Dialectical Behaviour (DBT) Counselling in Edinburgh

Photo of Louise Duffy, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Louise Duffy
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH6
I am trained in several Psychological Models including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (tf-CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy ( DBT) and Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT.
I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years experience of working with adults and with young people (12-18) and their families. I have tended to specialise in complex difficulties including self-harm, depression, stress and anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, problems with overwhelming emotions and difficulties in relationships. I have worked with many people with co-occurring autism and mental health difficulties and my work includes post diagnostic support. However I am open to working with any emotional or behavioural problems which are getting in the way of someone doing the things they want to in life.
I am trained in several Psychological Models including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (tf-CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy ( DBT) and Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT.
I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years experience of working with adults and with young people (12-18) and their families. I have tended to specialise in complex difficulties including self-harm, depression, stress and anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, problems with overwhelming emotions and difficulties in relationships. I have worked with many people with co-occurring autism and mental health difficulties and my work includes post diagnostic support. However I am open to working with any emotional or behavioural problems which are getting in the way of someone doing the things they want to in life.
0131 381 5339 View 0131 381 5339
Photo of Corina Valdano, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Corina Valdano
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH12
I hold a master's degree in Third Generation Therapies and draw from a diverse range of evidence-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), Mindfulness, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Behavioral Activation (BA), and Counseling Skills.
If you're going through tough times like anxiety, stress, depression, difficult relationships, grief, trauma, self-esteem, or body image issues, it's important to have a safe and understanding space where you can freely express yourself and work towards finding solutions. I have the expertise and skills to provide professional support and help alleviate your emotional suffering, leading to positive changes in your life. Feeling overwhelmed by intense emotions, challenging relationships, or being stuck in life can be really hard. Taking the brave step of seeking help shows your commitment to improving your situation.
I hold a master's degree in Third Generation Therapies and draw from a diverse range of evidence-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), Mindfulness, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Behavioral Activation (BA), and Counseling Skills.
If you're going through tough times like anxiety, stress, depression, difficult relationships, grief, trauma, self-esteem, or body image issues, it's important to have a safe and understanding space where you can freely express yourself and work towards finding solutions. I have the expertise and skills to provide professional support and help alleviate your emotional suffering, leading to positive changes in your life. Feeling overwhelmed by intense emotions, challenging relationships, or being stuck in life can be really hard. Taking the brave step of seeking help shows your commitment to improving your situation.
01934 316983 View 01934 316983
Photo of Dr Emilia Finazzi, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Emilia Finazzi
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH10
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in different evidenced-based therapeutic modalities such as Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy ( DBT), and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT).
If we allow ourselves, therapy can help us in so many ways and even deeply transform us. You may find yourself experiencing feelings of stagnation, fatigue, or loneliness. Perhaps you are contending with various challenges or wish to discover yourself deeper and fulfil your potential. I offer a safe, honest and nurturing listening space. I aim to help individuals gain self-awareness, navigate challenges, facilitate healing, transformation and personal growth. It is a profound privilege to assist people on their journey.
I am trained in different evidenced-based therapeutic modalities such as Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy ( DBT), and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT).
If we allow ourselves, therapy can help us in so many ways and even deeply transform us. You may find yourself experiencing feelings of stagnation, fatigue, or loneliness. Perhaps you are contending with various challenges or wish to discover yourself deeper and fulfil your potential. I offer a safe, honest and nurturing listening space. I aim to help individuals gain self-awareness, navigate challenges, facilitate healing, transformation and personal growth. It is a profound privilege to assist people on their journey.
0131 357 3825 View 0131 357 3825
Photo of Alana Breen - Alana Breen Psychotherapy, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychotherapist
Alana Breen Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH10
When suitable, I integrate elements of other evidence-based therapies such as DBT, ACT and Mindfulness.
Living with depression and/or anxiety symptoms can make daily life incredibly difficult. I am here to support you with the challenges you are going through and help you live the life you want. I am a qualified psychological therapist working in both NHS and private practice. I have extensive experience working with adults and adolescents (12+) with a wide range of mental health issues including depression/low mood; anxiety-related issues; self-harm; low self-esteem; and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
When suitable, I integrate elements of other evidence-based therapies such as DBT, ACT and Mindfulness.
Living with depression and/or anxiety symptoms can make daily life incredibly difficult. I am here to support you with the challenges you are going through and help you live the life you want. I am a qualified psychological therapist working in both NHS and private practice. I have extensive experience working with adults and adolescents (12+) with a wide range of mental health issues including depression/low mood; anxiety-related issues; self-harm; low self-esteem; and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
