What Is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, or DBT, is a skills based approach originally developed for people who feel emotions very intensely. The word dialectical points to its central balance: accepting yourself exactly as you are, while also working toward change. Both can be true at once.

The four core skill areas

DBT teaches practical skills across four areas. Mindfulness helps you stay present rather than swept away. Distress tolerance offers ways to get through crisis moments without making things worse. Emotion regulation helps you understand and soften overwhelming feelings. Interpersonal effectiveness supports clearer, healthier communication and boundaries.

What DBT can help with

DBT is especially helpful for intense emotions, impulsivity, relationship difficulties, and feeling like your reactions are bigger than you can manage. Many of its skills are useful for anxiety and stress too, which is why elements of DBT show up across a lot of therapy.

What to expect

Chloe draws on DBT skills to help you calm a spiralling nervous system and respond to hard moments with more steadiness and self compassion. If intense emotions have been running the show, a free consultation is a gentle first step.