DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOUR THERAPY (DBT)
Skills Training Only
What is DBT
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a psychological approach that helps people manage intense emotions, respond more effectively to distress and improve their relationships. The term dialectical refers to balancing two ideas: accepting a person's current experience while also working towards change. DBT skills training teaches practical strategies for managing difficult situations without relying on behaviours that create further problems. A skills-only approach focuses on teaching and practising these strategies rather than providing the full DBT treatment programme.
HOW DOES IT WORK
In practice, DBT skills training covers four main areas. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without immediately reacting or judging. Distress tolerance teaches ways to get through difficult situations without making them worse. Emotion regulation helps people understand emotions, reduce vulnerability to emotional overwhelm and respond more deliberately. Interpersonal effectiveness focuses on communicating needs, setting boundaries and maintaining relationships. Skills can be taught individually or in groups, with practice between sessions to help people apply them in everyday life.
DBT skills may be helpful for people who experience intense or rapidly changing emotions, impulsive reactions, relationship difficulties, self-destructive behaviour or difficulty coping with distress.
They may be used with people experiencing borderline personality disorder, mood disorders, trauma-related difficulties and other presentations involving emotion regulation challenges. DBT skills can also be useful for people who want to strengthen coping and communication skills without requiring the full DBT programme. However, skills training alone is not equivalent to comprehensive DBT, and people seeking a full-protocol DBT intervention should seek out specialist programs offered in the Canberra area.
WHERE DOES IT COME FROM
DBT was developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s, initially to treat people with chronic suicidal behaviour and the difficulties then associated with borderline personality disorder. It combined behavioural strategies with mindfulness and acceptance-based practices. Comprehensive DBT traditionally includes individual therapy, skills training, between-session coaching and a therapist consultation team. The skills component has since been adapted for use in a range of clinical settings to increase client’s skills in the four defined areas.
Ready to Begin?
At Ensemble Psychology, we are committed to providing evidence-based, collaborative care that respects your identity, values, and goals.
If you are seeking thoughtful, personalised support from an experienced clinical psychologist, we invite you to get in touch to arrange an initial consultation.
Initial phone consultations are free of charge. Standard appointments (50 minutes) are charged at $260 per session