My name is Sarah. I am the Program Director of Coastal DBT, a DBT therapist and a DBT skills trainer. Most importantly, I am intensively trained in DBT by Behavioral Tech Institute, the organization founded by Marsha Linehan. I am also experienced in psychological assessment, including Personality assessment and Intellectual functioning.

I have a Master’s degree as well as extensive doctoral training in Counselor Education and Supervision. The doctoral training has given me many gifts including a competency in psychological and education testing, assessment and treatment planning as well as a high level of exposure to evidence based therapies for adults and adolescents. It has allowed me to develop as a scientist of human behavior through knowledge of the research base in DBT and psychological trauma. Simultaneously it also increased my level of empathy as I worked with disadvantaged populations, including prisoners and those newly released from prison.

I utilize DBT-Prolonged Exposure and/or Eye Movement Desensitization and Re-Processing therapy (EMDR) to process client trauma as is appropriate for the client’s situation.

Currently I am taking additional training in using DBT for eating disorders. I am currently working towards full certification with the DBT-Linehan Board of certification. This is important because currently only four people in South Carolina have this certification.

I can be reached at Sarah.Leitner@CoastalDBT.com, or at (803)-525-4085.