Build the skills to manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and create a life worth living — with one of psychology’s most effective therapies for emotional dysregulation.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a highly structured, evidence-based therapy originally developed by Dr Marsha Linehan for people who experience intense, overwhelming emotions. Today it is widely used for a range of conditions where emotional regulation is a core challenge.
The word “dialectical” refers to the balance between two seemingly opposite ideas: accepting yourself as you are right now, while also working to change unhelpful behaviours. This balance is at the heart of DBT.
DBT teaches four core skill sets — Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness — giving you practical, real-world tools to navigate difficult emotions and relationships.
DBT was originally developed for BPD but is now applied across a wide range of conditions involving emotional intensity:
DBT is built around four interconnected skill sets. Together, they give you a comprehensive toolkit for managing emotions, relationships, and crisis moments:
The foundation of DBT. Mindfulness teaches you to observe your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgement — building awareness that allows you to respond rather than react.
Skills for surviving crisis moments without making things worse. Distress tolerance techniques help you get through intense emotional pain using acceptance and self-soothing strategies.
Practical tools to understand, name, and manage intense emotions. You learn to identify what drives your emotions, reduce vulnerability to emotional swings, and build positive experiences.
Skills for maintaining healthy relationships while holding onto your self-respect. Covers asking for what you need, saying no, navigating conflict, and building meaningful connections.
DBT therapy at The Talk Shop is accessible through a range of funding options:
Medicare Rebates
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP gives you access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year.
Private Health & Self-Funded
Private health extras may cover sessions. Self-funded appointments also available. View fee schedule
Available in-clinic and via Telehealth. Find your nearest location:
No — while DBT was originally developed for borderline personality disorder, it is now widely used for anyone who struggles with intense emotions, self-harm, eating disorders, trauma, and relationship difficulties.
CBT focuses primarily on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. DBT adds a strong emphasis on emotional regulation skills, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness — and balances change with acceptance.
Standard DBT is typically delivered over 6–12 months. However, skills-based DBT (without the full programme structure) can be shorter and is tailored to your needs and goals.
Yes. At The Talk Shop, DBT skills are delivered in individual therapy sessions. Your psychologist will work through the four skill modules with you at a pace that suits your situation.
Absolutely. DBT has been adapted for adolescents and is one of the most effective approaches for young people experiencing emotional dysregulation, self-harm, or relationship difficulties.
DBT is often used alongside or compared to other therapies we offer:
Our Melbourne psychologists are trained in DBT and ready to support you. Sessions available in-clinic and via Telehealth.
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