBTQ+ Issues

  • Neurodivergence

  • Depression & Anxiety

  • Anger Management

  • Relationship Conflicts

  • Grief & Loss

  • Bipolar Disorder

  • Disordered Eating & Body Image Issues

  • Substance Use

  • Self-Harm

  • Suicidal Ideation & Tendencies

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

Ways to Work Together:

︱ 1︱

Individual Therapy

A focused, non-judgmental space to clarify goals, build skills, and track progress. Sessions are offered virtually for adults living in Massachusetts. LEARN MORE

︱ 2︱

Northampton Center for DBT

Programs are by enrollment (no drop-ins) with both virtual and in person options depending on the program. All offerings are designed to be clear, practical, and skills-forward. LEARN MORE

    • Learn DBT skills virtually in three modules—Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, and Interpersonal Effectiveness—with mindfulness woven throughout. This weekly online program offers training in all of the DBT skills over 28 weeks. These classes are appropriate for anyone 18 or older who's interested in learning DBT skills. Enrollment opens at the start of each module; limited availability.

    • This program combines DBT and Gottman-based strategies to help couples who want to learn strategies to strengthen their relationship quickly over one weekend. Classes are offered in person in downtown Northampton or online and provide a combination of skills training and couples therapy so that participants leave feeling prepared to use the skills to care for their relationship. 

    • This is a program personalized to one family's needs at a time and tailored to teaching DBT Skills to parents so that they might become emissaries of DBT Skills to their children. This program is offered online and typically comprises 4-10 weeks of classes. 

    • This is a program personalized to one family's needs at a time. Skills selected from different modules to help with your specific needs are offered weekly, in person in downtown Northampton. Programs typically last anywhere from 4-10 weeks. 

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Meet Kristen Joyce, LMHC

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Since 2004, I’ve helped people who feel stuck in intense emotions, relationship strain, or repeating patterns. My approach is compassionate and structured: we identify what’s getting in the way, choose the right tools for your goals, and practice until you feel confident using them in real life. I’ll work with you every step of the way, you’re not in this alone.

Warm, practical therapy—and DBT programs that help you turn skills into daily habits.

I make evidence-based DBT accessible, practical, and life-changing for our community. Through warm, goal-oriented individual therapy and structured, enrollment-only programs at the Northampton Center for Dialectical Behavior Therapy, I help adults, parents, couples, and families turn insight into daily skills—reducing suffering, strengthening relationships, and building a life worth living.

    • Specialized in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); DBT training through ServiceNet in Northampton and DBT certification through Evergreen.

    • Private practice since 2013; founded the Northampton Center for Dialectical Behavior Therapy in 2014/2015 to bring accessible skills training to the community.

    • Integrative lens drawing from DBT, CBT, ACT, Positive Psychology, trauma-informed care, and behavior change strategies.

    • We start with your goals. What would better look like in daily life?

    • We choose the smallest next step. Clear skills you can try between sessions — these lead to intentional growth.

    • We track what’s working. Celebrate progress, adjust what isn’t, repeat.

  • Over time, clients often see a myriad of tangible benefits including;

    • Less emotional whiplash, more steadiness

    • Clearer boundaries and easier asks

    • Fewer “make it worse” moments under stress

    • A growing sense of agency—and enjoyment of life

    • Strengthened relationships

    • Individual therapy: Virtual sessions for adults in Massachusetts

    • Northampton Center for DBT: By enrollment only; location is the Everyday Mindfulness Building, 40 Center Street, Northampton, MA 01060

    • Not a crisis service. If you’re in immediate danger or considering harm, call 988 or 911.

Why DBT here?

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Evidence-Based

DBT can help unlock your best self. You’ll be provided with actionable steps and clear tools so you can practice in between sessions and gain effective skills and techniques that lead to tangible change and meaningful growth.

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Warm & Structured

Compassion and accountability help create a concrete roadmap to help you make progress, no matter where you’re starting. You’ll have an empathetic partner offering support and expert guidance right from the start.

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Kristen has over twenty years of experience in psychotherapy and specializes in DBT. Known for helping foster successful growth and change, Kristen is well respected in her field, and brings both empathy and expertise to every session.

Experienced