What It Is:

DBT is a structured, evidence-based therapy that blends cognitive-behavioural strategies with mindfulness and acceptance. Originally developed to help individuals who experience intense emotions and struggle with self-destructive behaviours, DBT is now used widely for anyone who wants to build emotional stability and healthier relationships.

The core dialectic in DBT is this: learning to accept yourself as you are, while also working to change what isn’t working. It’s not one or the other — it’s both.

What It Can Help With:

• Borderline personality disorder

• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

• Intense mood swings or emotional dysregulation

• Chronic relationship conflict

• PTSD

• Substance use disorders

• Eating disorders

How It Works:

DBT teaches practical skills in four main areas:

1. Mindfulness – staying present without judgment

2. Distress Tolerance – managing crisis without making things worse

3. Emotion Regulation – understanding and influencing your emotions

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness – navigating relationships with confidence and clarity

Why It Works:

DBT has decades of research behind it and is especially effective for people who feel emotions more intensely than others. It helps reduce self-harm, improve emotional regulation, and build a life worth living — even when things feel overwhelming.