Dialectical Behaviour (DBT) Psychologists and Therapists in Northmead, NSW

Photo of Stephen Hewitson, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Stephen Hewitson
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
I use CBT, ACT, DBT and schema therapy to help people break free from long standing patterns and move them towards the life they want to live.
I take a collaborative, evidence-based approach, helping clients explore the patterns, beliefs, and behaviours that keep them stuck. Together, we create practical strategies to manage anxiety, reduce stress, improve relationships, increase self-esteem and break free from unhelpful patterns. Interventions are tailored to the individual and their difficulties.
I use CBT, ACT, DBT and schema therapy to help people break free from long standing patterns and move them towards the life they want to live.
I take a collaborative, evidence-based approach, helping clients explore the patterns, beliefs, and behaviours that keep them stuck. Together, we create practical strategies to manage anxiety, reduce stress, improve relationships, increase self-esteem and break free from unhelpful patterns. Interventions are tailored to the individual and their difficulties.
(02) 4703 5882 View (02) 4703 5882
Photo of Ashwin Vignaraja, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA Prov
Ashwin Vignaraja
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA Prov
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Drawing on my experience with Lifeline, I work collaboratively with clients through difficult times using evidence-based approaches, including CBT, DBT, Schema therapy and mindfulness.
I have a genuine respect for people and the complexity of what they carry. I value the opportunity to sit with you, understand your experience, and work alongside you through periods of challenge, uncertainty, and change. I work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, relational difficulties, and emotional regulation challenges. I’m drawn to the moments in therapy where things begin to shift, when patterns become clearer, when someone feels truly heard, and when small changes start to open up something larger. At the heart of my work is a genuine love of people.
Drawing on my experience with Lifeline, I work collaboratively with clients through difficult times using evidence-based approaches, including CBT, DBT, Schema therapy and mindfulness.
I have a genuine respect for people and the complexity of what they carry. I value the opportunity to sit with you, understand your experience, and work alongside you through periods of challenge, uncertainty, and change. I work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, relational difficulties, and emotional regulation challenges. I’m drawn to the moments in therapy where things begin to shift, when patterns become clearer, when someone feels truly heard, and when small changes start to open up something larger. At the heart of my work is a genuine love of people.
(02) 7804 4524 View (02) 7804 4524
Photo of Cassie Garling, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Cassie Garling
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
I am a skilled trauma-informed person-centred Clinical Psychologist, utilising evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, alongside elements of IFS, Ego State Therapy, Somatic Therapies, ACT, guided mindfulness with breathwork as well as adult ADHD management strategies.
Life feels overwhelming. You may struggle with self-doubt, emotional pain from past trauma, pressure of life transitions, feeling disconnected from yourself and uncertain about how to move forward. Perhaps low self-esteem and negative thought and behaviour patterns have left you feeling trapped in cycles that no longer serve you. What you need isn’t just coping strategies—you need a therapist who truly sees you, understands you, and walks alongside you in your healing journey. Someone who listens without judgment, helps you make sense of your experiences, and provides you the tools to help you live your best life and thrive.
I am a skilled trauma-informed person-centred Clinical Psychologist, utilising evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, alongside elements of IFS, Ego State Therapy, Somatic Therapies, ACT, guided mindfulness with breathwork as well as adult ADHD management strategies.
Life feels overwhelming. You may struggle with self-doubt, emotional pain from past trauma, pressure of life transitions, feeling disconnected from yourself and uncertain about how to move forward. Perhaps low self-esteem and negative thought and behaviour patterns have left you feeling trapped in cycles that no longer serve you. What you need isn’t just coping strategies—you need a therapist who truly sees you, understands you, and walks alongside you in your healing journey. Someone who listens without judgment, helps you make sense of your experiences, and provides you the tools to help you live your best life and thrive.
(02) 7804 4205 View (02) 7804 4205
Photo of Jemma Taylor, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Jemma Taylor
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Jemma is a registered psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), a registered Medicare provider, an approved SIRA provider (CTP insurance and workers compensation insurance), and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). She has experience in industries including occupational rehabilitation, disability, crisis support, and education. Jemma has worked with clients of varying ages (from early childhood to late adulthood) and diverse backgrounds.
Jemma is a registered psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), a registered Medicare provider, an approved SIRA provider (CTP insurance and workers compensation insurance), and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). She has experience in industries including occupational rehabilitation, disability, crisis support, and education. Jemma has worked with clients of varying ages (from early childhood to late adulthood) and diverse backgrounds.
