Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Eating Disorders in Fresno, California

Small steps still move you forward

Skill-based Approach

At Oasis Eating Disorder Recovery in Fresno, California, we offer Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as a structured, skills-based approach to the treatment of eating disorders. DBT is widely used for addressing patterns of emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and self-destructive behavior commonly associated with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. As part of our commitment to providing evidence-based treatment, this therapy is integrated into both individual therapy and group sessions, supporting clients as they learn to manage emotional triggers and build more adaptive coping mechanisms.

Our clinical team includes licensed mental health professionals trained to use DBT with individuals experiencing not only eating disorders but also co-morbid conditions like borderline personality disorder (BPD), trauma, or substance abuse. Clients benefit from a combination of therapeutic approaches—including CBT, RO-DBT (Radically Open DBT), and skills training—all delivered within a safe, structured environment that emphasizes validation, resilience, and sustainable progress. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, Oasis provides specialized care that supports both recovery and long-term emotional well-being.

Recovery is possible. And so are you

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, was created to help individuals facing emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and suicidality—particularly those diagnosed with BPD. Over time, DBT has proven especially effective in the treatment of eating disorders, where it helps reduce cycles of binge eating, purging, and emotional restriction by addressing the underlying emotional responses that drive these behaviors.

DBT is structured around four key areas of skills training:

Emotion regulation: Learning to understand and manage difficult emotions without resorting to destructive habits
Distress tolerance: Building the capacity to tolerate pain and stress without impulsive reactions
Mindfulness: Increasing awareness of the present moment, allowing clients to respond more thoughtfully rather than react automatically
Interpersonal effectiveness: Enhancing communication and boundary-setting in relationships

At Oasis, we teach these DBT skills in dedicated group sessions, helping clients apply them directly to real-life triggers and emotional patterns related to body image, food, and control.

Tiny steps lead to big changes

Why DBT Matters in Eating Disorder Treatment

Eating disorders are not only about food—they often stem from deeper emotional wounds, unprocessed trauma, or overwhelming internal states. For individuals dealing with intense emotions or chronic self-judgment, food may serve as a way to cope, avoid, or gain control. DBT helps disrupt these cycles by targeting the emotional and behavioral responses that sustain disordered eating

DBT offers clients a practical framework for change by combining validation of their current struggles with actionable strategies for building healthier behaviors. At Oasis, this means helping clients recognize the emotional triggers behind urges to restrict, binge, or purge—and offering real-time skills to navigate those moments without reverting to harmful patterns. Over time, clients learn to tolerate discomfort, manage distress, and relate to their emotions in new ways. This shift not only supports symptom reduction but also promotes a more stable sense of identity, healthier relationships, and improved overall quality of life.

You don't have to earn rest or care

Who Benefits From DBT at Oasis?

DBT is especially helpful for individuals who:

Engage in frequent binge eating, purging, or restriction in response to stress
Experience intense emotional swings or emotional dysregulation
Have a history of trauma, BPD, or co-morbid conditions
Struggle with interpersonal relationships, shame, or self-criticism
Have previously tried therapy with limited success

Our clinicians also recognize the importance of adapting DBT for clients at different stages of recovery. Whether someone is stepping down from inpatient treatment or entering care for the first time, we create a treatment path that emphasizes skill-building, emotional resilience, and the gradual replacement of harmful behaviors with meaningful, life-affirming choices.

You’re already doing better than you think

DBT Therapy at Oasis Eating Disorder Recovery

At Oasis, individual therapy is a core component of our comprehensive approach to eating disorder recovery. These one-on-one therapy sessions provide a safe, confidential space for clients to explore the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive patterns underlying disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. With the guidance of licensed mental health professionals, clients examine how factors like body image, identity, and emotional regulation contribute to their relationship with food and their overall quality of life.

Our providers use a blend of evidence-based treatment approaches—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)—to help clients challenge distorted thinking, build distress tolerance, and develop new ways of managing stress. These sessions may address co-morbid concerns such as anxiety, borderline personality disorder, or past trauma. In addition to individual sessions, clients also participate in DBT skills groups, where they learn and apply core techniques like mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness in a collaborative setting. Together, these therapies support goals such as:

Challenging perfectionism and self-criticism
Processing trauma or past relational wounds
Reframing distorted beliefs about body and worth
Increasing emotional awareness and self-compassion
Building confidence in one’s ability to navigate life without the eating disorder

This isn’t the end of your story

Outpatient Support at Oasis

At Oasis, our outpatient program is uniquely designed to integrate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into every layer of care, providing clients with the structure and consistency needed to apply DBT skills in real-world settings. This level of support is ideal for individuals who don’t require inpatient treatment but still need regular therapeutic guidance to manage urges, regulate emotions, and reinforce progress. By combining DBT with comprehensive outpatient services, clients receive both flexibility and accountability in their recovery journey.

Key components of our DBT-informed outpatient care include:

Ongoing individual therapy focused on DBT skill application
Weekly DBT group therapy for skill-building and peer feedback
Meal support and nutrition counseling aligned with emotional goals
Case management to ensure continuity across all aspects of treatment
Real-life practice of distress tolerance and emotion regulation techniques between sessions

We’ll meet you wherever you are

Begin DBT-Based Eating Disorder Treatment in Fresno Today

At Oasis Eating Disorder Recovery, we are proud to offer Dialectical Behavior Therapy as part of our specialized care for individuals in Fresno, California, and the surrounding communities. We are committed to providing an individualized, trauma-informed approach that equips clients with the tools they need to manage their emotions, reduce disordered behaviors, and improve their quality of life.

If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder and seeking a research-backed, compassionate treatment approach, our team is here to help. Contact OASIS today to learn more about our DBT services and begin your journey toward recovery and emotional healing.

Admissions Process

We know that asking for help takes courage. Getting in touch is the first step. We’re here for you, no matter what. Once submitted, our admissions team will be in touch within 24 hours.

Or call us directly to get started: (559) 245-6203

Comprehensive Treatment and Therapy

We create a comprehensive treatment plan to ensure continued healing and support with group therapy, nutrition, body image groups, individual/family sessions.