Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) was originally developed for people who self-harm, experience chronic suicidal thoughts and/or engage in self-destructive ways of managing emotions.
‘Dialectics’ means trying to balance and find a synthesis between two opposing positions, with the goal of finding a 'middle ground' way of looking at and approaching events and experiences. In DBT, this will involve working towards finding a good balance between:
For example, when someone is able to understand and accept themselves, their experiences and their emotions, they can learn how to deal with thoughts and feelings in a different way.
DBT combines Cognitive Behaviour Therapy techniques and skills for emotion regulation and reality-testing, with concepts of and skills for distress tolerance, acceptance, interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness.
Generally, DBT uses a two-pronged therapy approach:
1. Individual weekly psychology sessions
2. Weekly skills groups
DBT is a long-term, intensive therapeutic approach that generally lasts from six months to two years.
At the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, our team of psychologists are highly skilled at delivering DBT for a range of conditions. DBT is accessed as both a one-to-one and group therapy option. We seek to establish successful partnerships between client and therapist in order to achieve authentic therapeutic relationships and effective outcomes.
If you would like advice on DBT or other treatments, please contact us so that you can feel confident in any decisions you make about your treatment.