Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

What is DBT?

DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) is a type of therapy that helps when emotions feel intense or hard to manage. It’s especially useful if you often feel overwhelmed, react quickly, or struggle with relationships.

It’s based on two ideas: accepting yourself as you are, and learning new ways to cope with difficult feelings and situations.

It was originally developed for borderline personality disorder but is now widely used for a range of concerns involving emotion dysregulation and impulsive behaviours.

How does it work?

DBT teaches practical, step-by-step skills to help you manage emotions, handle stress, improve relationships, and stay mindful in challenging moments.

In DBT, you’ll learn and practise skills in four key areas:

• Mindfulness – staying present and aware
• Emotion regulation – understanding and managing feelings
• Distress tolerance – coping with tough situations without making things worse
• Interpersonal effectiveness – building healthy communication and boundaries

Your psychologist will guide you through practising these skills, reflecting on patterns, and applying what you learn to everyday life. This might include things like breathing exercises, distraction techniques, and learning how to set boundaries by saying “no.”

What can DBT help with?

DBT can be helpful for:

• Self-Esteem & Confidence
• Trauma & PTSD
• Relationships & Interpersonal Issues
• Stress & Burnout