Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based  type of cognitive behaviour therapy, or ‘talking therapy’.

Originally developed by Marsha Linehan in the early 1990’s as a treatment approach for people with Borderline Personality Disorder, DBT is now used widely in therapeutic treatment to support many different challenges including difficulties in regulating emotions, interpersonal relationships and managing distress.

DBT has four modules; distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness. Although a cognitive-based therapy, DBT is also strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism.

DBT has a focus on “you’re doing the best you can, AND you can do better”. The approach aims to balance both acceptance-oriented strategies and skills with change-oriented strategies and skills. A major concept of DBT is that of ‘dialectics’; two opposites co-existing. This concept can really help us get ‘unstuck’ from thinking in extremes (black and white thinking).

DBT can be helpful for:

• Learning to tolerate and ‘ride the wave’ of distress; learning super practical strategies for getting through moments of extreme distress without ‘making things worse’
• Risk-taking or impulsive behaviour
• Self-harm and suicidal ideation (including past suicide attempts)
• Unstable interpersonal relationships
• Difficulties in regulating emotions and intense mood swings
• Feelings of hopelessness or emptiness
• Low self-esteem and self worth

As everyone is a unique individual, DBT will look slightly different for everyone. Your therapist will work with you to identify your treatment goals and the most appropriate DBT module to start with in your first few sessions.