Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a type of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. It is designed for people who have difficulties controlling their emotions. In addition to the struggles experienced with inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, many individuals with ADHD also experience difficulties with self-control of emotions, especially those that relate to the self-regulation of frustration, impatience and anger.
DBT helps people who have trouble managing their emotions to change unhelpful ways of thinking and behaving, to accept who they are and cope better with challenging situations.
DBT is useful to help with the following experiences:
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feeling empty inside or hopeless
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low self-esteem or feelings of self-loathing
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strong feelings
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intense mood swings
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risk-taking or impulsive behaviour
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unstable relationships
How does DBT help?
DBT helps you manage your behaviour and emotions. It teaches you new skills to cope with day-to-day life, and finds new behaviours to replace harmful ones. It helps you understand why you struggle with the things you do.
DBT relies on a strong relationship between you and your therapist. This helps motivate you to change your behaviour and reach your goals.
The skills you will learn are:
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distress tolerance
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emotion regulation
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interpersonal effectiveness
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mindfulness
Distress tolerance is learning to understand your emotions in difficult or stressful situations. It involves managing your emotions without using harmful behaviours.
Emotion regulation is being more aware of your emotions. By understanding your emotions, you have more control over them.
Interpersonal effectiveness is learning how to ask for what you need. It involves setting boundaries whilst being respectful towards yourself and others.
Mindfulness is being self-aware and present in the moment (the 'here and now'). When you are mindful you can see what’s going on around you. You stop worrying about the past or the future. It helps you respond rather than react to the here and now.
Please note: If you see your GP for a Mental Health Plan referral, you will be able to access Medicare rebates for your DBT sessions. The process is the same as that for CBT/Coaching - see our ADHD Coaching page above for more information.
Ph: 1300 171 792