What is DBT?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is an evidence-based approach that teaches practical skills for managing intense emotions, impulsive behaviour and difficult relationships. Here is what it actually involves.
The short answer
DBT stands for Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. In Australia it is usually spelled behaviour; in the international literature you will often see dialectical behavior therapy. They are the same thing.
It was developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan in the United States, originally for people experiencing chronic suicidal thoughts and self-harm, and later found to be useful for a much wider range of difficulties involving emotions, impulsivity and relationships.
What does “dialectical” mean?
A dialectic is the holding of two apparently opposing ideas at the same time. The central dialectic in DBT is acceptance and change: accepting yourself and your situation as they are right now, while also working to change what isn’t working.
That balance matters in practice. Approaches built only on change can feel invalidating. Approaches built only on acceptance can leave someone stuck. DBT deliberately holds both.
The four skill areas
DBT skills are grouped into four modules:
- Mindfulness — noticing what is happening, in yourself and around you, rather than reacting automatically.
- Distress tolerance — getting through a crisis without making the situation worse.
- Emotion regulation — understanding emotions and changing the ones you want to change.
- Interpersonal effectiveness — asking for what you need, saying no, and keeping relationships and self-respect intact.
Our guide to the four DBT skill areas covers each in more detail.
Who is DBT for?
DBT is often associated with borderline personality disorder, and it does have a strong evidence base there. But you do not need a BPD diagnosis to benefit from learning DBT skills. People come to DBT because emotions feel overwhelming, because they react in ways they later regret, or because relationships keep running into the same difficulties.
What happens in a DBT skills group?
A skills group is a class, not a therapy circle. A psychologist introduces a skill, the group discusses what it does and when it helps, everyone practises it, and participants try it out between sessions.
You are not expected to share your history with the group. Personal disclosure is kept to a minimum by design — the focus is on learning and practising the skill.
Is a skills group the same as full DBT?
No. Comprehensive DBT usually includes individual therapy, between-session phone coaching and a clinician consultation team alongside the group. A skills group teaches the skills component. Both are legitimate; they are different things, and it is worth knowing which one you are signing up for. See DBT skills groups vs comprehensive DBT.