(02) 7804 4951 View (02) 7804 4951
Photo of Robyn Joanne Bowman - Robyn Bowman Counselling, Counsellor, MC, PACFA
Robyn Bowman Counselling
Counsellor, MC, PACFA
Serves Area
Is stress, anxiety, trauma or grief stealing your peace and joy? Come and see me for counselling in Kings Langley, Castle Hill or online. Perhaps you have alot of overwhelming life experiences to sift through. My goal is to empower you with self-compassion, acceptance, and other tools to help you find a more peaceful and manageable life, which truly syncs with your deep values, where you thrive with joy, resilience and hope. My offices are close to transport and parking. Give me a call and we can talk about your hopes for counselling. The first 15 minute call is free, and you can get a sense of what i can offer you.
Is stress, anxiety, trauma or grief stealing your peace and joy? Come and see me for counselling in Kings Langley, Castle Hill or online. Perhaps you have alot of overwhelming life experiences to sift through. My goal is to empower you with self-compassion, acceptance, and other tools to help you find a more peaceful and manageable life, which truly syncs with your deep values, where you thrive with joy, resilience and hope. My offices are close to transport and parking. Give me a call and we can talk about your hopes for counselling. The first 15 minute call is free, and you can get a sense of what i can offer you.
(02) 8609 3783 View (02) 8609 3783
Photo of Yeou-Ling Wen - Voices of Hope, Psychotherapist, MC, PACFA
Voices of Hope
Psychotherapist, MC, PACFA
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
I draw from a range of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy ( DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Narrative Therapy — tailored to your needs.
I am here to help you heal from trauma — whether it’s PTSD, CPTSD, narcissistic abuse, betrayal trauma, or the pain of a relationship breakdown. Life is not always fair, but together we can focus on your self-growth, identify areas for change, and work towards a more fulfilling, grounded, and meaningful life. My approach is client-centred and attachment-based, with a focus on understanding and working with your emotions. By learning to recognise, process, and regulate your emotions, you can begin to navigate challenges with greater clarity and confidence. Every story is unique and worth continuing, with the potential to flourish.
I draw from a range of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy ( DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Narrative Therapy — tailored to your needs.
I am here to help you heal from trauma — whether it’s PTSD, CPTSD, narcissistic abuse, betrayal trauma, or the pain of a relationship breakdown. Life is not always fair, but together we can focus on your self-growth, identify areas for change, and work towards a more fulfilling, grounded, and meaningful life. My approach is client-centred and attachment-based, with a focus on understanding and working with your emotions. By learning to recognise, process, and regulate your emotions, you can begin to navigate challenges with greater clarity and confidence. Every story is unique and worth continuing, with the potential to flourish.
(02) 7804 4150 View (02) 7804 4150
Photo of Gissia Castelnoble, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Ed. Psych.
Gissia Castelnoble
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Ed. Psych.
Serves Area
I am an educational and developmental psychologist with a particular interest in childhood, adolescent, and adult mental health, resilience building, and positive well-being. I practise from my clinic and provide specialised support to clients of all ages, empowering them to work through and achieve their treatment goals in a caring and safe environment.
I am an educational and developmental psychologist with a particular interest in childhood, adolescent, and adult mental health, resilience building, and positive well-being. I practise from my clinic and provide specialised support to clients of all ages, empowering them to work through and achieve their treatment goals in a caring and safe environment.
(02) 7804 4890 View (02) 7804 4890
Photo of Dana Mitrovic, Psychologist, MPsych, MACPA
Dana Mitrovic
Psychologist, MPsych, MACPA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Drawing from a diverse range of modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), attachment-based psychotherapy, Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (CBT & Schema Therapy), psychodynamic therapies, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT) suitable to your journey.
As a dedicated and authentic female clinical psychologist, I bring over a decade of therapeutic expertise to our meaningful connection. My unwavering commitment to integrity guides every step of our journey together. My ideal client is one who is experiencing difficulties in their life and seeking support in working through this. I work with clients from a large range of mental health presentations. I have a strong focus on the development of our adult selves through our early developmental experiences and working toward changing unhelpful patterns in your life to create a better present and future.
Drawing from a diverse range of modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), attachment-based psychotherapy, Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (CBT & Schema Therapy), psychodynamic therapies, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT) suitable to your journey.
As a dedicated and authentic female clinical psychologist, I bring over a decade of therapeutic expertise to our meaningful connection. My unwavering commitment to integrity guides every step of our journey together. My ideal client is one who is experiencing difficulties in their life and seeking support in working through this. I work with clients from a large range of mental health presentations. I have a strong focus on the development of our adult selves through our early developmental experiences and working toward changing unhelpful patterns in your life to create a better present and future.
