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Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)

5-minute read

Key facts

  • Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behaviour therapy, or 'talking therapy'.
  • It is useful for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) or other conditions associated with difficulty regulating strong emotions.
  • Dialectical behaviour therapy involves learning both 'acceptance-oriented' and 'change-oriented' skills — seemingly 'dialectical' (opposite) skills, that together help you accept yourself, while making changes necessary to progress towards your goals.
  • The main skills you will learn are mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
  • DBT usually involves individual sessions with a therapist as well as group sessions, and you will have access to telephone support if you experience a crisis.

What is dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behaviour therapy or 'talking therapy'. It is useful for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) or who have trouble controlling their emotions.

People with BPD have difficulty regulating their very strong emotions. This may cause troubled relationships and a disturbed sense of self. They may experience self-harm or have suicidal thoughts.

DBT helps people change unhelpful ways of thinking and behaving, and to accept themselves as they are. They learn skills to build a satisfying and meaningful life.

Dialectical behaviour therapy involves learning both 'acceptance-oriented' and 'change-oriented' skills — seemingly 'dialectical' (opposite) skills. In DBT, your therapist will accept you as you are, and help you do the same, while also accepting the need for positive changes to help you recover and progress towards your goals.

When is DBT used?

DBT is used to treat problems related to borderline personality disorder, such as:

Therapists offer DBT for other mental health conditions as well, including:

What can I expect from DBT?

With DBT, you learn to:

DBT usually involves:

A typical course of DBT involves weekly sessions. These may continue for up to a year, but will depend on the needs of the person.

How does DBT help?

DBT helps you learn to manage your behaviour and emotions. It teaches you new skills to cope with day-to-day life and to replace harmful coping behaviours with healthier ones. It helps you understand why you struggle with the things you do.

There are 4 main skills you will learn during DBT:

Where can I find a therapist or get help?

To find a therapist in your area, visit the healthdirect mental health services page.

There are also many organisations that you can contact for help.

If you are having a personal crisis, contact:

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

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