Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on helping individuals manage intense emotions and build healthier relationships. Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT has since been adapted for other mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

How Does DBT Work?

DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. It is structured around four core skills:

  • Mindfulness: Learning to be present in the moment and fully aware of thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.
  • Distress Tolerance: Building skills to tolerate pain or distressing situations without engaging in harmful behaviors.
  • Emotion Regulation: Learning how to manage and change intense emotions that are causing problems.
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improving communication and relationship skills to maintain healthy boundaries and reduce conflict.

Benefits of DBT

DBT has been shown to be highly effective in reducing self-destructive behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and fostering healthier relationships. Some key benefits include:

  • Increased emotional stability and self-awareness.
  • Better coping mechanisms for dealing with distress.
  • Improved relationships and communication skills.
  • Reduced impulsive or self-destructive behaviors.

What to Expect in DBT Sessions

DBT is typically delivered in a combination of individual therapy sessions and group skills training. Individual sessions focus on addressing personal challenges, while group sessions teach specific DBT skills that can be applied in everyday life. Homework and practice outside of sessions are essential components of the therapy.

Is DBT Right for You?

If you struggle with managing emotions, maintaining relationships, or engaging in self-harming behaviors, DBT may provide the skills you need to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. Consulting with a DBT-trained therapist can help determine if this approach is right for you.

Therapists in Brighton & Hove

Browse our verified therapists — many work across a range of approaches and may be able to help.

Thaddeus Hickman Brighton

Thaddeus Hickman

Psychotherapist

I’m an experienced, integrative psychotherapist, registered with both UKCP and BACP. I work with clients to support their immediate struggles, while also helping them understand and identify underlying and often unseen issues - a process which often leads to positive and lasting change.

BACPRegisteredUKCPRegistered
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Imogen Salt Brighton

Imogen Salt

Humanistic Psychotherapist

I offer one-to-one humanistic counselling, for adults and young people within the Brighton & Hove area. I prioritise face-to-face therapy, but offer online where needed. I am experienced, thoughtful, intuitive and warm.

NCPSAccredited
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Cerrie Lantrua Brighton

Cerrie Lantrua

Counsellor

Clients often tell me how much they value having a space where they feel understood, where they don’t have to explain their neurodivergence or justify their experiences.I am neurodivergent myself, and I’m open about that. It’s not something I see as a limitation, but as something that shapes how I understand, relate, and connect. Alongside my training and experience, this gives me a way of seeing things that often helps clients feel recognised in ways they may not have experienced before.I’m naturally creative and tend to think outside the box, which allows me to consider different perspectives and gently step into what it might be like to be you, not from a place of judgement, but from a genuine willingness to understand.At the same time, I don’t assume your experience is the same as anyone else’s. No two people are the same. A big part of what I offer is taking the time to learn what you need, how you experience things, and what support feels right for you.You are the expert on yourself. My role isn’t to tell you what to do or who to be, but to walk alongside you as you begin to understand yourself more fully.I aim to create a space where you feel safe enough to be real. Where you don’t have to mask, filter, or find the “right” way to say things. A space where you can feel seen, heard, and genuinely understood. 

BACPRegistered
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Andy Wolage Brighton

Andy Wolage

Therapeutic Counsellor

Sometimes life is really hard. Everything feels like too much. We can get overwhelmed with guilt for not coping, shame for having failed in the past and sometimes we can end up not really liking ourselves very much. We might self medicate with substances or other behaviours which we know don't really help, but they seem better than nothing. But they just perpetuate the cycle. I can offer you a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space to organise and reframe those overwhelming feelings and see the wood for the trees. I can help you understand yourself better and to begin to look in the mirror and like what you see. 

NCPSRegistered
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Alan Sparkes Hove

Alan Sparkes

Psychotherapist & Counsellor

I am a qualified UKCP registered Psychotherapist. I aim to help people heal and integrate. I’m a parent, a skateboarder, a basketball player and I’ve done a lot of therapy.I don't do psychic amputation. I believe you can't cut off a part of yourself you don’t like or that causes you pain - and that you will run into more problems if you try. I do believe you can reach into your heart and soul through therapy and establish a healing relationship that will give you the resources you need to live well and fully.  

BACPRegisteredUKCPAccredited
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Paul Chantry Brighton, Hove

Paul Chantry

Integrative Counsellor MBACP

We often think that we can manage on our own, but there comes a point when we need to reach out and seek support. Perhaps you are feeling anxious or depressed? Maybe you are finding life overwhelming or have a sense of sadness, hopelessness and despair? Or maybe you are feeling angry and frustrated? If you are experiencing any of these emotions then counselling can really help you to make sense of things, better understand yourself, and overcome the issues which are causing you distress. I am a qualified counsellor and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and I have experience of helping people who suffer with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, low self-esteem, childhood trauma, self-harm, relationship and family conflict.  If you’ve never had counselling before then finding the right therapist can be confusing and intimidating, so it’s important that you take time to find the right therapist for you. Please don't hesitate to contact me for a free initial telephone consultation so that I can find out a bit more about what's troubling you and we can explore how I can help.

BACPRegistered
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