Dialectical Behaviour (DBT) Counselling in Thunder Bridge

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Photo of Heather Howard-Thompson, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Heather Howard-Thompson
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Barnsley S71
I am an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, EMDR and DBT Practitioner. My background is in mental health nursing (since 1997!). I have extensive experience in working with clients struggling with emotional regulation, anxiety, complex trauma and a range of common mental health problems. I am the founder and director of Yorkshire Psychotherapy Ltd, a private therapy practice and have a team of associates that work with children, adolescents and adults.
I am an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, EMDR and DBT Practitioner. My background is in mental health nursing (since 1997!). I have extensive experience in working with clients struggling with emotional regulation, anxiety, complex trauma and a range of common mental health problems. I am the founder and director of Yorkshire Psychotherapy Ltd, a private therapy practice and have a team of associates that work with children, adolescents and adults.
01226 337525 View 01226 337525
Photo of undefined - Dr Rachel Lee, Consultant Clinical Psychologist , CPsychol, Psychologist
Dr Rachel Lee, Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist, CPsychol
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Huddersfield HD8
I am accredited in EMDR & CBT and I also have specialist training in DBT and ACT, which means that I can choose the most suitable therapy for you.
I offer specialist therapy (including EMDR) for anxiety & trauma symptoms such as low self-esteem, intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance and overwhelming emotions. I'm a friendly, experienced Clinical Psychologist & accredited EMDR Consultant. I worked in the NHS for 20 years, including as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. I now run my own psychology practice, North Star Psychology Ltd. I help people heal from trauma & change unhelpful patterns so that they can feel calmer and more confident, reach their goals, improve their relationships and live a more fulfilling life. Please contact me to arrange a free consultation.
I am accredited in EMDR & CBT and I also have specialist training in DBT and ACT, which means that I can choose the most suitable therapy for you.
I offer specialist therapy (including EMDR) for anxiety & trauma symptoms such as low self-esteem, intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance and overwhelming emotions. I'm a friendly, experienced Clinical Psychologist & accredited EMDR Consultant. I worked in the NHS for 20 years, including as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. I now run my own psychology practice, North Star Psychology Ltd. I help people heal from trauma & change unhelpful patterns so that they can feel calmer and more confident, reach their goals, improve their relationships and live a more fulfilling life. Please contact me to arrange a free consultation.
01484 627167 View 01484 627167
Photo of Dr Rebecca Szlachcic, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Rebecca Szlachcic
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Huddersfield HD1
I am also an Accredited DBT Therapist, an evidence based intervention for individuals who have difficulties with emotion regulation and may use unhelpful behaviours to cope (e.
I am an experienced HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist working in the NHS and in the private sector. I am a trauma informed therapist, recognising that many people are trying their best to cope and live with the difficult life experiences they have been through. I understand the importance of the therapeutic relationship in finding a ‘good fit’ with a therapist. I enjoy working collaboratively and creatively with individuals and have experience in working with people with mild to severe mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, PTSD, psychosis and personality difficulties.
I am also an Accredited DBT Therapist, an evidence based intervention for individuals who have difficulties with emotion regulation and may use unhelpful behaviours to cope (e.
I am an experienced HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist working in the NHS and in the private sector. I am a trauma informed therapist, recognising that many people are trying their best to cope and live with the difficult life experiences they have been through. I understand the importance of the therapeutic relationship in finding a ‘good fit’ with a therapist. I enjoy working collaboratively and creatively with individuals and have experience in working with people with mild to severe mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, PTSD, psychosis and personality difficulties.
0113 467 9507 View 0113 467 9507
Photo of Holly Bemrose, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Holly Bemrose
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Wakefield WF2
In individual sessions I aim to work in an integrative way, using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) alongside ideas from Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Narrative and Systemic approaches.
I am a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered practitioner who specialises in working with young adults, children and young people with a wide range of difficulties and challenges. I have experience of working within the NHS in both outpatient and inpatient hospital settings, as well as working within the private sector. I work in a warm, compassionate and person-centred way, to work towards an individual's goals and reasons for therapy. You can visit my website for more information about me and the services I offer: www.drhollybemrose.com
In individual sessions I aim to work in an integrative way, using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) alongside ideas from Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Narrative and Systemic approaches.
I am a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered practitioner who specialises in working with young adults, children and young people with a wide range of difficulties and challenges. I have experience of working within the NHS in both outpatient and inpatient hospital settings, as well as working within the private sector. I work in a warm, compassionate and person-centred way, to work towards an individual's goals and reasons for therapy. You can visit my website for more information about me and the services I offer: www.drhollybemrose.com
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Photo of undefined - CMcTherapies, PsychD, CPsychol, Psychologist
CMcTherapies
Psychologist, PsychD, CPsychol
Verified Verified
Halifax HX4
Available therapies: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Cognitive Analytic Therapies (CAT) informed Emotional Freedom Therapy (EFT), Trauma/PTSD informed, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) informed, Schema therapy, Eclectic approaches drawing on all the above All therapies are offered on an adapted basis to increase access to people with disabilities.
CMcTherapies offer: Disability Services including but not limited to Benefits application and/or evidence of disability, Learning Disability, (ASD) Autism, Processing issues and Sensory Issues. Mental Health Services including but not limited to, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma and PTSD, Anger management, Work related stress and Addiction.
Available therapies: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Cognitive Analytic Therapies (CAT) informed Emotional Freedom Therapy (EFT), Trauma/PTSD informed, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) informed, Schema therapy, Eclectic approaches drawing on all the above All therapies are offered on an adapted basis to increase access to people with disabilities.
CMcTherapies offer: Disability Services including but not limited to Benefits application and/or evidence of disability, Learning Disability, (ASD) Autism, Processing issues and Sensory Issues. Mental Health Services including but not limited to, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma and PTSD, Anger management, Work related stress and Addiction.
01422 761881 View 01422 761881
Photo of Byron Athene, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Byron Athene
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Huddersfield HD1  (Online Only)
Are you adversely affected by negative or unwanted emotions? A large focus in my work is helping my clients to achieve conscious control of an otherwise subconscious process. After 6 - 8 sessions of working with me, you will have much better control of your emotions, therefore a lot of issues that revolve around unwanted emotions will no longer be an issue. If you're interested in DBT, get in touch and I'll show you another approach that gets much better results with far less effort in a significantly shorter timeframe.
Are you adversely affected by negative or unwanted emotions? A large focus in my work is helping my clients to achieve conscious control of an otherwise subconscious process. After 6 - 8 sessions of working with me, you will have much better control of your emotions, therefore a lot of issues that revolve around unwanted emotions will no longer be an issue. If you're interested in DBT, get in touch and I'll show you another approach that gets much better results with far less effort in a significantly shorter timeframe.
020 3828 7728 View 020 3828 7728
Photo of undefined - Northern Lighthouse Psychology Ltd, PhD, HCPC - Forensic Psych., Psychologist
Northern Lighthouse Psychology Ltd
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Forensic Psych.
Verified Verified
Wakefield WF3
Waitlist for new clients
Hi, I’m Charlotte. I am a Registered Psychologist and Accredited EMDR therapist. I have 20 years of experience working with people suffering with mental health difficulties. I am passionate about helping people struggling with distressing emotions which may lead to suicidal & self-injurious thinking and behaviour. I also have significant experience working with people who have experienced trauma (and may have a PTSD diagnosis) and may have been given a personality disorder diagnosis. In addition to using EMDR I am also trained in DBT and schema therapy so tend to use a combined approach tailored to the needs of the individual.
Hi, I’m Charlotte. I am a Registered Psychologist and Accredited EMDR therapist. I have 20 years of experience working with people suffering with mental health difficulties. I am passionate about helping people struggling with distressing emotions which may lead to suicidal & self-injurious thinking and behaviour. I also have significant experience working with people who have experienced trauma (and may have a PTSD diagnosis) and may have been given a personality disorder diagnosis. In addition to using EMDR I am also trained in DBT and schema therapy so tend to use a combined approach tailored to the needs of the individual.
01924 938670 View 01924 938670
Photo of undefined - Fenix CBT Psychotherapy, Autism and OCD Specialist, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Fenix CBT Psychotherapy, Autism and OCD Specialist
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Mirfield WF14
At Fenix CBT we specialise in CBT/DBT therapy specifically adapted to autistic adults, children and young people, OCD and PTSD.
My name is Eve Ahmed I am an owner and Lead Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (BABCP accredited) at Fenix CBT LTD. I utilise my skills and extensive experience to help my clients reach their personal targets and clinical recovery. I am very passionate about the work I do and I love helping people reach their goals. I have ten years of experience working in mental health in public and charity sector with adults and children. I completed BSc undergraduate degree in Psychology, Postgraduate Diploma in CBT and Level 3 Diploma in DBT and I also have (amongst many others) EMDR, ACT and Compassionate Mind training.
At Fenix CBT we specialise in CBT/DBT therapy specifically adapted to autistic adults, children and young people, OCD and PTSD.
My name is Eve Ahmed I am an owner and Lead Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (BABCP accredited) at Fenix CBT LTD. I utilise my skills and extensive experience to help my clients reach their personal targets and clinical recovery. I am very passionate about the work I do and I love helping people reach their goals. I have ten years of experience working in mental health in public and charity sector with adults and children. I completed BSc undergraduate degree in Psychology, Postgraduate Diploma in CBT and Level 3 Diploma in DBT and I also have (amongst many others) EMDR, ACT and Compassionate Mind training.
0113 487 2229 View 0113 487 2229
Photo of Paul A Green, MBACP, Counsellor
Paul A Green
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Barnsley S70
Therapeutic services ranges from DBT,Complex trauma, Behavioural therapy- Anxiety, Depression, Anger management, Abuse, Inner child trauma therapy, Couples and relationship counselling, Substance and Addiction abuse, Christian counselling or Spiritual and Holistic Care.
My role, as a psychodynamic therapist, is to provide an environment that is confidential and safe. This is why I do what I do. I provide an outside perspective to help you understand how your past influences present behaviours; your use of defences to avoid reality and awareness of how unconscious reoccurrence operates in your life. With your assistance my aim is to develop different strategies in making better choices to existing problems and explore beliefs of past feelings, memories. This doesn’t mean all your life is broken, but certain grey areas compromising the relationships you’re having with self and others.
Therapeutic services ranges from DBT,Complex trauma, Behavioural therapy- Anxiety, Depression, Anger management, Abuse, Inner child trauma therapy, Couples and relationship counselling, Substance and Addiction abuse, Christian counselling or Spiritual and Holistic Care.
My role, as a psychodynamic therapist, is to provide an environment that is confidential and safe. This is why I do what I do. I provide an outside perspective to help you understand how your past influences present behaviours; your use of defences to avoid reality and awareness of how unconscious reoccurrence operates in your life. With your assistance my aim is to develop different strategies in making better choices to existing problems and explore beliefs of past feelings, memories. This doesn’t mean all your life is broken, but certain grey areas compromising the relationships you’re having with self and others.
01226 610188 View 01226 610188
Photo of Joshua Carter, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Joshua Carter
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wakefield WF4
Hi, I'm Joshua, a professional psychotherapist and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I know how daunting it can be to look for a counsellor, or finding who will match your needs and expectations. So I will talk you through how I work and what I can offer you, to hopefully take away any confusion and make your search a little easier. I am located at Nostell Priory in Wakefield.
Hi, I'm Joshua, a professional psychotherapist and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I know how daunting it can be to look for a counsellor, or finding who will match your needs and expectations. So I will talk you through how I work and what I can offer you, to hopefully take away any confusion and make your search a little easier. I am located at Nostell Priory in Wakefield.
01924 950697 View 01924 950697
Photo of Joanna Wood, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Joanna Wood
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Huddersfield HD1
Hello. I help people to recognise and understand why they do the things they do and how our life experiences impact relationships, career choices and most importantly how we feel about ourselves. Sometimes I help people grow in confidence and self esteem to change the things that aren't helping them to live the kind of life that's worth living to them and sometimes I help people reach a point of acceptance with the things they can't change. We do this by working together to create a safe, supportive, respectful therapeutic relationship.
Hello. I help people to recognise and understand why they do the things they do and how our life experiences impact relationships, career choices and most importantly how we feel about ourselves. Sometimes I help people grow in confidence and self esteem to change the things that aren't helping them to live the kind of life that's worth living to them and sometimes I help people reach a point of acceptance with the things they can't change. We do this by working together to create a safe, supportive, respectful therapeutic relationship.
01422 557852 View 01422 557852
Photo of Kimberley Webb- Private Psychotherapy Yorkshire, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Kimberley Webb- Private Psychotherapy Yorkshire
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Wakefield WF1  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist, EMDR and Accredited Schema Therapist. I provide evidence-based psychological assessment, formulation and intervention to adults experiencing difficulties such as trauma, relationship difficulties and emotional distress. I provide bespoke therapy to support you in making sense of, and addressing the difficulties that prompted you to seek therapy. I. utilise schema, EMDR and psychodynamic approaches as well as traditional CBT methods, I am the co-developer of: privatepsychotherapyyorkshire
I am a HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist, EMDR and Accredited Schema Therapist. I provide evidence-based psychological assessment, formulation and intervention to adults experiencing difficulties such as trauma, relationship difficulties and emotional distress. I provide bespoke therapy to support you in making sense of, and addressing the difficulties that prompted you to seek therapy. I. utilise schema, EMDR and psychodynamic approaches as well as traditional CBT methods, I am the co-developer of: privatepsychotherapyyorkshire
01302 972774 View 01302 972774
Photo of Lucy Louise Robinson, MBACP, Counsellor
Lucy Louise Robinson
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Wakefield WF1
I am an integrative counsellor; psychotherapist and clinical supervisor. My therapeutic practice is based largely on the relational approach, this means I place great emphasis on the relationship between you and I as it is our relationship which becomes the vehicle for your therapeutic journey. Each person is unique and I will draw on modalities that I feel will most suit you and the issues that you present to me. During our sessions I would like you to have as much autonomy as possible but I shall also give direction should you need it.
I am an integrative counsellor; psychotherapist and clinical supervisor. My therapeutic practice is based largely on the relational approach, this means I place great emphasis on the relationship between you and I as it is our relationship which becomes the vehicle for your therapeutic journey. Each person is unique and I will draw on modalities that I feel will most suit you and the issues that you present to me. During our sessions I would like you to have as much autonomy as possible but I shall also give direction should you need it.
0113 519 4505 View 0113 519 4505
Photo of Matthew Shoesmith, MBACP, Counsellor
Matthew Shoesmith
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brighouse HD6
I don’t know what's brought you here at this stage, but rest assured I will do all I can to help you. Do you feel alone in your struggle, weighed down by sadness or anxiety? Are you struggling to manage your emotions or looking for more of something? I can offer you a safe and accepting space, as an experienced therapist, who truly cares and listens to what's important to you. My clients tell me I work from the heart, with a healthy balance of professionalism and being human. I pride myself on being welcoming, friendly and genuine, as both a counsellor and as a person. I am person-centred in my approach to counselling, and to life!
I don’t know what's brought you here at this stage, but rest assured I will do all I can to help you. Do you feel alone in your struggle, weighed down by sadness or anxiety? Are you struggling to manage your emotions or looking for more of something? I can offer you a safe and accepting space, as an experienced therapist, who truly cares and listens to what's important to you. My clients tell me I work from the heart, with a healthy balance of professionalism and being human. I pride myself on being welcoming, friendly and genuine, as both a counsellor and as a person. I am person-centred in my approach to counselling, and to life!
01422 557840 View 01422 557840
Photo of Dr Rachel Crane, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Rachel Crane
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Wakefield WF1
I offer a compassionate and supportive space to work towards goals of effectively handling difficult thoughts, feelings and experiences. I support clients to gain a deeper insight into what is most important and meaningful to them, which helps to make significant changes, fostering personal growth and well-being, creating a rich and values-focused life. I am committed to creating a therapeutic space that is collaborative and non-judgmental and draws on a number of evidence-based models to best suit the needs of each client allowing them to make sense of their difficulties and adopt new ways to cope.
I offer a compassionate and supportive space to work towards goals of effectively handling difficult thoughts, feelings and experiences. I support clients to gain a deeper insight into what is most important and meaningful to them, which helps to make significant changes, fostering personal growth and well-being, creating a rich and values-focused life. I am committed to creating a therapeutic space that is collaborative and non-judgmental and draws on a number of evidence-based models to best suit the needs of each client allowing them to make sense of their difficulties and adopt new ways to cope.
