Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) & Services

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a powerful tool/therapeutic modality that was developed by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1980 in order to help individuals navigate the complexities of their emotions and behaviours. DBT was originally designed to treat individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), but its effectiveness has since been recognized in addressing a wide range of mental health and substance use concerns.

What is DBT?

At its core, DBT is a type of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy that blends various therapeutic techniques, including mindfulness, acceptance, and behaviour change strategies. The term “dialectical” refers to the balance between acceptance and change (like Yin and Yang), a key principle of DBT. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and validating a person’s experiences and emotions while also working towards constructive changes in behaviour and thinking patterns and learning to ride the uncomfortable wave of emotions that it brings along.

The Four Building Blocks of DBT

DBT typically consists of four main modules:

1. Mindfulness: Inspired by Zen Buddhism, mindfulness focuses on developing present-moment awareness without judgment. Practicing mindfulness techniques helps one observe their thoughts, emotions, and sensations without becoming overwhelmed by them.

2. Distress Tolerance: Here, individuals learn coping strategies to manage distressing situations without resorting to harmful behaviours. Techniques such as distraction, self-soothing, and improving the moment are taught to enhance emotional resilience.

3. Emotion Regulation: Here with the guide of a therapist individuals learn to identify, verbalize, label and understand their emotions, as well as learn effective ways to regulate them. Through this work one comes to a deeper understanding of their emotions and their functions, while learning to implement healthy emotion regulation techniques which can consequently result in change in behaviour.

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Here individuals learn how to navigate and improve their relationships with others. Effective communication, setting boundaries, and asserting one’s needs are some of the key skills covered to promote healthier interactions.