Dialectical Behaviour Therapy in Melbourne
Do you experience overwhelming emotions, impulsivity, or relationship difficulties? Are you feeling out of control, or struggle with suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviours? If so, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) might be the right type of therapy for you.
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If you struggle with feeling overwhelmed and out of control, and it's affecting your relationships, our skilled therapists can help you develop skills in emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a type of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) that helps people balance acceptance and change. DBT was originally developed to help people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), but is now used to help people with a range of difficulties, such as:
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self-harm and suicidal thoughts
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emotion dysregulation
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relationship issues
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substance use
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disordered eating
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and more
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DBT works by helping you build skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
How DBT differs from CBT
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is a type of CBT, but has some important differences
1 / Focus on acceptance as well as change
CBT aims to identify and change unhelpful patterns. DBT integrates change strategies with acceptance of where you're currently at
2 / Emphasis on Emotion Regulation Skills Training
CBT focuses on restructuring thought patterns to alter emotions and behaviours. DBT includes specific modules on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness, helping you to build practical, life-enhancing skills
3 / Structure and Validation
CBT tends to be directive and problem-focused. DBT is structured to include individual therapy, group skills training, and phone coaching. It places a strong emphasis on validation (acknowledging that a person’s emotions are real and understandable, even if their behaviours need to change)
It's time to reach out for help if:
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Have found traditional CBT insufficient in helping manage emotional or relational challenges
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Experience intense or overwhelming emotions
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Struggle with self‑harm, suicidality, or impulsive behaviours
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You have difficulty with setting boundaries, expressing your needs, and maintaining relationships effectively
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Want to build practical skills grounded in mindfulness, self‑acceptance, and growth
DBT empowers people to:
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Understand and manage emotional intensity, recognising patterns and triggers
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Balance acceptance and change, cultivating self‑compassion alongside growth
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Build skills in:
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Mindfulness: Non‑judgmental awareness of thoughts, feelings, and surroundings
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Distress tolerance: Healthy ways to survive crises without resorting to harm
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Emotion regulation: Identifying, understanding, and adjusting emotions
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Interpersonal effectiveness: Setting boundaries, expressing needs, and maintaining relationships effectively
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Our Locations
We offer face-to-face Dialectical Behaviour Therapy across two convenient locations in Melbourne and online therapy via telehealth Australia-wide
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy FAQs
We're here to answer any questions you have about Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
If you have a question that is not answered below, shoot us an email
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Who is DBT suitable for?
DBT is suitable for individuals dealing with a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, substance use, disordered eating, and relationship concerns. It's particularly helpful for people with complex and long-standing challenges
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How long does DBT take?
It’s hard to say exactly how long DBT takes, as everyone is different. The number of sessions will depend on a range of factors, including whether you have something else you’re struggling with (e.g., another diagnosis or history of trauma), and how well your environment supports you to change
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What will I do in DBT?
You’ll work with your therapist to map out your patterns, establish goals, and learn practical skills tailored to your life, then apply these strategies in real-world situations
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Do I need a referral for DBT?
You don’t need a referral to do DBT. However, if you wish to receive Medicare rebates (with eligible clinicians), you should speak to your GP about getting a Mental Health Treatment Plan