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Photo of Dr Kerri Garbutt, Psychologist
Dr Kerri Garbutt
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Wakefield WF1  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
ONLINE SESSIONS OFFERED: I am a Chartered and Registered Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience in the psychological assessment and treatment of adults, with a wide range of psychological issues and needs. I am able to adapt my therapeutic approach and style to best meet your needs and therefore I can use a range of therapeutic approaches. I am also known for my ability to develop a strong therapeutic relationship with individuals that have difficulty trusting others, experience high levels of shame or have had negative experiences with other therapists/individuals in authority in the past. PLEASE MAKE CONTACT VIA EMAIL
ONLINE SESSIONS OFFERED: I am a Chartered and Registered Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience in the psychological assessment and treatment of adults, with a wide range of psychological issues and needs. I am able to adapt my therapeutic approach and style to best meet your needs and therefore I can use a range of therapeutic approaches. I am also known for my ability to develop a strong therapeutic relationship with individuals that have difficulty trusting others, experience high levels of shame or have had negative experiences with other therapists/individuals in authority in the past. PLEASE MAKE CONTACT VIA EMAIL
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Photo of Katie Boardman, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Katie Boardman
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Wakefield WF1  (Online Only)
Specialist therapeutic assessment & interventions I offer aims to reduce emotional distress, trauma & attachment difficulties. Such difficulties may affect wellbeing, behaviours, relationships with others, education & cause global or specific difficulties within your child's & family life. I am passionate about helping families to come together; to strengthen attachment relationships; reduce psychological distress & heal from difficult experiences. I strive to get families to feel connected and bring back balance & joy within relationships and family life. I am able to work with parents/carers &/or children based on your needs
Specialist therapeutic assessment & interventions I offer aims to reduce emotional distress, trauma & attachment difficulties. Such difficulties may affect wellbeing, behaviours, relationships with others, education & cause global or specific difficulties within your child's & family life. I am passionate about helping families to come together; to strengthen attachment relationships; reduce psychological distress & heal from difficult experiences. I strive to get families to feel connected and bring back balance & joy within relationships and family life. I am able to work with parents/carers &/or children based on your needs
01422 415447 View 01422 415447
Photo of undefined - Jeana Hallas at Barnsley Hypnosis & Counselling, MSc, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Jeana Hallas at Barnsley Hypnosis & Counselling
Psychotherapist, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Barnsley S71
Most clients contact us with surface negative symptoms or challenges. Every client is totally unique, therefore our truly one-off, made-to-measure approach is needed and always provided. Most clients help us to slowly identify the real current trigger(s), creating the negative presenting symptoms or challenges. Finally, our last step in helping you gain a positive, confident and happier future, is to discover your deepest root causes, which created the very first trigger(s). To put it simply, our driving force from day one is to help you quickly ensure you gain much improved: thinking, feeling and behaviour.
Most clients contact us with surface negative symptoms or challenges. Every client is totally unique, therefore our truly one-off, made-to-measure approach is needed and always provided. Most clients help us to slowly identify the real current trigger(s), creating the negative presenting symptoms or challenges. Finally, our last step in helping you gain a positive, confident and happier future, is to discover your deepest root causes, which created the very first trigger(s). To put it simply, our driving force from day one is to help you quickly ensure you gain much improved: thinking, feeling and behaviour.
01226 337420 View 01226 337420
Photo of Dr Jennifer Vaughan, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Jennifer Vaughan
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Brighouse HD6
JV Psychology Services Ltd. offers assessments for Autism and ADHD for children, young people and adults. Our assessments follow National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidelines. Two specialist HCPC-registered healthcare professionals from different professional backgrounds (e.g., Clinical Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist and/or Occupational Therapist) will complete be involved in completing the assessments.
JV Psychology Services Ltd. offers assessments for Autism and ADHD for children, young people and adults. Our assessments follow National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidelines. Two specialist HCPC-registered healthcare professionals from different professional backgrounds (e.g., Clinical Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist and/or Occupational Therapist) will complete be involved in completing the assessments.
0161 696 8442 View 0161 696 8442
Photo of undefined - Women in Bloom Psychology, HCPC - Forensic Psych., Psychologist
Women in Bloom Psychology
Psychologist, HCPC - Forensic Psych.
Verified Verified
Wakefield WF1
Hi, I’m Tracey, I specialise in psychological assessment and therapy for women. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships, pregnancy and motherhood, perimenopause/menopause, bereavements, traumas? As women, there can be many unique challenges and life transitions to face. Having a safe space to reflect on what's happening for you, to connect with the emotional impacts, and discover how you can learn to adapt is vital. It lets you build your sense of strength and resilience and ultimately, it encourages you to heal and continue to grow despite what life has thrown your way.
Hi, I’m Tracey, I specialise in psychological assessment and therapy for women. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships, pregnancy and motherhood, perimenopause/menopause, bereavements, traumas? As women, there can be many unique challenges and life transitions to face. Having a safe space to reflect on what's happening for you, to connect with the emotional impacts, and discover how you can learn to adapt is vital. It lets you build your sense of strength and resilience and ultimately, it encourages you to heal and continue to grow despite what life has thrown your way.
01405 807488 View 01405 807488
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.