What Is DBT?

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a structured, skills-based approach designed to help people manage intense emotions, build healthier relationships, and develop greater self-awareness. Originally developed to support individuals with emotion regulation difficulties, DBT is now widely used to help with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, and other challenges where emotions can feel overwhelming or difficult to control.

How DBT Helps

DBT focuses on four core skill areas: mindfulness (being present in the moment), distress tolerance (coping with crisis without making things worse), emotion regulation (understanding and managing emotional responses), and interpersonal effectiveness (building stronger, more respectful relationships). In therapy, you’ll learn and practice these skills at your own pace with the support of a counsellor who helps you apply them to real-life situations.

A Balanced Approach to Change and Acceptance

One of the key strengths of DBT is its balance between change and acceptance. Rather than pushing you to “fix” yourself, DBT helps you accept where you are while also learning new ways to cope and grow. This compassionate, non-judgmental approach can be especially helpful if you’ve struggled to feel understood or supported in the past. With DBT, therapy becomes a space to build resilience, stability, and a more grounded sense of self.