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: