What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a third wave therapy that consists of components of Mindfulness and CBT. DBT was initially developed by Dr Marsha Linehan, and for treatment of individuals with suicidal behaviours and / or Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It has also been found to be helpful in other mental health challenges, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, Eating Disorders, substance use.  DBT is also an effective therapeutic approach for individuals coping with emotional dysregulation, suicidal behaviour, self-harm or other maladaptive coping responses. 

 

Traditionally, DBT requires clients to attend both individual and group therapy on a weekly basis.  This is ideal as the original research evidence found benefits from this comprehensive approach.  However, attending weekly group session is not always feasible.


Individual therapy that is informed by DBT approaches and principles have also been found effective. Very often, in individual therapy informed by DBT, therapy goals and behavioural targets are discussed with your clinician, to help improve emotional management and interpersonal relationships.

 

Generally speaking, DBT is a structured therapy that includes four major groups of skills.  These include Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation and Interpersonal Effectiveness.  Clients may learn about these in group programs and / or in individual therapy sessions, according to your needs and where you are at in your therapeutic journey.

 

You may wish to speak about whether DBT is suitable for you with your GP or your psychologist.


You can read more about DBT here:

Frequently Asked Questions

  • DBT is a third-wave Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). It draws on the concepts of modifying thoughts and (intensity of) emotions, with principles of dialectics, mindfulness and behaviorism. While CBT focuses mostly on “change”, DBT extends psychological therapy to incorporate change and acceptance (validation), mindfulness, and many other practical components ultimately with the aim of reducing emotional suffering.

  • DBT is originally developed for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), self-harm, and / or suicidal thoughts. Over the years, there is extensive growing evidence that shows DBT’s efficacy for individuals who experience intense emotions, and / or various emotional and mental health challenges, such as Trauma, Complex Trauma, Eating Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Substance Use Disorder etc.

  • Being a practice that focuses on individual therapy personalised based on your needs, the practice’s priority is to offer individual DBT therapy. If you are looking for a skills group, you can look into clinics such as The Melbourne Clinic, The Delmont Clinic, The Victoria Clinic or Melbourne DBT Centre etc.

  • While DBT involves developing insight, and providing support, one of the important components of DBT is to develop functional and healthy coping strategies. These skills are broken down into different categories, such as Managing Distress, Developing Interpersonal Skills etc. Often, DBT also involves rehearsal of skills, and diary cards to consolidate everyday application of these skills in our lives.

  • Yes, DBT is one of the effective treatments for individuals with BPD.