Dialectical Behaviour (DBT) Counselling in Berkhamsted

Photo of Jenna Stoodley, Counsellor in Berkhamsted, England
Jenna Stoodley
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Berkhamsted HP4
My integrative practice blends the person-centred approach, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and Transactional analysis, I also incorporate elements of dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) for clients who, alongside 'traditional' talking therapy, enjoy learning practical skills to support them in their everyday lives.
Hi, my name is Jenna and I am a qualified therapeutic counsellor. I have experience working with both adults and young people, and I have worked with clients experiencing depression, stress, anxiety, loss, difficulty in relationships, neurodiversity (both diagnosed, self-diagnosed or questioning), suicidal thoughts, trauma, disability, misdiagnosis, medical trauma, intrusive thoughts, abuse and neglect. I am LGBTQI+ friendly and aim to provide a neuro-affirming and gender-affirming environment.
My integrative practice blends the person-centred approach, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and Transactional analysis, I also incorporate elements of dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) for clients who, alongside 'traditional' talking therapy, enjoy learning practical skills to support them in their everyday lives.
Hi, my name is Jenna and I am a qualified therapeutic counsellor. I have experience working with both adults and young people, and I have worked with clients experiencing depression, stress, anxiety, loss, difficulty in relationships, neurodiversity (both diagnosed, self-diagnosed or questioning), suicidal thoughts, trauma, disability, misdiagnosis, medical trauma, intrusive thoughts, abuse and neglect. I am LGBTQI+ friendly and aim to provide a neuro-affirming and gender-affirming environment.
01442 971264 View 01442 971264
Photo of Dr Eleanor Martin, Psychologist in Berkhamsted, England
Dr Eleanor Martin
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Berkhamsted HP4
  I use an integrative approach that draws on CBT, DBT, IPT and systemic theory.
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, with over 10 years experience working in the NHS and Local Authority services. I work with children, young people and adults who are seeking help for their mental health and well being. I support people to make sense of how their problems developed, recognise how their problems impact their life and consider what strategies can make a difference.
  I use an integrative approach that draws on CBT, DBT, IPT and systemic theory.
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, with over 10 years experience working in the NHS and Local Authority services. I work with children, young people and adults who are seeking help for their mental health and well being. I support people to make sense of how their problems developed, recognise how their problems impact their life and consider what strategies can make a difference.
01296 340309 View 01296 340309
Photo of Colin Winter, Psychotherapist in Berkhamsted, England
Colin Winter
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Berkhamsted HP4  (Online Only)
Warmth, empathy, non-judgemental acceptance, scientific rigour and humour are at the heart of my approach to therapy. I follow core CBT traditions which put the client and therapist on an equal footing in a collaborative partnership, with the client as the authoritative expert in themselves. I aim to debunk and demystify, strip out jargon, and explain transparently how I work. CBT aims to give clients a therapeutic fishing rod, not just a fish, so that clients are helped to become CBT experts, their own therapists for the future. Therapy can be challenging, but more often it should be healing, uplifting, enriching and fun.
Warmth, empathy, non-judgemental acceptance, scientific rigour and humour are at the heart of my approach to therapy. I follow core CBT traditions which put the client and therapist on an equal footing in a collaborative partnership, with the client as the authoritative expert in themselves. I aim to debunk and demystify, strip out jargon, and explain transparently how I work. CBT aims to give clients a therapeutic fishing rod, not just a fish, so that clients are helped to become CBT experts, their own therapists for the future. Therapy can be challenging, but more often it should be healing, uplifting, enriching and fun.
01442 506778 View 01442 506778
Photo of Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen Accred) Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip, Psychotherapist in Berkhamsted, England
Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen Accred) Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Berkhamsted HP4  (Online Only)
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
020 4538 6806 View 020 4538 6806

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Dr Constantina Markides, Psychologist in Berkhamsted, England
Dr Constantina Markides
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Great Missenden HP16
Dr Markides specialises in integrating therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Systemic, Narrative, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brief Solution Focused Therapy.
Dr Constantina Markides is a Clinical Psychologist with experience working with adults and children with a range of mental health difficulties, such as severe OCD, low self-esteem, low mood and anxiety and body image concerns. She particularly enjoys working with those struggling with OCD, and has developed and delivered individual as well as group interventions within the NHS to offer evidence based therapies around this. Regardless of the presenting difficulty, Dr Markides hopes to support her clients not only to free themselves from their symptoms, but to connect to their values and live their life doing what matters to them.
Dr Markides specialises in integrating therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Systemic, Narrative, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brief Solution Focused Therapy.
