What Is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based form of therapy developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan. Originally developed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), DBT skills are now also used to help people who experience intense emotions, difficulty regulating emotions, relationship challenges, impulsive behaviours, and difficulty coping with distress.
DBT combines strategies for acceptance and change. It can help you better understand your emotions, respond to difficult situations more effectively, strengthen relationships, and develop practical skills for managing distress.
How Does Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Work?
Comprehensive Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) typically includes individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and a DBT therapist consultation team. At Toronto Psychology Clinic, we do not provide a comprehensive DBT program. Instead, our therapists may incorporate DBT skills and strategies into individual therapy based on your needs and treatment goals.
DBT skills focus on four main areas:
Mindfulness: Learning to stay present and notice your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without immediately judging or reacting to them. Mindfulness skills can help you become more aware of your emotional patterns and respond more intentionally.
Distress tolerance: Developing practical strategies for getting through emotionally overwhelming or stressful situations without making things worse. These skills can be especially helpful when you are facing circumstances that cannot be immediately changed.
Interpersonal effectiveness: Building skills to communicate your needs, set boundaries, manage conflict, and maintain healthier relationships while also respecting yourself and others.
Emotion regulation: Learning to better understand, manage, and respond to intense emotions so that they are less likely to take over your thoughts, decisions, and behaviours.
