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What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based therapy developed by psychologist Dr Marsha Linehan. Originally created to support people diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), it is now recognised as an effective treatment for a much wider range of emotional and mental health difficulties.
DBT combines acceptance and change. It helps you understand your emotions, recognise unhelpful patterns and develop practical skills that improve emotional wellbeing, relationships and everyday life.
The word dialectical means that two seemingly opposite things can both be true at the same time.
For example:
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I can love someone and still feel angry with them.
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I can accept myself while also wanting things to change.
Learning to think in this way helps move away from all-or-nothing thinking and develop greater flexibility, resilience and self-compassion.
How does DBT work?
When we experience an emotion, our thoughts, physical sensations, urges and behaviours all become connected.
DBT focuses on helping you understand this cycle and teaches practical skills to interrupt unhelpful behavioural patterns before they escalate.
Rather than trying to stop emotions altogether, DBT helps you respond to them more effectively, reducing emotional suffering while improving confidence, relationships and overall wellbeing.
The core skills of DBT
Could DBT help me?
DBT may be beneficial if you:
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Feel overwhelmed by your emotions
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Experience rapid mood changes
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Struggle with anxiety or depression
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Find relationships difficult
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Experience emotional sensitivity
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Self-harm or experience suicidal thoughts
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Act impulsively when distressed
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Have ADHD and struggle with emotional regulation
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Rely on coping strategies that no longer serve you
Every person's experience is different, which is why I take the time to understand your individual circumstances before recommending the most appropriate support.
My approach to DBT
I've specialised in emotional regulation for over 20 years and have extensive experience using Dialectical Behaviour Therapy in both private practice and specialist mental health settings.
My approach combines evidence-based therapeutic techniques with warmth, compassion and a genuine understanding that lasting change takes time.
Whether you're completely new to DBT or have experienced therapy before, my aim is to help you understand yourself more deeply while equipping you with practical skills that can make a real difference in everyday life.
