Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive Cognitive Behavior treatment for complex mental disorders. In the process of DBT clients are supported as they learn to accept their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, while identifying and applying techniques to work towards positive change.

This approach is used to address various mental health challenges, DBT combines basic behavioural therapy strategies with mindfulness practices. It relies on the synthesis of opposites by enhancing dialectical thinking patterns to replace rigid dichotomous thinking. The idea of dialectics additionally stems from the therapist’s task to accept clients as they are within the context of helping the client to change.

DBT has been adapted for individuals experiencing behavioural disorders involving emotion dysregulation such as depression, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm.

The goal of the DBT method is to help a client manage their behaviours and improve their overall mental well-being. 

Researchers have found that DBT is effective in helping people improve coping skills that allow them to manage and express their emotions more effectively. A study found that 75% of people with BPD no longer met the criteria for BPD after one year of treatment. In another study using the DBT Prolonged Exposure protocol for a year, 71-80% of participants saw remission of their PTSD. Researchers also observed great improvements in suicidal and self-injurious behaviour, dissociation, shame, depression, social adjustment, health-related quality of life and global functioning.  

Radically Open-Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a variation of DBT that works with clients that are experiencing severe overcontrol disorders such as chronic depression, anorexia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

First determine if DBT is right for you by booking a consultation with one of our therapists trained in the method. The therapist will then consider your symptoms, treatment history and therapy goals.