01620 670499 View 01620 670499
Photo of Dr Corinna Panagou, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Corinna Panagou
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH8  (Online Only)
Warm greetings, I'm Corinna. As a registered Clinical Psychologist and an academic with doctoral-level training, I specialize in evidence-based therapies and have a deep-seated interest in trauma and relationship dynamics. With extensive experience across diverse NHS settings, I've worked with individuals from various age groups, addressing a wide spectrum of psychological challenges. My integrative therapeutic approach combines CBT, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, ACT, Schema Therapy, and DBT, enhanced by psychodynamic insights.Additionally, I am trained in Flash and EMDR therapies, offering specialized support for trauma.
Warm greetings, I'm Corinna. As a registered Clinical Psychologist and an academic with doctoral-level training, I specialize in evidence-based therapies and have a deep-seated interest in trauma and relationship dynamics. With extensive experience across diverse NHS settings, I've worked with individuals from various age groups, addressing a wide spectrum of psychological challenges. My integrative therapeutic approach combines CBT, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, ACT, Schema Therapy, and DBT, enhanced by psychodynamic insights.Additionally, I am trained in Flash and EMDR therapies, offering specialized support for trauma.
01764 915852 View 01764 915852
Photo of Dr Tej ., PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Tej .
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH1
I am trained in Mentalisation Based Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Neuropsychology, Schema Focussed Therapy, DBT, ACT and EMDR.
Dr Tej is Consultant Clinical Psychologist with 25 years clinical experience across Infant, Child and Adult mental health services. In her clinical practice with adults, her expertise is in helping identify and work through intergenerational cycles of trauma – or trauma with a small ‘t’, such as complex developmental trauma/family trauma/narcissistic abuse, scapegoating, chronic shame, feeling stuck not knowing how to break relational patterns. Clients she has worked with report these difficulties in the context of bullying at work, couple /marital/relationship difficulties and attachment/parenting and birth trauma/difficulties.
I am trained in Mentalisation Based Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Neuropsychology, Schema Focussed Therapy, DBT, ACT and EMDR.
Dr Tej is Consultant Clinical Psychologist with 25 years clinical experience across Infant, Child and Adult mental health services. In her clinical practice with adults, her expertise is in helping identify and work through intergenerational cycles of trauma – or trauma with a small ‘t’, such as complex developmental trauma/family trauma/narcissistic abuse, scapegoating, chronic shame, feeling stuck not knowing how to break relational patterns. Clients she has worked with report these difficulties in the context of bullying at work, couple /marital/relationship difficulties and attachment/parenting and birth trauma/difficulties.
020 3870 3028 View 020 3870 3028
Photo of Brooke Hulsizer, MSc, PNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Brooke Hulsizer
Psychotherapist, MSc, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH1
Waitlist for new clients
I am originally from the USA, where I have experience working with adults, families, and groups in inpatient and outpatient settings. My passions lie in working with people impacted by trauma, attachment disorders, relational distress, addiction, low mood, anxiety, and general unhappiness. I often work alongside my clients to figure out why they feel the way they do and identify their needs based on what we discover. I use modalities like CBT, DBT, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and EMDR to understand and heal underlying causes of external problems.
I am originally from the USA, where I have experience working with adults, families, and groups in inpatient and outpatient settings. My passions lie in working with people impacted by trauma, attachment disorders, relational distress, addiction, low mood, anxiety, and general unhappiness. I often work alongside my clients to figure out why they feel the way they do and identify their needs based on what we discover. I use modalities like CBT, DBT, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and EMDR to understand and heal underlying causes of external problems.
01456 494627 View 01456 494627
Photo of Byron Athene, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Byron Athene
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH1  (Online Only)
Are you adversely affected by negative or unwanted emotions? A large focus in my work is helping my clients to achieve conscious control of an otherwise subconscious process. After 6 - 8 sessions of working with me, you will have much better control of your emotions, therefore a lot of issues that revolve around unwanted emotions will no longer be an issue. If you're interested in DBT, get in touch and I'll show you another approach that gets much better results with far less effort in a significantly shorter timeframe.
Are you adversely affected by negative or unwanted emotions? A large focus in my work is helping my clients to achieve conscious control of an otherwise subconscious process. After 6 - 8 sessions of working with me, you will have much better control of your emotions, therefore a lot of issues that revolve around unwanted emotions will no longer be an issue. If you're interested in DBT, get in touch and I'll show you another approach that gets much better results with far less effort in a significantly shorter timeframe.
020 3828 7728 View 020 3828 7728
Photo of Stuart P Morgan-Ayrs Frssa Frsph, MSc
Stuart P Morgan-Ayrs Frssa Frsph
MSc
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH2
My clients have experienced trauma, neglect, abuse or Adverse Childhood Experiences. Main specialism: Complex Trauma (C-PTSD) & disassociation, depression, NEAD, anxiety, OCD, eating & mood disorders, flashbacks, relationships. Many have multiple diagnosis, underpinned by trauma or emotional "lack". Many have ADHD or ASD. Welcome: students, LGB & poly, ex forces, domestic violence survivors. Specialist post grad certifications include; Trauma, Grief, Anxiety, Depression, ASD, ADHD, Mood Disorders & Integrative Therapy. Many have had therapy before & now want specialist help. I support LGB & Kink.
My clients have experienced trauma, neglect, abuse or Adverse Childhood Experiences. Main specialism: Complex Trauma (C-PTSD) & disassociation, depression, NEAD, anxiety, OCD, eating & mood disorders, flashbacks, relationships. Many have multiple diagnosis, underpinned by trauma or emotional "lack". Many have ADHD or ASD. Welcome: students, LGB & poly, ex forces, domestic violence survivors. Specialist post grad certifications include; Trauma, Grief, Anxiety, Depression, ASD, ADHD, Mood Disorders & Integrative Therapy. Many have had therapy before & now want specialist help. I support LGB & Kink.
