Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychological treatment developed by Dr Marsha Linehan in the 1980s. It was originally designed to support people experiencing significant emotional dysregulation and is now widely recognised as an effective therapy for a range of difficulties involving intense emotions, trauma, relationship difficulties, and impulsive or self-harming behaviours.
At the centre of DBT is the idea of balancing acceptance and change. This means learning to acknowledge and understand your emotional experience as it is, while also developing new ways of responding that feel healthier and more sustainable.
What DBT focuses on
DBT teaches practical skills that can help people manage emotions, relationships, stress, and distress more effectively.
The therapy focuses on four key skill areas:
Mindfulness
Learning to become more present and aware of thoughts, emotions, and experiences without immediately reacting or becoming overwhelmed by them.
Distress Tolerance
Developing ways to manage and tolerate painful emotions or stressful situations without making things worse or relying on unhelpful coping strategies.
Emotion Regulation
Building a better understanding of emotions and learning skills to reduce emotional vulnerability and manage overwhelming feelings more effectively.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Learning how to communicate needs more clearly, set boundaries, maintain self-respect, and navigate relationships in healthier ways.
A practical and supportive approach
Many people find DBT helpful because it combines insight with practical tools and strategies that can be applied in everyday life.
I offer DBT-informed work within individual therapy and can also support clients alongside group skills programs where appropriate.
By building emotional awareness and learning practical coping skills, DBT can help people feel more able to manage intense emotions, reduce impulsive reactions, improve relationships, and respond to stress in a more balanced way.