Individual DBT Therapy focuses on your needs and values. 

DBT is structured around four key modules, each targeting specific areas of skill development.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive and evidence-based therapeutic approach that was originally developed by Dr. Marsha M. Linehan in the late 1980s.

DBT emerged as a groundbreaking treatment primarily designed to assist individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), a condition characterised by intense emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.

Over the years, DBT has demonstrated its effectiveness in treating a wide range of mental health disorders, making it a versatile and widely utilised therapeutic modality.


At its core, DBT combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness principles, creating a unique and dialectical framework for treatment. The term "dialectical" refers to the synthesis of opposites, emphasising the integration of seemingly contradictory concepts.


What Makes DBT Unique?


DBT emphasises the concept of dialectics, which involves balancing two seemingly opposite ideas—for instance, accepting yourself while also striving for meaningful change (Linehan, 2015). By holding this balance, DBT encourages a more flexible, compassionate perspective on personal challenges.

How Does DBT Work?


  • Individual Therapy
    In one-on-one sessions, you work closely with a therapist to identify personal goals, monitor emotional patterns, and learn tailored skills for daily life


  • Skills Training Groups
    Group sessions teach DBT skills in a supportive environment. You engage in discussions, practice skills, and learn from others’ experiences


  • Phone Coaching
    Therapists often provide between-session coaching for guidance during moments of distress, helping you apply DBT skills in real time


  • Consultation Teams
    Therapists regularly participate in consultation teams to ensure treatment quality and professional support



Imagine learning mindfulness techniques to pause and reflect instead of reacting impulsively when feeling overwhelmed. This skill allows you to observe your thoughts and emotions, then respond more calmly and thoughtfully. Such real-life applications demonstrate how DBT can support meaningful and lasting changes in your day-to-day life.


At Wise-Mind DBT Brisbane, we pride ourselves on delivering a comprehensive and highly individualised approach to mental health through our Individual DBT Therapy. In this specialised treatment, our primary focus is on understanding and addressing your unique needs and values.


We recognise that each person's journey is distinct, and our commitment is to provide a confidential, one-on-one setting where you can explore your challenges, navigate emotional triggers, and identify and modify behavioral patterns that may be hindering your well-being.



Therapy for BPD and C-PTSD


Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s. Originally designed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), DBT has since been adapted for other conditions, including Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). DBT combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness practices to help individuals manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and build a life worth living.

Borderline Personality Disorder


BPD is characterised by intense emotional instability, impulsive behaviours, and unstable relationships. DBT directly targets these symptoms through its emotion regulation and distress tolerance modules. By teaching individuals how to identify, understand, and manage their emotions, DBT helps reduce the emotional volatility that underlies many of the challenges faced by those with BPD.


Reducing Self-Harm and Suicidal Behaviours


One of the hallmark features of BPD is a high prevalence of self-harm and suicidal behaviours. DBT has been shown to significantly reduce these behaviours by providing individuals with alternative coping strategies and enhancing their ability to tolerate distress.


Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder


C-PTSD arises from prolonged or repeated trauma, often leading to difficulties with emotional regulation, self-perception, and relationships. DBT’s focus on emotion regulation and mindfulness is particularly beneficial for individuals with C-PTSD, as it helps individuals gain control over their emotional responses and reduce trauma-related symptoms.


Building Resilience and Self-Compassion


DBT’s skills in distress tolerance and mindfulness foster resilience by teaching individuals how to cope with distressing memories and emotions without becoming overwhelmed. Additionally, DBT’s emphasis on radical acceptance and self-compassion supports healing from trauma by encouraging a non-judgmental stance towards oneself.


What does the research say?


Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of DBT in treating BPD and C-PTSD. For example, Linehan et al. (2006) found that individuals with BPD who underwent DBT experienced significant reductions in self-harm, suicidal ideation, and psychiatric hospitalisations. Similarly, research by Harned et al. (2012) indicated that DBT effectively reduces trauma-related symptoms and improves overall functioning in individuals with C-PTSD.


Therapy for Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders


Dissociative Disorders, including Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder, are characterised by disruptions or discontinuities in consciousness, identity, memory, and perception. DBT’s mindfulness module is particularly beneficial for individuals with dissociative disorders as it promotes grounding techniques and present-moment awareness, helping to counteract dissociative episodes.


Enhancing Emotion Regulation


Individuals with dissociative disorders often struggle with intense, overwhelming emotions that can trigger dissociative responses. DBT’s emotion regulation skills help individuals identify, understand, and manage these emotions, reducing the need for dissociation as a coping mechanism. By learning to tolerate and regulate their emotions, individuals can experience fewer dissociative episodes and maintain greater continuity of consciousness.


Building Distress Tolerance


DBT’s distress tolerance module equips individuals with skills to endure distressing situations and emotions without resorting to dissociation. Techniques such as grounding exercises, distraction methods, and self-soothing strategies help individuals remain connected to the present moment and reduce the frequency and severity of dissociative episodes.