0131 322 1320 View 0131 322 1320
Photo of Dr George Reid, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr George Reid
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH1
Having the right fit (“therapeutic alliance”) with your psychologist is viewed as the most crucial factor in the healing process. I would encourage you to choose a practitioner with a broad life experience as well as a clinical training in a range of evidence-based psychological therapies. A former lawyer, I practised human rights & social justice law for years in the courts in the UK. This led to my interest in psychology & trauma & therapies to overcome psychological difficulties. I’ve lived in Canada, France, Italy & Scotland and have travelled all over the world, so I hope to have a background which may help you.
Having the right fit (“therapeutic alliance”) with your psychologist is viewed as the most crucial factor in the healing process. I would encourage you to choose a practitioner with a broad life experience as well as a clinical training in a range of evidence-based psychological therapies. A former lawyer, I practised human rights & social justice law for years in the courts in the UK. This led to my interest in psychology & trauma & therapies to overcome psychological difficulties. I’ve lived in Canada, France, Italy & Scotland and have travelled all over the world, so I hope to have a background which may help you.
0131 381 0397 View 0131 381 0397
Photo of Aaron Kelly, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Aaron Kelly
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH8  (Online Only)
Life is ten percent what you experience and ninety percent how you respond to it. Starting counselling can be a bit scary, but living with unresolved problems is probably much worse. I believe that conditions such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and codependency signal that something is preventing us from thriving. Embarking on the journey of counselling can feel daunting, especially when grappling with conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and the complexities of family issues and trauma. Yet living with unresolved challenges can often feel challenging.
Life is ten percent what you experience and ninety percent how you respond to it. Starting counselling can be a bit scary, but living with unresolved problems is probably much worse. I believe that conditions such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and codependency signal that something is preventing us from thriving. Embarking on the journey of counselling can feel daunting, especially when grappling with conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and the complexities of family issues and trauma. Yet living with unresolved challenges can often feel challenging.
01764 910438 View 01764 910438
Photo of Alison Harper - Harper Clinical Psychology, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Harper Clinical Psychology
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH8
Harper Clinical Psychology is based in Edinburgh and managed by Dr Alison Harper. Alison has over 20 years’ experience of working with a wide range of mental health issues. Also working in the practice with Alison are 6 psychological therapists who offer assessment, formulation and therapy, offering a flexible and collaborative approach to addressing mental health issues. Our website www.harperclinicalpsychology.com gives a more detailed view of our services.
Harper Clinical Psychology is based in Edinburgh and managed by Dr Alison Harper. Alison has over 20 years’ experience of working with a wide range of mental health issues. Also working in the practice with Alison are 6 psychological therapists who offer assessment, formulation and therapy, offering a flexible and collaborative approach to addressing mental health issues. Our website www.harperclinicalpsychology.com gives a more detailed view of our services.
01764 915830 View 01764 915830
Photo of Anjum Shah, PhD, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Anjum Shah
Psychotherapist, PhD, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH10  (Online Only)
I am an accredited psychotherapist who works with people who want to take the time to develop a deep understanding of themselves, & build the skills & insight that will support them to live a better life. In therapy sessions, we will spend time understanding your current problems and figure out how they came about to look at long term solutions. My approach to the work is a blend of psychodynamic, CBT & EMDR.
I am an accredited psychotherapist who works with people who want to take the time to develop a deep understanding of themselves, & build the skills & insight that will support them to live a better life. In therapy sessions, we will spend time understanding your current problems and figure out how they came about to look at long term solutions. My approach to the work is a blend of psychodynamic, CBT & EMDR.
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Photo of Amy Polson, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Amy Polson
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH3  (Online Only)
Hi there, I’m Amy and I provide counselling to individual adults. I enjoy working with a diverse range of ages, genders and backgrounds. Areas that I have experience working with include issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, suicidal ideation and self-harm, relationship problems, LGBTQ+ experience and low self-esteem. Perhaps you will feel more drawn to a free-flowing exploration of past or present experiences. Or maybe you are looking for more structure to work on behaviour change. The therapeutic process that I offer can be flexible to respond to whatever you may need in each moment.
Hi there, I’m Amy and I provide counselling to individual adults. I enjoy working with a diverse range of ages, genders and backgrounds. Areas that I have experience working with include issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, suicidal ideation and self-harm, relationship problems, LGBTQ+ experience and low self-esteem. Perhaps you will feel more drawn to a free-flowing exploration of past or present experiences. Or maybe you are looking for more structure to work on behaviour change. The therapeutic process that I offer can be flexible to respond to whatever you may need in each moment.
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Photo of Dr Andrea Videtic, PhD, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Dr Andrea Videtic
Psychotherapist, PhD, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH2
