Understanding Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) - How It Can Help

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a structured, skills-based psychological therapy designed to help people manage intense emotions, reduce unhelpful behaviours, and improve relationships. Originally developed by Dr Marsha Linehan to support individuals experiencing chronic emotion dysregulation, DBT is now used in a range of mental health contexts to help support individuals with symptoms of PTSD, mood disorders, substance use, and borderline personality disorder (May et al., 2016). This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised assessment or treatment.

What is DBT?

DBT is a type of cognitive-behavioural therapy that combines practical skill development with an emphasis on acceptance and compassion. The term “dialectical” refers to bringing together two seemingly opposite ideas — acceptance and change. In DBT, people are supported to accept themselves as they are while also working toward meaningful behavioural change.

DBT is typically delivered by trained mental health professionals and may involve individual therapy, skills training groups, or both, depending on a person’s needs (Corliss, 2024).

The Core Skill Areas in DBT

DBT focuses on building four key skill sets that can support emotional and behavioural wellbeing:

1. Mindfulness 🧘‍♀️Mindfulness skills help people become more aware of the present moment without judgement. This can support noticing thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without becoming overwhelmed by them.

2. Distress Tolerance 🌧️Distress tolerance skills focus on coping with difficult situations or intense emotions in the short term without making things worse. These skills are designed for moments of crisis or high stress.

3. Emotion Regulation ❤️Emotion regulation skills aim to help individuals better understand their emotional responses and develop strategies to manage emotional intensity more effectively over time.

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness 🤝These skills support clearer communication, boundary setting, and maintaining relationships while also respecting one’s own needs (Linehan Institute, n.d.).

How DBT May Be Helpful

Many people experience periods of emotional overwhelm, impulsive reactions, or interpersonal difficulties at some point in life. Learning practical skills to navigate these experiences can be beneficial. DBT may assist individuals to:

• Increase awareness of emotional patterns

• Develop safer coping strategies

• Improve tolerance of distress

• Strengthen communication and relationship skills

• Reduce behaviours that interfere with long-term goals

The usefulness of DBT can vary from person to person, and a qualified professional can help determine whether this approach is appropriate for an individual’s circumstances.

What to Expect from DBT

DBT is typically structured and goal-oriented. Therapy often includes practising skills between sessions, sometimes using worksheets or diary tools. Progress usually occurs gradually as skills are learned and applied in everyday situations.

Engagement, readiness for change, and the therapeutic relationship can all influence outcomes. It is important to discuss expectations, preferences, and any concerns with your psychologist.

Seeking Support

If you are finding emotions or behaviours difficult to manage, speaking with a registered health professional can be a helpful first step. They can provide an assessment and discuss evidence-based treatment options tailored to your needs. If you are in immediate distress or feel unsafe, contact Lifeline Crisis Support on 13 11 14, 000 for an emergency, or present to your local hospital emergency department.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual experiences vary, and support should be tailored accordingly.

References

Corliss, J. (2024, January 22). Dialectical behaviour therapy: what is it and how it can help. Harvard Heart Letter. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/dialectical-behavior-therapy-what-is-it-and-who-can-it-help-202401223009

Linehan Institute. (n.d.). DBT at the Linehan Institute. Retrieved March 14, 2026 from https://www.linehaninstitute.org/what-is-dbt-skills

May, J. M., Richardi, T. M., & Barth, K. S. (2016). Dialectical behavior therapy as treatment for borderline personality disorder. The mental health clinician, 6(2), 62–67. https://doi.org/10.9740/mhc.2016.03.62