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About

Therapy with Ruth

I have been practicing DBT for over 10 years; therefore, I use a DBT-informed approach in my private practice sessions. Having over a decade of clinical experience working as a therapist and supervisor, I have extensive experience providing evidence-based treatment in group private practice, residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs, community mental health, and outpatient settings. My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based therapies, with a client-centered perspective, and trauma-informed lens to promote growth and healing. Our sessions may include homework to increase practice with skills and strategies in between sessions.

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I also provide high-fidelity comprehensive DBT through SoCal DBT. Through this group practice, I coordinate care of complex cases presenting with co-morbid mental health disorders. I also run skills groups and provide phone coaching for clients in comprehensive DBT. 

About Ruth's Clinical Experience

Areas of Expertise

Borderline Personality Disorder

Anxiety Disorders

Depression

Complex Trauma and PTSD

Family/Parenting

Couples/Relationships

Life Transitions

DBT Graduates

Education

Master of Social Work - The Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelor of Arts, Ethnic Studies - University of California, San Diego

Certifications & Specialized Trainings

DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician

CA Behavioral Board of Sciences Supervisor

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  • NEABPD Family Connections MSTR Leader Training led by NEABPD

  • Improving Skills in Conducting  Chain Analysis in DBT: There's No Such Thing as Too Much Detail Training led by Shari Manning, PhD

  • Introduction to Sex/Porn/Love Addiction Training with The Center for Healthy Sex

  • Using DBT PE with Autistic Individuals led by Lorie Ritschel, PhD & Melanie Harned, PhD

  • An Introduction to DBT for SUD led by Jennifer Sayrs, PhD

  • Intensive Workshop: ERP for OCD led by Steven D. Tsao, PhD et al

  • DBT with Reactive or High Conflict Couples Training led by Alan E. Fruzzetti, PhD

  • Motivation Interviewing Training led by Ryan Lindsay, LCSW

  • ACT Workshop led by Jack Jacobsen

  • Prolonged Exposure in Stage 1 DBT Training led by Melanie Harned, PhD

  • STLCFD Training Institute DBT trainings led by Ryan Lindsay, LCSW

  • Foundational DBT Training led by Ronda Reitz, PhD

© 2025 Ruth Avalos, LCSW #83493

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