Each of us is resilient and capable of creating change. Often all we need is someone to listen, guide and help us on the way, but asking for help can be daunting. I am a licensed psychologist, psychotherapist and educator. My over 30 years of experience have taught me that the relationship between the client and the therapist is at the core of effective and successful therapy. A strong therapeutic bond leads to trust, growth and healing. With this guiding principle in mind, my aim is to create a safe space where you can feel seen and heard. I will work authentically with you while you take this next step toward meaningful change.
Each of us is resilient and capable of creating change. Often all we need is someone to listen, guide and help us on the way, but asking for help can be daunting. I am a licensed psychologist, psychotherapist and educator. My over 30 years of experience have taught me that the relationship between the client and the therapist is at the core of effective and successful therapy. A strong therapeutic bond leads to trust, growth and healing. With this guiding principle in mind, my aim is to create a safe space where you can feel seen and heard. I will work authentically with you while you take this next step toward meaningful change.
0131 381 4140 View 0131 381 4140
Photo of Harris Papachristopoulos - The Life Academy, PsychD, MBACP, Psychotherapist
The Life Academy
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH10
Hello, I am Harris and I can help you to heal and flourish. I am an Edinburgh-based Psychologist, Psychotherapist and Philosophical Counsellor, working with individuals and couples both in person (in Edinburgh) or via Skype.I use a pluralistic psychotherapeutic approach, which means I combine tools and knowledge gained from across many different psychotherapies to develop a programme that is uniquely tailored to you and your specific needs.Through a collaborative, creative and integrative approach, I will work with you, drawing on my extensive knowledge of wide range of effective psychotherapies.
Hello, I am Harris and I can help you to heal and flourish. I am an Edinburgh-based Psychologist, Psychotherapist and Philosophical Counsellor, working with individuals and couples both in person (in Edinburgh) or via Skype.I use a pluralistic psychotherapeutic approach, which means I combine tools and knowledge gained from across many different psychotherapies to develop a programme that is uniquely tailored to you and your specific needs.Through a collaborative, creative and integrative approach, I will work with you, drawing on my extensive knowledge of wide range of effective psychotherapies.
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Photo of Psicología En Edimburgo - Psicología en Edimburgo, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Psicología en Edimburgo
Psychologist, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH1
People usually come to therapy when they feel that they no longer have the ability to deal with the difficulties they are experiencing, or maybe when they identified a pattern in their behaviour that creates suffering, when many emotions or thoughts come at the same time and make it impossible to cope with them, when they want to learn about themselves and get deep down to get a better relationship with oneself, when the previous ways of coping and support by friends and relatives are not enough to offer them the solutions and relief they seek. Either the reason to come to therapy, it's valid because it's your own.
People usually come to therapy when they feel that they no longer have the ability to deal with the difficulties they are experiencing, or maybe when they identified a pattern in their behaviour that creates suffering, when many emotions or thoughts come at the same time and make it impossible to cope with them, when they want to learn about themselves and get deep down to get a better relationship with oneself, when the previous ways of coping and support by friends and relatives are not enough to offer them the solutions and relief they seek. Either the reason to come to therapy, it's valid because it's your own.
0131 381 0242 View 0131 381 0242
Photo of Julie Ramage - Julie Ramage CBT, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Julie Ramage CBT
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH10  (Online Only)
CBT therapist specialising in anxiety, panic and stress. I work with clients to learn techniques and strategies to feel and/or cope better - perhaps after a crisis or trauma; dealing with issues from childhood; or when they are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, panic or stress. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is recommended by the NHS and supported by research. At present I am doing appointments online and by phone.
CBT therapist specialising in anxiety, panic and stress. I work with clients to learn techniques and strategies to feel and/or cope better - perhaps after a crisis or trauma; dealing with issues from childhood; or when they are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, panic or stress. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is recommended by the NHS and supported by research. At present I am doing appointments online and by phone.
0131 510 6124 View 0131 510 6124
Photo of Zuleika Lambe, MBACP, Counsellor
Zuleika Lambe
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH4  (Online Only)
I started Forging Pathways with the goal of helping others to find the path they're destined to follow. This could be anything from discovering who you truly are through our sessions, to reclaiming your life after a crisis and/or traumatic event. You may come to me with depression, anxiety, complex trauma, stress, racial identity issues and more, and I'll always do my best to encourage you and facilitate your growth. Sometimes it just takes a little support to reach a goal, and I'm dedicated to being your support.
I started Forging Pathways with the goal of helping others to find the path they're destined to follow. This could be anything from discovering who you truly are through our sessions, to reclaiming your life after a crisis and/or traumatic event. You may come to me with depression, anxiety, complex trauma, stress, racial identity issues and more, and I'll always do my best to encourage you and facilitate your growth. Sometimes it just takes a little support to reach a goal, and I'm dedicated to being your support.
0131 381 4644 View 0131 381 4644
Photo of Jake Hawthorn, MBBS, Psychiatrist
Jake Hawthorn
Psychiatrist, MBBS
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH9
Whether it’s something from your past that you feel the need to process or a present day challenge such as low mood, anxiety, or addictive tendencies – it can be helpful to talk with a professional. I trust that my unique blend of skills & experience will help you find your way.
Whether it’s something from your past that you feel the need to process or a present day challenge such as low mood, anxiety, or addictive tendencies – it can be helpful to talk with a professional. I trust that my unique blend of skills & experience will help you find your way.
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Dialectical Behaviour (DBT) Counsellors

