The DBT Clinic

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an effective psychological treatment for people who struggle with intense emotions. DBT helps people learn to change emotions that are not working well for them, as well as to accept emotions when it is helpful to do so.

The core purpose of DBT is to help people improve their lives through a balance of acceptance and change, and ultimately to build what we call “a life worth living.”DBT is influenced primarily by two approaches to treatment.

The first, cognitive-behavioural therapy, involves changing thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that cause problems. The second, mindfulness, involves learning to accept reality and to control the activity of the mind.

DBT was originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan at the University of Washington as a treatment to help people who had attempted suicide multiple times.

Since then, research has demonstrated that DBT is an effective therapy for a range of different problems.

DBT works for people who struggle with problems such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), suicidal thoughts or behaviour, self-harm, substance abuse, eating disorders, anger management, depression, anxiety, impulsive behaviours, and relationship problems.