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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Private DBT in London at Schoen Clinic Chelsea
DBT offers a specialist approach to managing emotions and improving relationships.
Led by experienced therapists, our DBT group and individual sessions offer mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance skills to empower individuals to thrive.
What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and how does it differ from other therapies?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a type of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) that was developed by Dr Marsha Linehan to specifically address the needs of individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, it has since been adapted to treat various other mental health conditions characterized by emotional dysregulation and difficulty managing intense emotions.
One of the key differences between DBT and other therapies is its emphasis on acceptance and change. DBT incorporates both acceptance-based strategies, such as mindfulness and radical acceptance, as well as change-based strategies, such as behavior modification techniques and skill-building exercises.
Additionally, DBT is known for its structured and comprehensive approach, which typically includes individual therapy, skills training groups, phone coaching, and therapist consultation teams. This multifaceted approach allows individuals to receive support and guidance across various aspects of their lives, promoting lasting change and emotional well-being. Overall, DBT stands out for its unique combination of acceptance, change, and structured support, making it highly effective for individuals struggling with emotion dysregulation and related challenges.
What types of conditions can DBT help with?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, particularly those characterised by emotional dysregulation and difficulty managing intense emotions. Some of the conditions that DBT can help with include:
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): DBT was originally developed to treat BPD and has been extensively researched and proven effective in reducing symptoms such as impulsivity, mood instability, and relationship difficulties.
Mood disorders: DBT can be beneficial for individuals with mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, helping them to better regulate their emotions and cope with distressing symptoms.
Anxiety disorders: DBT incorporates skills for managing anxiety, including mindfulness techniques and distress tolerance strategies, making it helpful for individuals with anxiety disorders such as generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder.
Eating disorders: DBT has been adapted for use in treating eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, addressing issues related to emotion dysregulation, impulsivity, and self-esteem.
Substance use disorders: DBT can be effective in treating substance use disorders by helping individuals develop coping skills to manage cravings, regulate emotions, and prevent relapse.
Trauma and PTSD: DBT includes components such as mindfulness and emotion regulation skills that can be beneficial for individuals with trauma-related disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Overall, DBT is a versatile and evidence-based treatment approach that can be tailored to address a variety of mental health conditions, providing individuals with the skills and support they need to improve their quality of life and emotional wellbeing.
If you're looking for DBT sessions with a specialist, please reach out to our team.
Our mental health and wellbeing clinic in London offers private outpatient DBT sessions for children, teens and adults with appointments in as little as 24 hours, as well as specialised DBT groups accessible as part of a mental health treatment programme, or on a pay-as-you-go basis.
DBT is also accessible as part of inpatient treatment for children and teens with eating disorders in Birmingham and adults in York.
Email our caring team today to get started.
What are the benefits of DBT?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) offers numerous benefits for individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation and related challenges. One of the main appeals of DBT is its proven effectiveness in treating specific issues. Research has consistently demonstrated DBT's ability to reduce symptoms, improve functioning, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with these conditions.
DBT's approach to mindfulness is another key benefit, as it emphasises the practice of mindfulness skills to increase awareness of present-moment experiences and promote emotional regulation. By learning to observe and accept thoughts and emotions without judgement, individuals develop greater self-awareness and the ability to respond to situations more effectively.
Additionally, DBT's collaborative and comprehensive approach is highly appealing, as it typically includes individual therapy, skills training groups, coaching, and therapist consultation teams. This multifaceted approach ensures that individuals receive support and guidance across various aspects of their lives, promoting lasting change and emotional wellbeing.
While DBT offers numerous benefits, it's important to acknowledge potential downsides, such as the intensive nature of treatment and the commitment required to participate in multiple components. Additionally, some individuals may find certain aspects of DBT, such as the emphasis on skill-building and structured interventions, challenging or less appealing.
Overall, the main appeal of DBT lies in its effectiveness, approach to mindfulness, collaborative and comprehensive nature, and strong scientific evidence supporting its efficacy in treating a range of mental health conditions.
Am I suitable for DBT?
Determining suitability for Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) involves considering various factors, including the individual's mental health condition, age, demographics, and past experiences. While DBT is highly effective for many individuals, it may not be appropriate for everyone.
It can be beneficial for individuals of all ages and demographics, including adolescents, adults, and older adults.
However, certain factors may influence suitability for DBT. For example, individuals with severe cognitive impairments or psychotic symptoms may not benefit from the cognitive and behavioural strategies employed in DBT. Additionally, past experiences such as trauma or significant attachment disruptions may impact an individual's ability to engage in the therapeutic process, requiring modifications to the approach or consideration of alternative treatments.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue DBT should be made in collaboration with a mental health specialist who can assess the individual's unique needs, strengths, and challenges. By carefully considering factors such as diagnosis, age, demographics, and past experiences, our clinicians can determine the appropriateness of DBT and tailor the treatment approach to best meet the individual's needs and goals.
How much does DBT cost in London?
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea we offer a variety of options, from one-to-one therapy sessions to group DBT skills workshops and a comprehensive mental health treatment programme. Our caring team will work with you to find the right treatment path to help you on your journey. You can find a full breakdown of our private treatment pricing here.
What does a DBT session look like?
A DBT session typically follows a structured format designed to address specific therapeutic goals. Here's what you can expect:
Booking: Sessions are usually scheduled in advance through our private enquiries team. You may require an initial assessment before starting DBT sessions.
Arriving at Schoen Clinic Chelsea: On the day of your session, you'll arrive at our clinic in London and check in with the receptionist. You may be asked to fill out paperwork or provide any necessary insurance information if applicable.
Nature of the session: DBT sessions typically last around 60 to 90 minutes and may occur weekly or more frequently, depending on your treatment plan and needs. Sessions are usually conducted in a private therapy room and involve one-on-one interaction between you and your therapist.
Who else would be present: DBT sessions are typically conducted on a one-on-one basis, so only you and your therapist would be present during the session. However, we also offer group DBT sessions as well, where you would interact with other individuals receiving DBT treatment.
Content of the session: The content of a DBT session can vary based on your treatment goals and individual needs. Sessions may involve discussing your progress since the last session, reviewing homework assignments or diary cards, learning new coping skills or strategies, and practising mindfulness exercises.
Frequency of sessions: The frequency of DBT sessions can vary depending on your treatment plan and progress. Initially, sessions may occur more frequently (e.g., weekly), and as you progress in treatment and gain mastery over skills, sessions may occur less frequently (e.g., bi-weekly or monthly).
With the right support from a dedicated team of specialists, DBT can support you to get better
Meet our team of dedicated DBT specialists at Schoen Clinic Chelsea in London. Comprised of experienced therapists with a passion for helping individuals thrive, our team is committed to providing compassionate and effective Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. With expertise in treating a range of mental health conditions, our DBT specialists are here to support you on your journey.
