What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help individuals manage intense emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and improve relationships. Originally developed for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT is now widely used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including self-harm, emotional dysregulation, and chronic suicidal thoughts. DBT combines cognitive behavioural techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies to promote emotional stability and behavioural change.
Why it Helps
DBT helps individuals who experience overwhelming emotions, self-destructive behaviours, or relationship instability. It offers practical tools for navigating crises, regulating emotions, and building a life worth living. By teaching mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, DBT provides a comprehensive approach to healing and long-term wellbeing. Clients are supported in balancing acceptance with change, learning to respond more thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively.
How It Works
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy combines individual psychotherapy, group skills training, and between-session coaching to provide structured, comprehensive care. Therapy usually takes place over 6 months to a year or more and follows a clear treatment hierarchy that prioritizes life-threatening behaviours, therapy-interfering behaviours, and quality-of-life issues.
Clients learn and practice four core skill areas:
- Mindfulness: Becoming more aware of the present moment and accepting it without judgment.
- Distress Tolerance: Surviving emotional pain without making it worse through harmful behaviours.
- Emotion Regulation: Understanding and reducing vulnerability to intense emotions.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Communicating needs clearly while maintaining self-respect and healthy relationships.
DBT emphasizes a strong therapeutic alliance, validation, and behavioural change. Therapists help clients set goals, track behaviours, and apply learned skills in daily life. The approach is especially effective for individuals with chronic emotional dysregulation, self-harm tendencies, or patterns of instability in relationships.
Who This Therapy Is For
DBT is particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with:
- Borderline Personality Disorder WHERE `id`=BPD)
- Self-harming behaviours or suicidal thoughts
- Emotion dysregulation and mood instability
- Eating disorders, particularly binge-purge cycles
- Substance use issues linked to emotional coping
- High-conflict relationships or fear of abandonment
It is suitable for teens and adults who have difficulty managing their emotions or behaviours and want to develop healthier coping strategies. DBT is especially effective when other therapies have not worked or when individuals feel overwhelmed by intense or rapidly shifting emotions.
Benefits and Outcomes
With consistent practice and support, clients participating in DBT can expect to see:
- Reduced self-harming and suicidal behaviours
- Improved emotion regulation and impulse control
- Increased ability to tolerate distress without escalation
- Healthier interpersonal relationships and boundaries
- Greater self-awareness, acceptance, and stability
DBT teaches lifelong skills that help individuals build a life aligned with their values. Clients often report a deeper sense of control over their reactions, more satisfying relationships, and an increased ability to handle difficult situations constructively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DBT only for people with Borderline Personality Disorder?
No. While DBT was developed for BPD, it is now used for many conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and substance use challenges, especially where emotional dysregulation is present.
Do I need to attend both individual and group sessions?
Yes, full DBT typically includes both. Group sessions focus on learning and practicing skills, while individual sessions offer personalised support and goal tracking.
How long does DBT take?
A standard DBT program usually lasts six months to a year, though some clients may benefit from longer involvement depending on their needs.
What if I have trouble staying in therapy?
DBT was designed for people who may struggle to stay engaged in therapy. It includes specific tools and therapist strategies to keep you supported and motivated.
Case Examples
Emily, a 22-year-old student, had a history of self-harm, emotional outbursts, and fear of being abandoned by her partner. After starting DBT, she began attending weekly group skills training and individual therapy sessions. She learned mindfulness and emotion regulation strategies that helped her recognize and manage triggers without resorting to self-harm. Over time, Emily reported fewer emotional breakdowns, improved communication with her partner, and a stronger sense of self-worth.
Another example is Jordan, a 38-year-old with long-standing struggles with binge eating and impulsive decision-making. DBT helped Jordan understand the role of emotional dysregulation in their eating habits. Using distress tolerance techniques and values-based goal setting, Jordan gained control over emotional eating episodes and reported improved physical and mental wellbeing.
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If you or someone you care about is struggling with overwhelming emotions, self-harm, or unstable relationships, DBT may help. Fill in the form below and one of our clinicians will reach out within 24 hours to answer your questions or schedule an appointment.