Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive therapy that is used when people have more extreme emotional reactions to the threat of a loss, especially the loss of an important relationship. We all need close relationships and when some people believe they are about to lose one, or when a person feels unimportant to someone who is important to them, fear can feel like it might take over.
To cope, some may cut or hurt themselves, or engage in frantic behaviours – anything to distract from that overwhelming fear and pain. DBT therapists help their clients to regain control of emotional reactions, discover new ways of coping that aren’t harmful to self or others and learn how to express those important needs for connection and emotional security.