Who is DBT for?

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is designed for people who experience extreme emotional suffering because they lack the skills of emotion regulation and distress tolerance. The basic affliction can underlie a wide range of conditions, from borderline and other personality disorders to PTSD and treatment-resistant anxiety and depression. The therapy is helpful to those whose emotional reactivity is so intense it is disruptive to everyday functioning and leads to frequent crises.

Why do people need DBT?

The ability to regulate emotions is a core psychological skill that enables people to function in life and pay attention to the world outside themselves; it is consistently associated with well-being. DBT is designed to help people learn how to manage and regulate their emotions. Originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder whose extreme emotional suffering led to self-harming behaviour and suicide attempts, the therapy is now applied to other conditions involving emotion dysregulation, particularly when other treatments have failed.

What happens in DBT?

Individuals meet weekly with their therapist to discuss their experiences relating to moods, behaviour, and skills. Using checklists they maintain, they review emotional experiences and positive practices they engage in. The diaries help individuals discern what led up to a specific problem encountered, this is followed by discussion of the consequences of their actions. In addition, individuals may meet in class-like small groups to learn skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance.

How long does DBT last?

Because it is intended to establish long-lasting behavioural change among those with persistent problems, DBT is designed to last six months to a year. DBT includes both weekly sessions of individual therapy and weekly skills-training sessions conducted in small groups. Studies of DBT have documented improvement within a year of treatment, particularly in controlling self-harmful behaviour; nevertheless, individuals may require therapy for several years.