Do I need DBT?

Is your life like trying to drive a car that is constantly careening out of control?

DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy)

This 24 week program is designed for adults who have difficulties with emotions, relationships, impulsivity, self harm, suicidal behaviours, substance use or other problems that come from difficulties with controlling emotions.

The therapy consists of a variety of modes:

The Modes

Individual treatment provides the client with the opportunity to work specifically on the skills learnt in group training. Talking confidentially about the successes and challenges of this process, helps to keep up motivation for working toward the clients’s individual therapy goals.

Telephone Coaching allows clients to make contact with their therapist in between sessions.  This enhances the therapeutic relationship and encourages clients to apply new behavioural skills in their everyday life knowing they have support.

Group Skills treatment is the psycho-educational component. This is held in a group of 7-10 adults with two facilitators who are DBT trained psychologists. Overall, it covers the four core modules, according to Dr Marsha Linehan’s structured DBT group format, with each module targeting a specific area of skills enhancement.  These include:

• Mindfulness
• Distress Tolerance
• Emotion Regulatiion
• Interpersonal Effectiveness

Team Consultation meetings (practitioners only)

It is not a traditional group therapy model but a very active learning process in which clients are expected to participate and also discuss how the skills apply to their real world situations. Telephone coaching and individual sessions complement what is being taught in skills group and provide support.

Recent research has consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of Comprehensive DBT. Most of all, it enables people with the skills required to thrive and connect with others.