DBT is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps people cope with overwhelming emotions, improve relationships, and build a life worth living. It is especially effective for those who feel emotions very deeply or struggle with self-destructive behaviours.

Dialectical behavioural therapy was originally presented as an intervention for individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and since then has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health needs and concerns including individuals who identify as having trauma histories. DBT stands for Dialectical Behavior Therapy, where "dialectical" means balancing two seemingly opposite ideas: acceptance and change. In DBT, people learn to accept themselves and their current situation, while also working toward positive change.

A main focus is to help folks develop a skills-based tool kit to allow for more adaptive coping and response behaviours. Dialectical behavioural therapy combines the principles of behavioural therapy with ancient Buddhist concepts of acceptance and mindfulness. DBT uses validation and problem solving to support clients, providing skills and tools to assist the client in changing behaviour.

Core Components of DBT:

Mindfulness

• Helps individuals become aware of their thoughts, feelings, and surroundings
• Being present in the moment without judgment

Distress Tolerance

• Learning how to tolerate pain and crises without making things worse
• Skills include distraction, self-soothing, and radical acceptance

Emotion Regulation

• Understanding and managing intense emotions
• Techniques for identifying and changing emotional responses

Interpersonal Effectiveness

• Improving communication and relationship skills
• Setting boundaries, asking for needs, and saying no effectively