DBT is a talking therapy and utilises a CBT (cognitive-behavioural therapy) approach with an emphasis on psychosocial aspects of treatment. DBT is the therapy recommended by NICE (National Institute of Health and Care Excellence) as the treatment of choice for BPD (borderline personality disorder) and is appropriate for individuals who experience intense emotional responses to certain situations, particularly in relationships (romantic, family and friendships).
A full DBT service is delivered by a team of practitioners; however, single practitioners are able to deliver components during one-one therapy in order to help individuals develop skills including: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance and emotional regulation.
DBT skills delivered as part of a therapeutic intervention from a single practitioner are beneficial for clients who are experiencing difficulties with: interpersonal relationships, impulsive and self-destructive behaviours (including substance misuse), post-traumatic stress, personality difficulties, rapid mood swings, difficulty in regulating emotional responses and eating disorders.
NB A therapeutic approach that incorporates DBT skills can help those with a history of self-harming behaviours; however, where individuals present with serious issues and are deemed as posing an imminent and significant risk to themselves, a full DBT services is recommended and clients will be signposted as part of our duty of care.