Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is an evidence based psychotherapy that is based on CBT, but it is specially adapted for people who feel emotions very intensely.

The aim of DBT is to help you:

• Understand and accept your difficult feelings

• Learn skills to more effectively manage your feelings

• Become able to make positive changes in your life

DBT is based upon the biosocial theory of mental illness and is the first therapy that has been experimentally demonstrated to be generally effective in treating borderline personality disorder (BPD).

DBT skills training is effectively integrated into treatment with a goal of emotion regulation and improved distress tolerance.

What problems does DBT effectively help?

It has been a highly effective treatment for a wide variety of problems including:

• Depression

• Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD)

• Parenting

• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)

• Self-harm

• Eating disorders, specifically binge eating disorder and bulimia

• Anxiety

DBT combines CBT techniques for:

• Emotion regulation

• Reality-testing

• Concepts of distress tolerance

• Acceptance

• Mindful awareness

How does DBT Work?

DBT seeks to help individuals develop the skills they need to manage their emotions and improve their relationships, and includes techniques such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance. DBT is typically delivered in a structured, skills-based format and may include individual therapy, group skills training, and phone coaching.

In a typical Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) session, the therapist will work with the individual to help them develop the skills they need to manage their emotions and improve their relationships. This may involve teaching the individual specific techniques, such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance, and helping them practice these skills in session.

The therapist may also use role-playing or other interactive activities to help the individual apply these skills to real-life situations.

In addition to teaching skills, the therapist may also help the individual identify and change patterns of thinking and behaviour that are contributing to their difficulties, and provide support and guidance as they work towards their goals for therapy.

Learn more about DBT

Many My Therapist Online therapists are highly trained in DBT. Clinical Psychologist, Ian Scott, also runs DBT groups, which is a highly effective form of DBT delivery.

• The Linehan Institute (https://linehaninstitute.org/), which was founded by the developer of DBT, Dr. Marsha Linehan. The website provides information about DBT, including its history, principles, and research findings.

• The National Institute of Mental Health (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt/index.shtml), which provides an overview of DBT and its effectiveness.

DBT Trained Therapists at My Therapist Online

• Dr Mahdi Ghomi - Consultant Counselling Psychologist

• Dr Katarina Kovakova - Chartered Clinical Psychologist

• Ian Scott - Chartered Counselling Psychologist

• Dr Christina Theodoridou - Counselling Psychologist

• Dr Kevin Scott - Psychologist

• Dr Annahita Nezami - Chartered Counselling Psychologist

• Dr Susana Lara - Clinical Psychologist - Anxiety Disorders Specialist

• Dr Charlotte Cox - Clinical Psychologist

• Dianne McCormick - Clinical Psychologist

• Dr Gabriele Cammerata - Clinical Psychologist

• Dr Matina Sotrilli - Counselling Psychologist

• Baanu Baghabani-Irvine - Cognitive Behavioural & Rational Emotive Therapist

• Stefan Bell - CBT & Schema Therapist

• Chloe Formby - CBT & EMDR Therapist

• Lisa Dale - CBT & EMDR Therapist

• Alex Haeri - CBT Therapist

• Gabriella Clarke - Psychotherapeutic Counsellor

We make finding the right therapist easy.

At My Therapist Online, we listen to the problems you are facing and match you with the right therapist for your individual needs. You can meet with them for a free initial consultation to be sure it is a good match before starting your therapy.