Dr Constantina Markides is a Clinical Psychologist with experience working with adults and children with a range of mental health difficulties, such as severe OCD, low self-esteem, low mood and anxiety and body image concerns. She particularly enjoys working with those struggling with OCD, and has developed and delivered individual as well as group interventions within the NHS to offer evidence based therapies around this. Regardless of the presenting difficulty, Dr Markides hopes to support her clients not only to free themselves from their symptoms, but to connect to their values and live their life doing what matters to them.
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Photo of Nicola Salisbury, Counsellor in Berkhamsted, England
Nicola Salisbury
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hemel Hempstead HP3
As well as using Psychoanalysis, CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) and Transactional Analysis, I'm also trained in DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) which is a form of CBT created to teach skills to cope with, and overcome, emotional dysregulation, self harm and relationship problems.
Hello I'm Nicola, a qualified counsellor working with both adults and teenagers from all walks of life. My integrative training allows me to tailor my therapeutic approach to suit your needs at the time of contacting me, whether that be to listen to your story and sit with you in your pain or work with you to make positive changes to your life... or something in between. I can offer you a safe and confidential space for you to be heard without judgement or expectation. Your presenting issues might be anxiety, depression, a relationship breakdown, a bereavement, low self-esteem, difficulty coping with change and uncertainty or more.
As well as using Psychoanalysis, CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) and Transactional Analysis, I'm also trained in DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) which is a form of CBT created to teach skills to cope with, and overcome, emotional dysregulation, self harm and relationship problems.
Hello I'm Nicola, a qualified counsellor working with both adults and teenagers from all walks of life. My integrative training allows me to tailor my therapeutic approach to suit your needs at the time of contacting me, whether that be to listen to your story and sit with you in your pain or work with you to make positive changes to your life... or something in between. I can offer you a safe and confidential space for you to be heard without judgement or expectation. Your presenting issues might be anxiety, depression, a relationship breakdown, a bereavement, low self-esteem, difficulty coping with change and uncertainty or more.
01442 979679 View 01442 979679
Photo of Dr Paul Workman, Psychologist in Berkhamsted, England
Dr Paul Workman
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
St Albans AL1
My main therapeutic approach draws from EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT) & Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).
I am a Clinical Psychologist, EMDR (Adult, Adolescent & Child) Therapist and Chartered Member & Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS) with experience working within Adult & Child and Adolescent Mental Health settings. I aim to offer a compassionate and person-centred approach to support people to understand how their problems have come to be and work together to resolve the issues that bring them to therapy.
My main therapeutic approach draws from EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT) & Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).
I am a Clinical Psychologist, EMDR (Adult, Adolescent & Child) Therapist and Chartered Member & Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS) with experience working within Adult & Child and Adolescent Mental Health settings. I aim to offer a compassionate and person-centred approach to support people to understand how their problems have come to be and work together to resolve the issues that bring them to therapy.
01727 738506 View 01727 738506
Photo of Elena Sullivan, Psychotherapist in Berkhamsted, England
Elena Sullivan
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Watford WD25
Employing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness and DBT methods.
Therapy is all about creating meaningful change that will help you to not be held back by mental health difficulties and live your life to the fullest. There's a massive difference between living, and merely existing, and I have been there myself. I feel privileged and excited to be a part of your journey to reach your full potential. This can be a daunting time, as you explore parts of yourself that you haven't acknowledged before, or you have tried previously to work on. I am passionate about therapy as I have seen how life changing it can be and will help you every step of the way to achieve your goals.
Employing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness and DBT methods.
Therapy is all about creating meaningful change that will help you to not be held back by mental health difficulties and live your life to the fullest. There's a massive difference between living, and merely existing, and I have been there myself. I feel privileged and excited to be a part of your journey to reach your full potential. This can be a daunting time, as you explore parts of yourself that you haven't acknowledged before, or you have tried previously to work on. I am passionate about therapy as I have seen how life changing it can be and will help you every step of the way to achieve your goals.
01923 961677 View 01923 961677
Photo of Dr Belynder Walia - Serene Lifestyles, Psychotherapist in Berkhamsted, England
Dr Belynder Walia - Serene Lifestyles
Psychotherapist, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Hemel Hempstead HP1  (Online Only)
Services I provide: therapy, hypnotherapy, DBT, CBT, NLP, psychotherapy, self-reflective therapy, Mindfulness Coaching, relational therapy,  and transformational therapy.
I am the founder of Serene Lifestyles, an online psychotherapy practice. I am accepting new clients and offering virtual appointments. I help people feel less anxiety or stress by transforming their mind to build confidence and self-esteem, so they feel amazing in their professional and personal relationships. I am passionate about helping people with their mental and emotional well-being.
Services I provide: therapy, hypnotherapy, DBT, CBT, NLP, psychotherapy, self-reflective therapy, Mindfulness Coaching, relational therapy,  and transformational therapy.