(02) 9630 0451 View (02) 9630 0451
Photo of Bulent Bill Ada, Psychologist, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member
Bulent Bill Ada
Psychologist, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Utilising CBT, ACT, EMDR, DBT, and Schema Therapy, I guide them to develop practical coping skills and challenge unhelpful thought patterns.
As a seasoned psychologist, I can help by blending evidence-based therapies with practical strategies. I specialise in CBT, ACT, EMDR, DBT, and Schema Therapy, focusing on anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and work issues. I offer a supportive space for personal discovery and growth, to enhance mental wellbeing and life quality.
Utilising CBT, ACT, EMDR, DBT, and Schema Therapy, I guide them to develop practical coping skills and challenge unhelpful thought patterns.
As a seasoned psychologist, I can help by blending evidence-based therapies with practical strategies. I specialise in CBT, ACT, EMDR, DBT, and Schema Therapy, focusing on anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and work issues. I offer a supportive space for personal discovery and growth, to enhance mental wellbeing and life quality.
(02) 7804 4915 View (02) 7804 4915
Photo of Caitlin Wright, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Caitlin Wright
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am well-versed in a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behaviour therapy, Acceptance & Commitment therapy, Trauma-Informed therapy, and when appropriate, utilising components from Dialectical Behaviour therapy and Psychodynamic psychotherapy.
I am a registered clinical psychologist, with a special interest in supporting adolescents & adults who have experienced trauma, including survivors of childhood trauma, PTSD and vicarious trauma. I have also worked with individuals experiencing relational problems, family issues, work-place stress, depression, and anxiety. My ideal client is one that is willing to be open & vulnerable with me, so that we are able to create a strong connection, so that we can understand what is going on with you.
I am well-versed in a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behaviour therapy, Acceptance & Commitment therapy, Trauma-Informed therapy, and when appropriate, utilising components from Dialectical Behaviour therapy and Psychodynamic psychotherapy.
I am a registered clinical psychologist, with a special interest in supporting adolescents & adults who have experienced trauma, including survivors of childhood trauma, PTSD and vicarious trauma. I have also worked with individuals experiencing relational problems, family issues, work-place stress, depression, and anxiety. My ideal client is one that is willing to be open & vulnerable with me, so that we are able to create a strong connection, so that we can understand what is going on with you.
(02) 9630 0451 View (02) 9630 0451
Photo of Jonathan Righetti, Psychotherapist, ACA-L2
Jonathan Righetti
Psychotherapist, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
For me, the heart of therapy is building a real, human connection. I like to keep the process authentic and, at times, a little unconventional—because no two people are the same, and neither is the way we work together. My role is to offer compassion, understanding, and steady support as we navigate whatever life is throwing your way. I believe in focusing on what’s gone right in your life—your wins, your strengths, and the moments you’ve already overcome—rather than only looking at setbacks. Every experience, whether uplifting or challenging, shapes who you are and can be a stepping stone toward who you want to become.
For me, the heart of therapy is building a real, human connection. I like to keep the process authentic and, at times, a little unconventional—because no two people are the same, and neither is the way we work together. My role is to offer compassion, understanding, and steady support as we navigate whatever life is throwing your way. I believe in focusing on what’s gone right in your life—your wins, your strengths, and the moments you’ve already overcome—rather than only looking at setbacks. Every experience, whether uplifting or challenging, shapes who you are and can be a stepping stone toward who you want to become.
(02) 7804 4773 View (02) 7804 4773
Photo of Khalida Nasir, Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Khalida Nasir
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy ( DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT).
Khalida is a warm and empathetic Clinical Psychologist who takes on a collaborative approach, recognising that everybody is unique, she likes to draw from various modalities to tailor a treatment plan to the individual. Khalida is experienced in working with adolescents and adults working across various presentations. She works confidently with diverse cultures, navigating dual identity and in situations where cultural awareness and appreciation are integral priding herself in working together holistically.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy ( DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT).
Khalida is a warm and empathetic Clinical Psychologist who takes on a collaborative approach, recognising that everybody is unique, she likes to draw from various modalities to tailor a treatment plan to the individual. Khalida is experienced in working with adolescents and adults working across various presentations. She works confidently with diverse cultures, navigating dual identity and in situations where cultural awareness and appreciation are integral priding herself in working together holistically.
(02) 7804 4722 View (02) 7804 4722
Photo of Queenie Tran, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Queenie Tran
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Serves Area
I run DBT programs and the Women’s Wellbeing Program at Kellyville Private Hospital, with experience across addictions, mood, and trauma.
