Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based psychological therapy developed for people who experience intense emotions and find it difficult to regulate their responses. It is one of the most well-researched treatments for borderline personality disorder, chronic self-harm, and emotional dysregulation.
Our registered psychologists in Melbourne offer DBT-informed therapy across four clinic locations and via Telehealth.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy was developed by Dr Marsha Linehan at the University of Washington, originally for people with borderline personality disorder who were chronically suicidal and had not responded to standard treatments. DBT combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with acceptance strategies drawn from Zen mindfulness — the “dialectic” being the balance between change and acceptance (Linehan, 1993).
DBT is structured around four core skill modules:
DBT is particularly effective for:
Meta-analyses confirm DBT is significantly more effective than treatment as usual for BPD, self-harm, and suicidal behaviour — and its skills have proven effective across a wide range of presentations involving emotional intensity (Kliem et al., 2010).
DBT is based on the biosocial theory: that BPD and emotional dysregulation arise from a biological predisposition to emotional sensitivity combined with an invalidating environment — one that consistently dismissed, minimised, or punished emotional experience (Linehan, 1993). DBT addresses this by validating that the client’s responses make sense given their history, while simultaneously teaching concrete skills for managing emotions, tolerating distress, and improving relationships.
Our psychologists deliver DBT-informed individual therapy incorporating the core DBT components:
Individual skill-building in the four core modules — mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Skills are taught, practised in session, and generalised to daily life.
Detailed behavioural analysis of problem episodes — identifying the precise sequence of events, thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that led to the difficulty. The analysis leads directly to a targeted solution plan.
Structured monitoring of emotions, urges, behaviours, and skill use between sessions — providing accurate data for session planning and reinforcing daily skill application.
DBT provides stabilisation and skills as a foundation for trauma processing. Once sufficient skills are established, DBT can be integrated with EMDR or trauma-focused CBT for complex PTSD and developmental trauma.
Your first appointment explores your history, current difficulties, and whether DBT is the best fit for your presentation.
DBT requires active practice between sessions — skills need to be used in daily life to produce change. Your psychologist will provide skills handouts and support their application.
DBT-informed individual therapy is typically longer-term — meaningful change in entrenched patterns usually requires 6–12 months or more.
We offer appointments in-clinic at our Mooroolbark, Wheelers Hill, Reservoir, and Melbourne CBD locations, as well as Telehealth sessions from anywhere in Australia.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
No. While DBT was developed for BPD, its skills are effective for any presentation involving emotional dysregulation, self-harm, impulsivity, or interpersonal difficulties. DBT is now widely used for eating disorders, complex PTSD, substance use, and treatment-resistant depression.
Standard DBT is typically 12 months. DBT-informed individual therapy varies depending on presentation — many people see significant improvement in 6–12 months of consistent work.
Yes. DBT delivered by a registered psychologist is covered by Medicare rebates via a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.
DBT teaches the skills that make life manageable. The path to change starts here.
Cristea, I. A., Gentili, C., Cotet, C. D., Palomba, D., Barbui, C., & Cuijpers, P. (2017). Efficacy of psychotherapies for borderline personality disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, 74(4), 319–328. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.4287
Kliem, S., Kröger, C., & Kosfelder, J. (2010). Dialectical behavior therapy for borderline personality disorder: A meta-analysis using mixed-effects modeling. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(6), 936–951. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021015
