Managing intense emotions can be difficult when feelings change quickly or become hard to control. For some people, this can affect relationships, decision-making and daily routines.
DBT is a structured psychological treatment. Commonly known as DBT, it teaches people practical skills for managing strong emotions, coping with distress and improving relationships while balancing acceptance with meaningful change.
What is dialectical behaviour therapy and how does it work?
How does DBT work? DBT is a form of cognitive behaviour therapy developed specifically to help people who experience emotions very intensely.
The word “dialectical” refers to bringing together two ideas that may appear opposite. In DBT, a person learns to accept their current experiences while also working on behaviours or responses they want to change. Treatment focuses on practical skills that people can apply in emotional situations and everyday interactions.
Who May benefit from dialectical behaviour therapy?
You may come across DBT in relation to borderline personality disorder, where difficulty regulating strong emotions can significantly affect everyday life.
DBT may also be used for people experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, depression and some substance-use problems. Suitability depends on a person’s needs, symptoms and professional assessment rather than diagnosis alone.
For someone living with a psychosocial disability, ongoing mental health difficulties can also affect communication, relationships, independence and participation in the community. Clinical therapy may therefore sit alongside disability supports that address everyday functioning and individual NDIS goals.
The four core skills people learn through DBT
DBT teaches four main skill areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Mindfulness helps a person notice thoughts, feelings and surroundings without reacting automatically. Distress tolerance develops ways to handle difficult situations without turning to harmful responses. Emotion regulation focuses on recognising and managing strong feelings, while interpersonal effectiveness develops communication, boundary-setting and relationship skills.
How DBT sessions are usually structured
A full DBT program involves more than occasional counselling appointments. Treatment commonly includes individual therapy alongside group-based skills training.
Individual sessions can focus on particular challenges and applying DBT skills to situations occurring in the person’s life. Group sessions provide structured teaching and practice across the main skills. Some programs also provide telephone coaching to help participants use these skills during difficult moments. Treatment length varies based on individual circumstances and the program used.
How DBT helps people respond to emotional distress
A key part of dialectical behaviour therapy is learning that difficult emotions don’t have to disappear before someone can respond differently.
DBT teaches people to notice emotional reactions, understand what is happening and use practical skills before acting impulsively. Distress tolerance can help someone move through a difficult moment safely, while emotion regulation skills can help identify emotional patterns and responses over time. These skills support healthier coping rather than ignoring or suppressing emotions.
How DBT differs from positive behaviour support
DBT and Positive Behaviour Support may both address behaviour and emotional regulation, but they are different approaches. DBT is a psychological therapy focused on emotional regulation, distress and relationships.
A positive behaviour support therapist or practitioner works differently, examining the reasons behind behaviours of concern and developing practical supports to improve communication, safety, and participation. UDS describes its Behavioural Therapy and Specialist Positive Behaviour Support services as focusing on understanding behaviour, developing replacement skills and supporting greater independence.
Positive behaviour support strategies can include predictable routines, communication supports, skill development and changes to a person’s environment. These approaches focus on reducing triggers and helping a participant communicate or respond in safer, more effective ways. They are not another form of DBT and may be used as part of a participant’s broader disability support arrangements.
Frequently asked questions
Is DBT the same as cognitive behaviour therapy?
No. DBT developed from cognitive behaviour therapy and shares some of its principles, but it places greater emphasis on balancing acceptance and change. It also includes specific training in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
How long can DBT take?
Treatment length varies. Healthdirect notes that a typical DBT program may involve weekly treatment for up to a year, although the actual duration depends on the person’s needs and the program recommended by their treating professional.
What is dialectical behaviour therapy trying to achieve?
Dialectical behaviour therapy aims to help people develop safer, more effective ways to respond to difficult emotions and situations. DBT supports emotional regulation, coping during distress and healthier interpersonal relationships rather than trying to remove normal emotional experiences altogether.
Conclusion
Understanding dialectical behaviour therapy can help people see how DBT combines emotional acceptance with practical steps for change. Its structured skills can support people who experience strong emotions, distress or difficulties in relationships, although suitability should always be discussed with an appropriate mental health professional.
People with disability may also need support with communication, emotional regulation, independence and everyday participation outside clinical therapy. UDS provides Behavioural Therapy, Specialist Positive Behaviour Support and other NDIS supports based on individual goals and circumstances. Contact UDS Support to discuss available supports and suitable next steps.
Further reading
Read Healthdirect’s guide. Descriptions checked against Australian public health information on 3 October 2026. Ask a qualified professional about suitability and the services actually available to you.
Clinical treatment and NDIS funding
The NDIS does not replace clinical mental health treatment. Eligible disability-related therapy supports must meet funding criteria and be appropriate for the person’s plan. Ask your GP about clinical treatment pathways, and confirm any NDIS support before booking.
Read the NDIS therapy guidance and mental health and disability support factsheet. Funding distinction checked 3 October 2026.
Getting help now
If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. For crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, available 24 hours a day. For non-urgent treatment advice, contact your GP.
A website enquiry or referral to Unify is not an emergency response. See Healthdirect’s mental health helplines for more support options.
