DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy)

Manage your emotions, reduce problematic behaviours – and improve your quality of life

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychological therapy. It’s designed to teach practical skills to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other emotion-dysregulation difficulties conditions.

Our Comprehensive DBT Program helps equip you with the skills to live well.

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Our DBT program enables individuals to cope better with the demands of daily life and to start seeing positive changes in their:

  • Relationships
  • Work
  • Study
  • Personal goals
  • Parenting
  • Self-care

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Research shows that DBT reduces hospital admissions and reliance on public health crisis services.

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The Comprehensive DBT Program is designed for individuals with BPD or emotion-regulation challenges.

These include:

  • Self-harm
  • Suicidal behaviours
  • Impulsive behaviours
  • Destructive behaviours
  • Difficulties regulating anger
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Substance abuse
  • Trauma history

The Comprehensive DBT Program helps you to:

Increase self-awareness
Better cope with emotional pain and stress
Identify and regulate emotions
Communicate effectively
Reduce suicidal behaviours
Stop self-harm and impulsive behaviours

How does our DBT program work?

Our DBT program runs for 27 weeks – comprising three nine-week units.

Each week, you’ll attend individual sessions, plus a two-hour group skills training session.

  • Individual sessions enhance motivation and engagement in the program – and allow you to focus on your individual treatment targets. You’ll work with the DBT practitioner to identify and address specific problem behaviours, while developing and practising coping strategies.
  • Group sessions help you learn and practise specific skills relating to the four key components of DBT:
    • Mindfulness
    • Distress tolerance
    • Emotional regulation
    • Interpersonal effectiveness
    • Phone coaching is available, as and when you need, between sessions.
  • Phone coaching is available, as and when you need, between sessions.

How can I get involved in the DBT program?

You can make a referral for an initial assessment at any time. You’ll need to have this assessment and DBT orientation, and be matched with your individual practitioner before beginning the program.

These initial two to four sessions allow your practitioner to:

  • Review your eligibility criteria
  • Assess your risk and put together a safety plan
  • Understand your goals and motivation
  • Set treatment targets
  • Identify any barriers to treatment
  • Gain clarity around your commitment to treatment
  • Administer psychological assessment

For more information about the orientation process, see our DBT FAQs below.

FAQs

Is DBT suitable for all people with BPD?

No. If an individual with BPD is experiencing current, high, or imminent suicide risk, active psychosis and other severe mental conditions, DBT may not be suitable.

We assess a person’s suitability for DBT on an individual basis.

How long does each DBT session last?

The duration and frequency of a DBT session varies based on the individual’s needs and the therapist’s approach.

A typical DBT program involves one to two individual therapy sessions per week, and one to two group skills training sessions per week.

How long is the overall DBT treatment course?

The length of treatment can range from 6 to 12 months through to several years. It depends on the individual’s progress and goals.

How much does it cost to take part in the program?

Individual sessions are charged at the psychologist’s hourly rate. Group sessions cost $120 per session.

Can I claim the cost back via insurance or Medicare?

For individual sessions, Medicare rebates may be available with a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP. You may be eligible for up to 10 individual rebates per calendar year.

Current Medicare rules do not allow you to claim for group DBT sessions.

What happens during orientation?

During orientation, your therapist will run through your tailored individual session structure. They’ll provide your diary sheet and introduce you to skills training and distress tolerance skills.

Whatʼs required of me as a DBT participant?

As well as attending your individual or group sessions, you’ll need to complete weekly diary sheets. These monitor your moods and emotions, target behaviours, and reinforce the skills you’ve been learning over the past week.

Your therapist will also administer psychological measures at the start and end of each nine-week unit.

Want to get involved in the DBT program?

For more information, call 1300 995 636 and ask for the DBT program coordinator.