I am the founder of Serene Lifestyles, an online psychotherapy practice. I am accepting new clients and offering virtual appointments. I help people feel less anxiety or stress by transforming their mind to build confidence and self-esteem, so they feel amazing in their professional and personal relationships. I am passionate about helping people with their mental and emotional well-being.
020 3870 2993 View 020 3870 2993
Photo of Dr Aroshini Wijetunge, Psychologist in Berkhamsted, England
Dr Aroshini Wijetunge
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
St Albans AL1
I work with people experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties. I have 20yrs+ clinical experience in the NHS & private settings. I work part-time providing Expert opinion in family and criminal proceedings. My training is in evidence-based psychological therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy. I am able to integrate these models to embody a compassionate approach that is tailored to the individual. My specialist interest is in Schema Therapy, which is an integrative therapy that aims to treat personality & mental health concerns that do not always respond to other treatments.
I work with people experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties. I have 20yrs+ clinical experience in the NHS & private settings. I work part-time providing Expert opinion in family and criminal proceedings. My training is in evidence-based psychological therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy. I am able to integrate these models to embody a compassionate approach that is tailored to the individual. My specialist interest is in Schema Therapy, which is an integrative therapy that aims to treat personality & mental health concerns that do not always respond to other treatments.
01727 638978 View 01727 638978
Photo of Chiltern Talking Therapies, Psychotherapist in Berkhamsted, England
Chiltern Talking Therapies
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Tring HP23
Hi, I'm Jennie! I'm a CBT/EMDR Therapist and owner of Chiltern Talking Therapies. My Associates and I offer face to face or virtual CBT, EMDR, Counselling, Schema and Art Psychotherapy sessions and ADHD Assessments. We can support adults and young people with a wide range of difficulties. We are non-judgemental and have a wealth of experience between us, from working with addictions, offenders, children, clients with brain injuries and couples. I pride our team on being non-judgemental and accepting of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. We all hold DBS checks and indemnity insurance, which you can view at any time.
Hi, I'm Jennie! I'm a CBT/EMDR Therapist and owner of Chiltern Talking Therapies. My Associates and I offer face to face or virtual CBT, EMDR, Counselling, Schema and Art Psychotherapy sessions and ADHD Assessments. We can support adults and young people with a wide range of difficulties. We are non-judgemental and have a wealth of experience between us, from working with addictions, offenders, children, clients with brain injuries and couples. I pride our team on being non-judgemental and accepting of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. We all hold DBS checks and indemnity insurance, which you can view at any time.
01442 971728 View 01442 971728
Photo of Home Counties Therapy in Berkhamsted, England
Home Counties Therapy
MSc
Verified Verified
Amersham HP6
We specialise in working with people with Borderline Personality Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, Addiction and Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Pathological Demand Avoidance. Our highly skilled team will work with you to find the solutions that you are looking for.
We specialise in working with people with Borderline Personality Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, Addiction and Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Pathological Demand Avoidance. Our highly skilled team will work with you to find the solutions that you are looking for.
01296 827049 View 01296 827049
Photo of Jane MacLaren, Counsellor in Berkhamsted, England
Jane MacLaren
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Watford WD25
Today you can make the first step to changing your life for the better! I offer a safe non-judgemental space for you to explore your emotions and feeling. You may wish to explore issues that have been present in your life for a long time; in your home, childhood, relationships, work, family, or it maybe a recent event or trauma. Whatever the reason you are seeking counselling I can guide you to build greater trust in yourself, build self-esteem, raise your self-awareness, and increase motivation to take back control of your life. I work at your pace in a confidential supportive setting.
Today you can make the first step to changing your life for the better! I offer a safe non-judgemental space for you to explore your emotions and feeling. You may wish to explore issues that have been present in your life for a long time; in your home, childhood, relationships, work, family, or it maybe a recent event or trauma. Whatever the reason you are seeking counselling I can guide you to build greater trust in yourself, build self-esteem, raise your self-awareness, and increase motivation to take back control of your life. I work at your pace in a confidential supportive setting.
01923 961973 View 01923 961973
Photo of Lee Martin, Psychotherapist in Berkhamsted, England
Lee Martin
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Chalfont Saint Giles HP8  (Online Only)
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues, undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues, undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
01895 545169 View 01895 545169
Photo of The Spectrum Clinic, Psychologist in Berkhamsted, England
The Spectrum Clinic
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Chalfont Saint Giles HP8
The Spectrum Clinic has been established to provide a person-centred approach to assess for Autism and ADHD without compromising on quality and reliability of our assessments. Our patients are at the centre of what we do and every assessment starts with hearing about their journey. We use the gold standard tools for our assessments and follow the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines when offering our services. This means that our assessments are evidence-based and that our clinicians adhere to the highest standards of practice set in the UK.
