What is Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a talking therapy, which could be offered as a group or individual therapy. DBT is designed for people whose propensity to feel emotions intensely may be causing them to suffer. The main principle for DBT is to encourage the individual to understand and come to terms with their feelings, learn how to manage them and to ultimately bring about a positive change in their emotions, behaviours and interactions.

How does DBT work?

Based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, DBT is designed to help people change unhelpful ways of thinking and behaving while also accepting who they are.

The focus of DBT is Emotion Management, and seeks to understand and regulate emotions, behaviours, and interactions.

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy aims to help you learn to manage distressing and extreme emotions by acknowledging how you feel is acceptable, before challenging these thoughts and emotions with alternative and more positive ways of thinking.

While all emotions are valid (there is no such thing as a ‘bad’ emotion), sometimes the verbal and behaviour expression of felt emotion can cause pain to self and others, damaging self-esteem and interpersonal relationships.

The main principle for DBT is that it aims to encourage self-acceptance, whilst also bringing about a change in the individual

The DBT principle of balancing acceptance with change is core to the therapy. Mindfulness is utilised to nurture a positive mindset and to reframe anxious thoughts.

What does DBT treat?

DBT is suitable for anyone who struggles with emotion regulation, unhelpful behaviours and interpersonal difficulties. It has been shown to be helpful for treating borderline personality disorders, and anxiety

What to expect from DBT

Through skills-based practice, discussion, role-plays and experiential exercises, participants are encouraged to develop healthy ways of coping with emotional pain.  The DBT principle is one of balancing acceptance with change.

Research has shown that DBT can lead to significant improvements in psychological distress, increase in skills use, and decrease in dysfunctional coping associated with symptomatic improvement.

Please contact us if you wish to find out more about DBT from one of our specialist practitioners.