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Virtual & In-Person Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) in Ontario
There are many approaches to therapy and finding the right fit for you and your challenges is an important part of the therapeutic process. One therapy option we offer is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. This evidence-based therapy approach is used to help a number of mental health conditions. It focuses on dealing with extreme emotions and aids in learning to cope with and regulate these feelings.
What is Dialectical Behavioural Therapy?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps you understand and manage intense emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. Rooted in CBT, DBT combines acceptance and change, helping you understand and validate your experiences while developing practical skills to respond differently.
DBT can support emotional regulation, healthier coping, and more effective ways of navigating relationships and challenging situations.
How does Dialectical Behavioural Therapy work?
DBT sessions focus on building practical skills to better understand and manage emotions, behaviours, and relationships. Treatment is organized around four core skills:
- Mindfulness: Building awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours without judgment.
- Distress Tolerance: Learning ways to cope with intense emotions and challenging situations.
- Emotional Regulation: Developing strategies to understand and manage strong emotions.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Building healthier relationships through communication, boundaries, and asking for support.
Together, these skills can help you develop greater emotional awareness, healthier coping strategies, and more effective ways of navigating relationships.
What can Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) help with?
DBT was developed to support people suffering from borderline personality disorder but has been found to be an effective treatment option for other mental health conditions as well. It is especially helpful for conditions dealing with extreme and intense negative emotions. These can include:
- Depression
- PTSD
- Substance abuse
- Eating disorders
- Self-harm
- Suicidal behaviours
Your therapist can help determine whether DBT is a good fit for your needs or whether another therapeutic approach may better support your goals.
What is the Difference Between CBT and DBT?
CBT and DBT are both evidence-based therapies that help you understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. CBT generally focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns, while DBT places greater emphasis on accepting difficult emotions while building skills to manage them.
DBT also focuses specifically on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, making it particularly useful for people experiencing intense emotions or relationship challenges.
Find a DBT Therapist in Ontario
Many of our therapists offer Dialectical Behavioural Therapy for individuals, couples, families, children, and youth across Ontario, with both in-person and virtual options. Our Client Care Team can help you find a therapist whose expertise and approach match your needs.
Alyshia Wagstaff
