What Is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)? A Simple Guide

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a type of psychological therapy that helps people manage strong emotions, cope with distress, and improve relationships.

It was originally developed to support people with borderline personality disorder (BPD), but it is now widely used for many mental health and neurodivergent presentations, particularly where emotion regulation and impulsive behaviour are challenges.

The word “dialectical” refers to balancing two ideas at the same time:

• Accepting yourself as you are

• While also working towards positive change

This balance is what makes DBT different from many other therapies.

What Does Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Help With?

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is commonly used to support people who:

• Experience intense emotions or emotional overwhelm

• Have frequent mood swings or emotional outbursts

• Feel stuck in patterns of conflict or unstable relationships

• Struggle with impulsive behaviours or self-harm

• Find it hard to manage stress, frustration, or anxiety

• Have difficulty staying present or grounded

DBT has also been adapted to support people with autism, ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and psychosocial disability.

Core Skills Taught in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a skills-based therapy. It focuses on practical tools that people can use in everyday life, not just talking about feelings.

Most DBT programs teach skills across four main areas.

Mindfulness

Learning how to slow down, notice thoughts and feelings without judgement, and stay present in the moment.

Distress Tolerance

Learning how to cope with emotional pain or crisis situations without making things worse.

Emotion Regulation

Understanding emotions, reducing emotional vulnerability, and learning strategies to manage strong feelings more effectively.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Building communication skills, setting boundaries, and navigating relationships in a healthier way.

What Does a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Program Look Like?

DBT can be delivered in different formats depending on the provider and the individual’s needs.

This may include:

• Individual therapy with a trained DBT therapist

• Group skills training sessions focused on practising DBT tools

• Coaching or support to apply DBT skills in real-life situations

• Worksheets and activities to practise skills between sessions

Some programs offer a full DBT model that includes all of the above. Others may focus on individual therapy or group skills only.

Can Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Help NDIS Participants?

Yes. DBT-informed approaches can be very helpful for NDIS participants, particularly those with psychosocial disability or emotional regulation challenges.

While only qualified mental health professionals can deliver full DBT therapy, support workers can help reinforce DBT-based strategies when guided by a therapist. This might include:

• Practising grounding or calming techniques

• Using emotion regulation tools

• Supporting routine and structure

• Encouraging communication skills in everyday situations

Support Coordinators can also help participants connect with DBT providers or identify NDIS-accessible therapy options.

Why DBT Matters

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy gives people practical tools to understand their emotions, manage distress, and improve relationships.

For people who feel overwhelmed, reactive, or misunderstood, DBT can be life-changing. It helps build self-awareness, resilience, and a sense of control over everyday life.

Understanding DBT also helps families, carers, and support workers provide more informed and compassionate support.