As Founder and Director of Suffolk DBT, Jeanette Lorandini works with families, children, adolescents, and adults utilizing the evidence-based approach of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Jeanette helps clients develop self-awareness, embrace emotional sensitivities, and ultimately engage more productively with themselves and their environments. She makes it her mission to tailor Suffolk DBT’s approach to each client, teaching key DBT skills that hone strengths and recognize struggles. Jeanette understands and is sympathetic to the fact that most people are nervous to start therapy. “DBT is about meeting people where they are,” says Jeanette. “When our clients walk through our doors, our supportive team creates an environment of acceptance and hope.”
Jeanette knew from a young age that she wanted to help and heal people. To pursue this goal, she attended SUNY Potsdam for her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. During her time at Potsdam, Jeanette’s mentor, a psychology professor who taught ‘Theory of Personality Disorders’ suggested she apply to graduate school and become a therapist. One year later, Jeanette arrived at Stony Brook University to pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Work to better understand complex mental health support.
After graduating in 1992 and attaining her license to practice therapy, Jeanette worked with several clients who were emotionally sensitive, one of whom was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Jeanette found that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was useful but knew her client needed more to thrive. After recommending a therapist who specialized in DBT to provide additional support, Jeanette became intrigued by her client’s improvement and the practical skills she began employing. Jeanette had always dreamed of an approach that was more effective for those dealing with PTSD, suicidal ideation, anger management, self-harm, and trauma. That was the impetus for Jeanette to immerse herself in the art of DBT. She completed Advanced Training for DBT Practitioners and is has received advanced training through the Linehan Institute: Behavioral Tech in DBT for treating children, adolescents, and adults who’ve experienced various life challenges including trauma.
In 2009 Jeanette decided to open her own practice, Suffolk DBT, with the goal of establishing a group of intensively trained DBT therapists to alleviate suffering in the community. In addition to a robust therapist team, Suffolk DBT is a teaching practice for graduate students attending regional colleges including Columbia University. Jeanette deeply believes in the efficacy of DBT living her own life in accordance with its skills and teaching others how to apply DBT to their everyday lives.