I support parents, retirees and families navigating the emotional toll of caregiving, parenting, and life transitions. While I specialise in women’s mental health, I also work with fathers, couples, and whole families to strengthen relationships, set boundaries, and build resilience. Using a systemic approach, I help families communicate better, reduce conflict, and function more cooperatively. I also support young people to develop emotional regulation skills for long-term wellbeing and healthy relationships.
I run DBT programs and the Women’s Wellbeing Program at Kellyville Private Hospital, with experience across addictions, mood, and trauma.
I support parents, retirees and families navigating the emotional toll of caregiving, parenting, and life transitions. While I specialise in women’s mental health, I also work with fathers, couples, and whole families to strengthen relationships, set boundaries, and build resilience. Using a systemic approach, I help families communicate better, reduce conflict, and function more cooperatively. I also support young people to develop emotional regulation skills for long-term wellbeing and healthy relationships.
(02) 7804 4975 View (02) 7804 4975

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Dorian De Nobrega, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Dorian De Nobrega
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Online Only
He draws on a wide range of wisdom from many modalities such as Solutions Focused Therapy, IFS, CBT, DBT and EMDR to name a few.
Dorian is a PACFA registered Counsellor with over 20 years experience in the health and welfare sector. He provides general therapeutic support to people of all genders and ages, while specializing in men’s mental health and youth mental health. Dorian offers sessions with adults, young people and children, to support a variety of needs.
He draws on a wide range of wisdom from many modalities such as Solutions Focused Therapy, IFS, CBT, DBT and EMDR to name a few.
Dorian is a PACFA registered Counsellor with over 20 years experience in the health and welfare sector. He provides general therapeutic support to people of all genders and ages, while specializing in men’s mental health and youth mental health. Dorian offers sessions with adults, young people and children, to support a variety of needs.
(08) 6219 3971 View (08) 6219 3971
Photo of Rosa Oyta, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Rosa Oyta
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Castle Hill, NSW 2154
Life can be overwhelming at times and it's completely natural to experience stress and anxiety. Whether it's work, relationships, or personal struggles, remember that you're not alone in facing these difficulties. Together, we will join forces to develop strategies to support your mental health.
Life can be overwhelming at times and it's completely natural to experience stress and anxiety. Whether it's work, relationships, or personal struggles, remember that you're not alone in facing these difficulties. Together, we will join forces to develop strategies to support your mental health.
(02) 8294 2080 View (02) 8294 2080
Photo of Joelle Fa, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Joelle Fa
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Winston Hills, NSW 2153
I utilise a range of evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, tailored to the individual and their goals.
Getting to hear and know my clients’ stories is an incredible privilege. I see therapy as a partnership, where we work as a team to get you to where you want to be. Offering my clients hope and restoration even in the midst of the most difficult seasons is one of my greatest joys. I have worked in hospital inpatient and community settings, universities and in various private practice settings. When I am not seeing clients, I enjoy training and supervising clinicians in treatment of eating disorders through my role at the InsideOut Institute.
I utilise a range of evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, tailored to the individual and their goals.
Getting to hear and know my clients’ stories is an incredible privilege. I see therapy as a partnership, where we work as a team to get you to where you want to be. Offering my clients hope and restoration even in the midst of the most difficult seasons is one of my greatest joys. I have worked in hospital inpatient and community settings, universities and in various private practice settings. When I am not seeing clients, I enjoy training and supervising clinicians in treatment of eating disorders through my role at the InsideOut Institute.
(02) 8609 3761 View (02) 8609 3761
Photo of Thomas Michael Murphy, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Thomas Michael Murphy
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Online Only
I use an integrative approach, drawing on a range of evidence-based therapies (CBT, DBT, ACT, PBS, Psychodynamic) and tailor them to suit your unique needs.
Do you feel stuck in exhausting cycles of guilt, shame or self-doubt, even while appearing to function well on the outside? Difficult home environments, trauma, or neurodivergence may have shaped how you see yourself, leaving you silently battling intense thoughts and emotions. Perhaps you’ve been through painful experiences that others (or yourself) might not see as trauma yet they’ve had a deep impact. Trauma isn’t always one big event; it can come from ongoing experiences like emotional neglect, criticism, bullying, or growing up around conflict. My passion is working with complex trauma often accompanied with neurodivergence.
I use an integrative approach, drawing on a range of evidence-based therapies (CBT, DBT, ACT, PBS, Psychodynamic) and tailor them to suit your unique needs.