The Spectrum Clinic has been established to provide a person-centred approach to assess for Autism and ADHD without compromising on quality and reliability of our assessments. Our patients are at the centre of what we do and every assessment starts with hearing about their journey. We use the gold standard tools for our assessments and follow the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines when offering our services. This means that our assessments are evidence-based and that our clinicians adhere to the highest standards of practice set in the UK.
020 3667 9039 View 020 3667 9039
Photo of Dr Stephanie Louw, Psychologist in Berkhamsted, England
Dr Stephanie Louw
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Harpenden AL5
Thank you for visiting. Seeking support can be daunting, especially when feeling vulnerable and with so many therapists to choose from. The clients I see, seek therapy for a variety of reasons, including experiencing anxiety, low mood, intrusive thoughts, obsessions, fluctuating emotions, substance or relationship issues and PTSD. I believe these difficulties often arise from things that have happened to us, causing us emotional pain, trauma or loss. I collaborate with clients to understand and unpick these patterns, empowering them to forge a new path aligned with their goals, restoring a sense of safety, control, and wellness.
Thank you for visiting. Seeking support can be daunting, especially when feeling vulnerable and with so many therapists to choose from. The clients I see, seek therapy for a variety of reasons, including experiencing anxiety, low mood, intrusive thoughts, obsessions, fluctuating emotions, substance or relationship issues and PTSD. I believe these difficulties often arise from things that have happened to us, causing us emotional pain, trauma or loss. I collaborate with clients to understand and unpick these patterns, empowering them to forge a new path aligned with their goals, restoring a sense of safety, control, and wellness.
01727 649784 View 01727 649784
Photo of Ailish Oliver, Psychotherapist in Berkhamsted, England
Ailish Oliver
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Chalfont Saint Giles HP8  (Online Only)
I am a friendly CBT therapist with five years total experience of psychological practice in voluntary and private sector. I offer unconditional positive regard and empathy as we work together. You can expect to feel attentively listened to as we discuss and address the difficulties you are facing. My therapeutic style is compassion focused; we could all benefit from being a little kinder to ourselves. My goal is for you to build healthier coping tools, emotional resilience and start living the life you want to live.
I am a friendly CBT therapist with five years total experience of psychological practice in voluntary and private sector. I offer unconditional positive regard and empathy as we work together. You can expect to feel attentively listened to as we discuss and address the difficulties you are facing. My therapeutic style is compassion focused; we could all benefit from being a little kinder to ourselves. My goal is for you to build healthier coping tools, emotional resilience and start living the life you want to live.
01565 743906 View 01565 743906
Amy Luck
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Great Missenden HP16
I am a chartered and registered clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience in mental health. As a clinical psychologist I take an integrative approach to treatment for each individual. I work with adults, couples and children and teenagers. I aim to create a safe non judgemental space for people to work through their difficulties and find inner peace
I am a chartered and registered clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience in mental health. As a clinical psychologist I take an integrative approach to treatment for each individual. I work with adults, couples and children and teenagers. I aim to create a safe non judgemental space for people to work through their difficulties and find inner peace
01494 321190 View 01494 321190
Photo of Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen.accred)Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip, Psychotherapist in Berkhamsted, England
Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen.accred)Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Chalfont Saint Giles HP8  (Online Only)
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
020 3984 8581 View 020 3984 8581
Photo of Life Check Therapy - Depression, Stress & More, Counsellor in Berkhamsted, England
Life Check Therapy - Depression, Stress & More
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Chalfont Saint Giles HP8
You matter. No matter what you've done or what you're going through, you deserve to be heard and have a safe space where you can be 100% yourself. I realise that it can be really daunting looking for a counsellor or coach to connect with and I really appreciate that you're reading my profile right now. Whatever you are going through, whatever pain, troubles, difficulties or road blocks you may be experiencing, I'd love to connect and help you look at the options available to improve your quality of life. I'm passionate about supporting my clients. Thank you again for your time and I hope that you find the support that you need.
You matter. No matter what you've done or what you're going through, you deserve to be heard and have a safe space where you can be 100% yourself. I realise that it can be really daunting looking for a counsellor or coach to connect with and I really appreciate that you're reading my profile right now. Whatever you are going through, whatever pain, troubles, difficulties or road blocks you may be experiencing, I'd love to connect and help you look at the options available to improve your quality of life. I'm passionate about supporting my clients. Thank you again for your time and I hope that you find the support that you need.
020 4538 9834 View 020 4538 9834

See more therapy options for Berkhamsted

Dialectical Behaviour (DBT) Counsellors

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.