Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) has become a cornerstone in the world of psychological interventions, especially for individuals navigating intense emotions and complex interpersonal challenges. As someone who holds a postgraduate diploma in DBT, is a fully trained therapist, is a member of the Society for Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and who has previously worked on the emotion regulation pathway for people with personality disorders and high emotional regulation needs, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact this approach can have.
DBT’s emphasis on practical, skill-based learning is what makes it particularly effective and one of my personal favourites among therapeutic approaches and I often incorporate elements of this approach into my work. I find that many people, no matter what their life history is, or whatever their current difficulties, struggle to really understand their own, or other people's emotions. That’s not surprising in a world where we praise emotional suppression with comments right from the day we are born; ‘they are a good baby they don’t cry’, into school and beyond with comments such as ‘boys don’t cry’, or 'don’t throw that tantrum at me’. We also use so many different words to describe how we feel that it all gets confusing. If I asked you to name the ten primary emotions can you do it?
I will be writing more about emotions and emotional regulation in the future.
What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy?
Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s, DBT was originally designed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). BPD is characterised by intense emotional experiences, difficulties in relationships, impulsivity, and a deep fear of abandonment. I will write more about BPD in a future post.
Over time, the scope of DBT has broadened to include conditions such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance misuse and it is ever expanding. The therapy is rooted in cognitive-behavioural principles but is enriched by dialectical strategies that balance acceptance and change.
The term ‘dialectical’ refers to the synthesis of opposites, such as accepting oneself as you are while working toward meaningful change. This dual focus on acceptance and growth makes DBT uniquely suited to individuals who feel stuck in patterns of emotional dysregulation.
Why I Believe in DBT’s Skill-Based Approach
One of the aspects I find most compelling about DBT is its structured and skill-based methodology. Unlike some therapeutic models that may focus primarily on introspection or emotional expression, DBT equips clients with practical tools to navigate life’s challenges.
These skills are divided into four core modules:
Mindfulness: Teaching clients to live in the present moment, observe their experiences without judgment, and develop a greater sense of awareness.
Distress Tolerance: Helping individuals tolerate and survive crisis situations without resorting to harmful behaviours.
Emotion Regulation: Offering strategies to identify, understand, and manage intense emotions more effectively.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Equipping clients with skills to communicate assertively, set boundaries, and maintain healthier relationships.
These modules resonate deeply with me because they provide clients with tangible tools they can practice and refine, creating a sense of empowerment and progress. Imagine going from a place where you feel completely overwhelmed by your emotions to being able to regulate them with a sense of control, and from not being able to communicate your needs to others, to a place where you can have deep and meaningful discussions without feeling rejected? It makes a real difference.
In addition DBT works on the principles of functional analysis and behaviourism to try and understand that what prompts people to respond the way they do, is more about what happened to them, than what's wrong with them, which sadly is how people can get talked about in terms of mental health.
How DBT Works in Main Practice
DBT therapy typically includes a combination of individual therapy, skills training groups, and phone coaching. The skills training groups feel more like a classroom than a traditional therapy session, focusing on teaching and practicing the skills in a supportive environment.
In individual therapy, clients explore their personal challenges in depth and receive tailored guidance on applying DBT skills to their lives. Phone coaching can offer real-time support, ensuring clients can implement what they’ve learned during moments of need.
How DBT Works in My Practice
Sadly, I am unable to deliver the group therapy of DBT at this time, simply due to numbers and time constraints, but I do offer individual DBT based therapy, and I incorporate it in to my therapeutic practice as an integrative tool for other clients.
My Journey as a DBT Therapist
After completing my postgraduate diploma in DBT, I became a member of the Society for Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, an organisation dedicated to maintaining high standards of practice in this field. My training and affiliation reflects my commitment to offering clients the highest quality of care.
What I appreciate most about DBT is witnessing the shift in clients as they begin to feel more in control of their lives. It’s incredibly rewarding to see someone go from feeling overwhelmed by their emotions to confidently applying skills that help them navigate challenges with resilience and clarity.
Why Choose DBT?
If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional intensity, feeling stuck in patterns of behaviour, or facing difficulties in relationships, DBT offers a comprehensive and evidence-based pathway to healing. Its focus on practical skills ensures that progress is not just theoretical but tangible and measurable.
As a DBT therapist, I am passionate about guiding clients through this journey, helping them build a life they truly value. The skills they learn not only address immediate challenges but also foster long-term emotional wellbeing.
Closing Thoughts
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is more than just a therapeutic approach; it’s a life-changing toolkit that empowers individuals to face life’s complexities with grace and resilience. Its combination of acceptance and change, grounded in skill development, is why I am proud to champion this model in my practice. I use so many of the skills myself and they really help to let me feel in control when times, or people!, are challenging.
If you’re curious about DBT or considering whether it might be right for you, I’d be delighted to discuss how it could support your unique needs. Together, we can explore the transformative potential of this remarkable therapy.
Carla
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