Do you feel stuck in exhausting cycles of guilt, shame or self-doubt, even while appearing to function well on the outside? Difficult home environments, trauma, or neurodivergence may have shaped how you see yourself, leaving you silently battling intense thoughts and emotions. Perhaps you’ve been through painful experiences that others (or yourself) might not see as trauma yet they’ve had a deep impact. Trauma isn’t always one big event; it can come from ongoing experiences like emotional neglect, criticism, bullying, or growing up around conflict. My passion is working with complex trauma often accompanied with neurodivergence.
View
Photo of Miriam Chan, Social Worker, AMHSW
Miriam Chan
Social Worker, AMHSW
1 Endorsed
Burwood, NSW 2134
Are you stuck in how you feel and would love to learn how to get out of the cycle? Are you prepared to learn some new skills to change how you feel? It can be scary to reach out and give counselling a go but I am here and can help. You will learn skills to create better connections with others, cope better with future stress and challenges, and feel more confident in managing your mental health and wellbeing.
Are you stuck in how you feel and would love to learn how to get out of the cycle? Are you prepared to learn some new skills to change how you feel? It can be scary to reach out and give counselling a go but I am here and can help. You will learn skills to create better connections with others, cope better with future stress and challenges, and feel more confident in managing your mental health and wellbeing.
(02) 9538 7715 View (02) 9538 7715
Photo of Douglas James Kirk - Douglas Kirk - People Psychology, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Douglas Kirk - People Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Get help by seeing Doug, who has extensive experience with: Anger Management Antisocial Personality Anxiety Bi-polar Borderline Personality Disorder Depression, Domestic Violence Gambling Intellectual Disability Life Transitions Relationship Issues Self-esteem Stress Suicidal Ideation Trauma PTSD Douglas Kirk is a registered psychologist with AHPRA. With a background in the corporate sector, he has spent the past decade working with community services and mental health providers, delivering support to the most vulnerable members of society.
Get help by seeing Doug, who has extensive experience with: Anger Management Antisocial Personality Anxiety Bi-polar Borderline Personality Disorder Depression, Domestic Violence Gambling Intellectual Disability Life Transitions Relationship Issues Self-esteem Stress Suicidal Ideation Trauma PTSD Douglas Kirk is a registered psychologist with AHPRA. With a background in the corporate sector, he has spent the past decade working with community services and mental health providers, delivering support to the most vulnerable members of society.
(03) 9133 0996 View (03) 9133 0996
Photo of Jordan Love, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Jordan Love
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
The two mountains represent the client and the therapist. Both face their own unique mountains to climb, with all sorts of challenges and hazards ahead. The therapist offers their guidance, not from a superior view, but from a unique angle where they may see things that the client is not able to. I love to work with a diverse range of people so as to learn together in figuring out the next steps clients might take.
The two mountains represent the client and the therapist. Both face their own unique mountains to climb, with all sorts of challenges and hazards ahead. The therapist offers their guidance, not from a superior view, but from a unique angle where they may see things that the client is not able to. I love to work with a diverse range of people so as to learn together in figuring out the next steps clients might take.
(03) 7003 2129 View (03) 7003 2129
Dialectical Behaviour (DBT) Therapists
Who is DBT for?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is designed for people who experience extreme emotional suffering because they lack the skills of emotion regulation and distress tolerance. The basic affliction can underlie a wide range of conditions, from borderline and other personality disorders to PTSD and treatment-resistant anxiety and depression. The therapy is helpful to those whose emotional reactivity is so intense it is disruptive to everyday functioning and leads to frequent crises.

Why do people need DBT?
The ability to regulate emotions is a core psychological skill that enables people to function in life and pay attention to the world outside themselves; it is consistently associated with well-being. DBT is designed to help people learn how to manage and regulate their emotions. Originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder whose extreme emotional suffering led to self-harming behaviour and suicide attempts, the therapy is now applied to other conditions involving emotion dysregulation, particularly when other treatments have failed.

What happens in DBT?
Individuals meet weekly with their therapist to discuss their experiences relating to moods, behaviour, and skills. Using checklists they maintain, they review emotional experiences and positive practices they engage in. The diaries help individuals discern what led up to a specific problem encountered, this is followed by discussion of the consequences of their actions. In addition, individuals may meet in class-like small groups to learn skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance.

How long does DBT last?
Because it is intended to establish long-lasting behavioural change among those with persistent problems, DBT is designed to last six months to a year. DBT includes both weekly sessions of individual therapy and weekly skills-training sessions conducted in small groups. Studies of DBT have documented improvement within a year of treatment, particularly in controlling self-harmful behaviour; nevertheless, individuals may require therapy for several years.