Dialectical behaviour therapy is a highly specialised type of treatment aimed at working with clients who experience emotions intensely. Those who benefit from DBT often find it difficult to manage and navigate their emotional states. Originally developed as a treatment for borderline personality disorder, DBT has been successfully applied to other serious mental health problems such as chronic depression and eating disorders.
What is dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)?
Dialectic behaviour therapy (DBT) is a talking therapy that is based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
However, unlike CBT which is aimed at changing negative core beliefs, DBT is aimed primarily at people who experience emotions very intensely. DBT was originally developed to treat those who have a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, but can also be very helpful for people with eating disorders, depression and those with self-harming or suicidal behaviours.
How does dialectic behaviour therapy work?
DBT is based around ‘dialectics’ which could be described as examining and balancing opposing positions. In therapy, DBT will be focused on:
- Acceptance – accepting yourself as you are
- Change – making positive changes to improve the quality of your life
While these might seem to be in opposition, it is only through really accepting who we are and how we experience the world that we can make changes.
With DBT, you will learn to manage your difficult emotions by recognising, experiencing and accepting them. As you progress, you will learn how to regulate your emotions and to change harmful behaviour.
DBT can be offered in a variety of ways and is often a combination of individual therapy, skills training in groups and telephone coaching.
DBT therapy in Brighton and Hove
At Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy, we are able to offer individual therapy. Within this therapy, there is a hierarchy of goals, which are:
- Keeping you safe – reducing any self-harming or suicidal behaviour.
- Reducing therapy-interfering behaviour – we will address any issues that interfere with you being able to engage with the therapy process.
- To help you set and achieve your goals – we will address issues that prohibit you from reaching your goals so to enable you to improve your quality of life.
- Help you learn new skills – these new skills will help you to replace unhelpful behaviours and move towards achieving your goals.
The types of skills you will learn in the individual sessions are:
Mindfulness: This will help you to focus on the present rather than be distracted by thoughts and worries about the past or future.
Distress tolerance: This will help you to tolerate emotional pain in a difficult situation without trying to change it or resort to self-harming behaviours.
Interpersonal effectiveness: This will help you to be more effective in your relationships, to ask for help, be able to say ‘no’ and maintain your self-respect.
Emotional regulation: This will enable you to understand and be aware of your emotions and to have more control over them.
Is DBT right for me?
DBT is aimed at people who experience intense emotions and who want to change their behaviours. DBT does require commitment and at times it can be hard work.
However, if you wish to make changes in your life, want to learn emotional regulation, and to change harmful behaviours, then DBT could help.
Dialectical behaviour therapy is offered by Dr Simon Cassar and Lucie Ramet in Brighton & Hove clinic and our Lewes clinic.
If you are unsure of the type of therapy you need, you can search for a therapist here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in a first session?
The first session with one of our practitioners is an opportunity for you both to work out whether you feel able to work together. Your psychotherapist or psychologist will likely ask you various questions relating to what has brought you, and explain the process of therapy to you. The first session is a two-way process where you have the opportunity to ask questions and to decide whether you feel ‘safe enough’ working with your therapist.
How do I find a psychotherapist or psychologist I want to work with?
At Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy, we have two physical practices, one in Hove and one in Lewes, where we offer a full range of psychological therapies. On our website you can view each profile of our associates and contact them directly using the form on their profile page. You can also use our handy search function to find the right practitioner for your needs.
How long will it take for me to see a psychologist or psychotherapist?
We aim to respond to all enquiries within twenty-four hours. You may either contact one of our practitioners directly via their profile page, or you can contact us directly and we will assist you in finding the right person to see as soon as possible. If the practitioner you wish to see has space then an appointment can usually be arranged within a week and sometimes much sooner.
Do you offer couples or group sessions?
We offer counselling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families and groups. To find out about the types of session we can offer, get in touch with us today. We will find a date and time that works best for everyone involved and we will make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
How can I get in touch with you?
You can contact our practitioners directly via the contact forms on their profile pages. They will then reply to you directly.
What age groups of clients do you work with?
We have psychotherapists and psychologists trained to work with most age groups from children through to adults.
Do you offer evening and/or weekend sessions?
We offer sessions every day of the week including on Saturdays and sessions are available into the evening.
What are your fees?
Our fees are set by each practitioner depending on the type of therapy. For individual psychotherapy or clinical psychology our fees range from £75 – £100 per session. For couple therapy our fees range from £85 – £100 per session.
All the content on this page has been reviewed and vetted by Mark Vahrmeyer UKCP Registered Psychotherapist, Supervisor and Co-Founder of Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy. For any questions or more information about the subjects discussed on this page please contact us.