DBT Skills Group

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, commonly known as DBT, is a well-established therapeutic approach developed by psychologist Dr Marsha Linehan. It was originally created to support individuals who experienced intense emotional distress and difficulties in relationships. It has since become one of the most widely researched and effective therapies for emotional regulation.

DBT places a strong emphasis on learning practical skills that can be applied in everyday life. The goal is not simply to talk about challenges but to build concrete strategies that help people navigate those challenges more effectively.

The programme focuses on four key skill areas:

Mindfulness in which individuals learn to slow down and become more aware of thoughts, emotions, and reactions in the present moment

Distress tolerance, where individuals develop healthier ways to cope during moments of emotional pain or crisis without acting in ways that may cause harm

Emotion regulation helps individuals understand how emotions work and learn strategies to manage intense emotional responses

Interpersonal effectiveness helps improve communication, set boundaries, and build more stable relationships

Together, these skills help individuals respond to difficult situations with greater clarity and control.

For many people, emotional distress is not simply about feeling sad or anxious. It may involve rapid mood changes, difficulty calming down after conflict, impulsive decisions made in moments of distress, or a sense that emotions quickly take over.

DBT addresses these challenges by teaching structured skills that can be practised and strengthened over time. Participants often report feeling more capable of managing stress, navigating relationships more effectively, and responding to emotional situations with greater balance.