What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)? How Does It Help?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a type of evidence-based therapy that derives from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and includes mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies in treatment. DBT was designed in the 1970s by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan who herself was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). DBT was first developed as a treatment for BPD, but it is now widely used to treat other mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression and mood disorders. DBT therapy can be delivered in a variety of formats, including individual therapy, skills groups, phone coaching and consultation teams.
DBT Groups & Peer Support
One of the primary goals of DBT is to support clients in the development of four types of DBT skills. These skills revolve around mindfulness, distress tolerance, managing emotions and interpersonal effectiveness. To read about each DBT skill in more detail, check out this blog post.
Because social interactions are a central component of DBT, group settings can be an especially valuable place to learn and practice DBT skills. Mental health challenges can feel extremely isolating – it can also be easy to feel like no one understands what we’re going through or can relate to our personal challenges. Even if we know that the reality is that many people experience similar struggles, tackling these struggles in a group context and sharing experiences in a safe space can make that truth feel much more real to us. Clients often note that one of the most helpful aspects of engaging in DBT skills group is the opportunity to hear one anothers’ stories and learn from their peers by hearing how they implement DBT skills in their personal lives. This adds an additional layer of practicality to the therapy - participants get to see what they’re learning be applied and adapted to real-life contexts. Groups can also allow for the opportunity to build a sense of community and lean on support from peers.
“I was feeling very low and depressed prior to the group. This session helped lift my spirits.” - DBT group participant
Research has shown that group-based dialectical behaviour therapy can be highly efficacious, including when it’s delivered to a group facing differing mental health challenges, including diagnoses of depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, BPD and ADHD. Group DBT has been associated with improvements in emotional regulation, reductions in depression, and increases in overall psychological well-being, as well as specific increases in DBT skills use and decreases in dysfunctional coping. In a study comparing group dialectical behaviour therapy and group positive psychotherapy among university students, the DBT group had higher attendance, lower dropout rates and better relationships between the therapist and clients, suggesting that DBT in a group setting can distinctly foster warmth and closeness among peers and the group leader. Peer-to-peer approaches in a mental health setting have also been shown to help participants develop confidence and positive beliefs about themselves, helping them to accomplish their goals when they see similar behaviour in others. In short, DBT in and of itself can be a valuable therapeutic technique, but applying it in a group can leverage all the benefits of the therapy alongside the benefits of peer support. This can help participants to not only learn and practice with their therapist, but also with one another.
Group Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: What Comes After?
While DBT groups can be immensely helpful, they don’t last forever. What happens when group therapy ends?
For some people, it can be challenging to move out of a skills group and continue to successfully integrate DBT skills into their daily lives without that ongoing source of support and routine. DBT provides many different skills to tackle different situations which can be overwhelming to navigate alone. Clients may simply feel that they’re not ready to step away from a therapeutic setting at the end of their DBT skills group. This experience is common. If this is something you’re experience, there is support, and resources that you can access following DBT. Some individuals opt to engage with self-serve resources, like the ones offered by DBT Virtual, or Ontario Shores. Others look to Individual therapy with a therapist who has been trained in DBT as a way to continue to support their mental health journey. If you’re looking to connect with a therapist, we can help. Start by filling out our brief intake form and a Care Coordinator will support you with your next steps. .
To learn more about community paid and funded DBT groups, head to the appendix below. If you’re looking for other available treatments, speak to your primary care physician or mental health provider for advice specific to your personal health profile. You can also connect with a Layla Care Coordinator for more information about seeking individual therapy with a therapist who is trained in DBT.
Layla Resources:
About Layla
Individuals and couples come to Layla when they are looking for support on their mental health journey with personalized, compassionate care. Layla matches individuals with a therapist who aligns with their needs, goals, and preferences around therapy. Their therapist will help support their care in a warm, dependable manner, supporting you on your journey to better health. Learn more here
New to therapy?
Explore our beginners guide.
Starting therapy can evoke feelings of vulnerability, but knowing what to expect can help. The journey is individualized, with no exact right or wrong way. During the first session, typically administrative matters are discussed, goals are set, and you and your therapist will get to know each other. Fit between you and your therapist is very important for your outcomes, and it's okay to switch if the fit isn't right. Therapy is adjusted to your timeline and constraints, and can range from weekly to monthly sessions. Reflecting on what you wish to accomplish can guide the process
Disclaimer: The content on this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered healthcare or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate support.
APPENDIX
DBT Community Resources and Groups
Publicly-funded Groups (FREE)
Trillium Health Partners (THP) Intensive Outpatient Program
- This skills based program runs a maximum of 12 weeks with a commitment of 3 hours per week. The program is designed to help clients develop tools and increase their supports through the use of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). A referral from a physician is required and should be directed to Centralized Intake at one-Link, who would conduct a screening call as eligibility requirements vary across programs. To see a psychiatrist, clients must meet specific eligibility standards, and the psychiatrist determines next steps in care. For certain diagnoses, documented medication trials are required before accessing some services. Please note that one-Link doesn’t directly place clients into THP or other specific programs. Its role is to help coordinate services and guide individuals to the most appropriate supports.905-338-4123
- A referral from a physician, nurse practitioner, or other authorized healthcare provider is required. Clients may be connected to the program through the Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Clinic, the Eating Disorders (ED) Clinic, or Psychiatry Consult Services.
- Ontario Shores Phone Number: 905-430-4055
- The CMHA Toronto Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Program is a one-year intensive treatment designed for adults (18+) experiencing significant emotion regulation difficulties, including those diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). A referral form is required to apply (physician referral or self referral). The program is currently full, but individuals may sign up to receive notification when referrals reopen. Upon completion, graduates may join the DBT Alumni Program for continued support.
- CMHA Phone Number: 416-789-7957
- CMHA Email: info@cmhato.org
Private Group (Paid)
- This service offers 12-week group programs, including a foundational Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) program and advanced program for those who have participated in DBT previously. Most programs are for adults 18+, but they also offer an adolescent program for ages 14-17. Sessions are $50-$70 per session and are available to clients in Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Alberta. Participants can self-refer or be referred from a physician or community partner. DBT Virtual also offers free webinars which can be found here.
- DBT Virtual Phone Number: 289-203-3021
- DBT VirtualEmail: info@dbtvirtual.com
- CMBH offers Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Graduate Skills and a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Family and Friends Support Group. Sessions are $140 per session and the program runs for 12 weeks with a 2 hour commitment per week. No referral is required to access services.
- CMBH Phone Number: 647-729-5551
- Broadview Psychology offers a DBT skills groups for different age groups (children, adolescents, young adults, and adults) and stages of support. These groups run weekly for 6–9 months, mostly in person, though some virtual options are available. In addition, there are DBT parent and family groups, providing training and support for parents, caregivers, partners, and family members across different age ranges. Costs range from $105-$140 per session. Intake is continuous, meaning clients do not have to wait for a cohort to start treatment. Clients are required to be simultaneously meeting with an individual therapist either through their clinic or externally.
- Broadview Psychology Phone Number: 647-348-5140
Free Self-Guided Resources
- Free DBT Skills Webinars led by trained DBT experts.
- Free Video Modules for Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
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