DBT

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Marsha Linehan in 1991. It was originally designed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) but is now used to treat many different disorders and problems related to emotional dysregulation and poor impulse control.

DBT has been designed to help people who struggle to manage intense emotions. People may have unintentionally developed unhelpful ways of coping with their emotional distress, these unhelpful ways of coping may have negative consequences in both the short term and long term. DBT works by identifying and changing patterns of behaviour, replacing unhelpful coping strategies with new effective ones. Helping people to increase their emotional regulation and reduce suffering. The ultimate goal of DBT is to build a “life worth living.”

DBT is the gold standard treatment for people with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD).

DBT is an intensive therapy and the full programme involves weekly individual sessions and weekly skills group sessions. Depending upon need it may also involve skills coaching between sessions. The DBT therapists will also meet weekly as a team to access supervision, ensuring their effectiveness as DBT therapists. Weekly skills group sessions cover the four key modules, mindfulness skills, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal skills. The DBT skills groups are run more like a class, you will receive comprehensive notes and handouts helping you develop a large range of coping skills. The groups will support you in both the acquisition and practice of these new skills .

The skills groups may be offered as a standalone treatment or as adjunct to other Psychological therapies, if you believe this would be helpful please indicate in your enquiry or discuss with your therapist.

If you are interested in finding out more about DBT please contact us.