Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a type of talking therapy, based upon CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), which has been adapted to help people who experience emotions very intensely to make sense of what is happening for them and bring positive change. This is a long-term therapy, with regular one-to-one taking place over 12-18 months.

It can help people who have borderline personality disorder (BPD) and also other types of mental health problems. DBT can help people who are struggling with difficult emotions, by supporting them to feel safe to recognise, experience and accept these feelings. Clients are enabled and assisted to be able to regulate their emotions and change unhelpful or harmful behaviours.

DBT therapists use techniques that can help clients with acceptance and change, and help them move forward with their understanding of themselves as a person. By recognising there is a cause and a reason behind behaviour, behaviour can be changed, by examining different views (“dialectics” means balancing opposing or conflicting positions and seeing how they can go together).