DBT is closely related to CBT, and was initially developed by Marsha Linehan for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder who cope with distressing emotions and situations by using self-destructive behaviours such as self-harm, substance abuse and eating disorders.  DBT is now being used for treating other mental health conditions.

Clients learn more helpful coping skills to deal with distressing emotions and situations, and to improve their relationships.

Dialectics is the theory that opposites can co-exist.  In therapy, different points of view are discussed, helping clients to either change or accept situations.

Skills taught include:

• Mindfulness
• Emotion Regulation
• Distress Tolerance
• Interpersonal Effectiveness

'Wise Mind'

DBT uses the theory of Wise Mind - being the part of our mind where 'Reasonable Mind' (thinking part) and 'Emotional Mind' (feeling part) overlap.  Marsha Linehan describes Wise Mind as:

"Wise mind is that part of each person that can know and experience truth. It is where the person knows something to be true or valid. It is almost always quiet, It has a certain peace. It is where the person knows something in a centered way."

More information:

• What is DBT?
• BehavioralTech - Marsha Linehan's website
• DBT Self Help