Evidence-based skills for emotional regulation and life balance
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a structured, skills-based approach to therapy that helps people manage overwhelming emotions, build healthier relationships, and improve self-control. Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, DBT was originally designed for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and chronic suicidality, but it’s now widely used for a range of emotional and behavioural challenges.
The term “dialectical” reflects the balance between two ideas: accepting yourself as you are and working toward change. DBT supports clients in holding space for both, learning to accept difficult emotions while also developing practical tools to navigate life with more intention and stability.
Rather than focusing only on insight or emotional expression, DBT is action-oriented, providing clear, teachable skills that can be applied in real time to real-life problems.
Regulate Emotions
Develope Resilience
Restore Emotional Balance
DBT is typically offered through a combination of individual therapy, group skills training, and between-session coaching. It helps people move from emotional reactivity and impulsive behaviour’s toward more regulated, thoughtful responses.
The treatment is structured around four core skill areas:
Therapists also use behavioural strategies to help clients track specific behaviour’s and learn how to respond more skilfully over time. DBT is collaborative, structured, and deeply supportive, designed to build real change step-by-step.
DBT is especially effective for individuals who experience intense emotions, chronic self-destructive patterns, or difficulty managing relationships. It’s considered a gold-standard treatment for:
Research has shown that DBT significantly reduces self-harm, improves emotional regulation, and increases quality of life. Many people who feel “stuck” in therapy or life find DBT’s structured, skill-based approach to be empowering and life-changing.
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this alone. At Lifebridge Psychotherapy, we’re committed to making your experience as comfortable and supportive as possible.
DBT programs typically follow a consistent structure, often over the course of 6 months to a year, depending on individual needs and goals. A full DBT program includes:
Weekly 1-on-1 sessions to work on goals and apply skills.
Learn and practice DBT skills in a supportive group setting.
Support between sessions to use skills during tough moments.
Your therapist is backed by a team to ensure quality care.
DBT focuses on teaching specific skills you can use right away, combining acceptance and change strategies.
No, DBT helps anyone who wants to improve emotional regulation and relationship skills.
Most people see improvements within a few months, with full skill mastery taking 6-12 months.
Yes, we offer effective virtual DBT sessions and skills training.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is a structured, skill-rich approach to building emotional stability, stronger relationships, and a more manageable inner life. It combines mindfulness, behavioural psychology, and validation to create lasting change.
If you’ve struggled with overwhelming emotions, self-destructive behaviour’s, or therapy that feels too abstract, DBT offers clear tools and support for moving forward, one skill at a time.
