Meet Shaelene
Welcome to Rebelmente!
Hey there! I’m Shaelene Lauriano Kite, LPC, ACS, DBT-LBC, and RYT (whew, quite the list, right?). This translates to: I’m a licensed counselor and supervisor, a DBT expert, and a yoga teacher. I also appen to own four businesses because, apparently, I like to keep things interesting. More than anything, I believe that running a successful business takes community, and so does being a therapist. I’m here to share what I’ve learned along the way.
My Group Practice Owner Journey:
DBT of South Jersey
I opened DBT of South Jersey in 2018—one of only two Linehan Board Certified Programs in New Jersey. What started as a vision to provide comprehensive DBT services has grown into a thriving practice with a team of about 20 employees.
How It All Started:
Before launching DBT of South Jersey, I had zero business experience, no roadmap—just a deep belief in DBT’s ability to change and save lives. My work at a community agency showed me that while clients thrived in DBT programs, they often cycled back due to a lack of long-term options in the community.
Determined to fill that gap, I started offering comprehensive DBT on my own. My first client paid me $50 per session, and I nervously asked, “Is this too much?” By 2016, I was fully licensed and running four full DBT groups and one graduate group—all on my own. I was THE outpatient DBT program in the area, and knew my reach could only extend as far as myself. I started to think about ways to extend the impact.
Building DBT of South Jersey From the Ground Up
2015
Created DBT of South Jersey, LLC, not knowing what I would do with it. I created an instagram page, purchased the domain and didn’t do much other than continue to plug away at my various jobs until I became fully licensed.
2018
I met with potential therapists at coffee shops and restaurants for interviews because I didn’t have an office yet. I conducted training and onboarding at my dining room table, while seven wooden stacked desks sat in my small twin home, waiting for an office that didn’t exist at the time.
Summer 2018
Opened DBT of South Jersey in Voorhees with four offices, a group room, a reception area, and one bathroom—alongside seven employees. Office space was scheduled down to the minute, and the part-time team eventually left their other jobs to work full-time at DBT of South Jersey.
First Expansion, 2019
Less than a year later, we doubled in size, finally moving the last of the wooden stacked desks out of my home and into a space that could support our growing vision.
Summer 2021
Added a second location in Moorestown, New Jersey. The year following this period was one of transition and difficulty. MANY lessons learned.
Present Day
Entering year 7 of business ownership with clarity in my role as a visionary and leader who knows how to keep a business healthy while not sacrificing core values.
The Evolution of My DBT Training Approach
My first real taste of DBT came in 2009 when I worked at a group home for suicidal adolescents. I knew early on that this was the work I wanted to do, and I immersed myself in DBT training from some of the best trainers out there.
As I gained experience, I started noticing gaps in traditional DBT training. Too often, the training felt rigid and disconnected from the actual struggles therapists faced in their sessions. I knew that if DBT was going to continue to thrive and remain accessible, it needed to evolve
By 2020, I had started challenging certain aspects of DBT that didn’t feel inclusive or accessible for all clients. I also saw that many clinicians were burning out because the training they received didn’t truly prepare them for the reality of DBT work. That’s when I decided to create my own training program—one that not only taught DBT principles but also addressed the real pain points therapists experience in their work.
Enter Rebelmente
In 2021, I founded Rebelmente, a mental health training and consulting company that is more than just a business—it’s a mindset. A true representation of myself, a Spanglish, made up word to represent a rebellious mindset (also a funny play on words given I am Puerto Rican but struggle to speak fluently in Spanish), felt incredibly fitting for the vibe I was going for. It represents the courage to challenge the status quo, to think outside the box, and to create something different. Something better.
For years, I pushed myself to prove my worth in traditional systems—working multiple jobs, overextending myself, and waiting for leadership roles that never came. Eventually, I decided I didn’t have to wait for permission to lead. Instead, I built something of my own. Rebelmente was born out of that realization, a space where I could help therapists, practice owners, and DBT providers step into their power and do things their way. I’ve been incredibly honored to share what I’ve learned as a speaker and share my message and teachings all over the world, including therapist retreats and entrepreneurial conferences in Ireland, Spain, Italy and Scotland.
These experiences have reinforced my belief that transformative mental health care and business strategies transcend borders. No matter where I go, the challenges therapists face are similar—burnout, lack of support, and the struggle to balance passion with sustainability. Rebelmente is my way of addressing these challenges on a broader scale, empowering clinicians worldwide to embrace their own rebellious mindset and create meaningful, lasting change.
The Rebel Minds Learning Collective (2024)
In 2024, I launched the Rebel Minds Learning Collective—the only all-inclusive DBT training membership for all skill levels. This community-driven program was designed to:
- Provide ongoing support for DBT therapists
- Address real-life challenges in therapy
- Help clinicians feel confident and effective in their work
I created this membership to help build kick-ass DBT therapists and expand the impact of this life-changing treatment.
Rebelmente & YOU
Interested in working with Shaelene and her team? Here are ways Rebelmente can support you.
DBT Training & Support
Affordable, DBT training and support that evolves with the times through the Rebel Mind Learning Collective membership. View More
Business Coaching
Helping group practice owners stabilize and scale—without burnout. Strengthening leadership skills for those in the mental health space. View More
Speaking Engagements
Bringing real-world expertise to your event or conference View More
DBT Certification Support
1:1 Guidance for clinicians navigating the DBT certification process. View More
Trauma-Aware Yoga Training
Helping yoga teachers create trauma-aware practices. View More
Join the Movement
I love this work, and I love sharing what I’ve learned. If you’re looking for support, training, or a rebellious mindse shift, let’s make it happen.
Ways to Get Involved:
Join the Rebel Minds
Learning Collective
Join at $99/month