Trauma Informed Care & Therapy
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based, structured form of psychotherapy developed to help people manage intense emotions and self-harm behaviours. It blends core principles from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with strategies for distress tolerance, emotion regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness—balancing acceptance with change in a dialectical framework.
DBT is particularly effective for teens who struggle with complex behaviours, including self harm, suicidal ideation, absconding, or emotional dysregulation. It empowers young people by teaching them concrete skills to cope with overwhelming emotions and develop healthier responses.
Clinical research shows that DBT-A (DBT for Adolescents) significantly reduces self-harm and suicide attempts, with moderate to large effect sizes observed in routine clinical settings.
Who Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Helps
Who Provides It?
At The Behaviour Clinic, DBT is delivered by Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBA & UKBA (cert)) who hold
post qualifying DBT practitioner accreditations. This ensures a high level of clinical expertise tailored to
supporting young people through complex emotional and behavioural challenges.
What Can DBT Help With?
Who Can It Support?
DBT is suitable for adolescents (typically 12 and above) through to adulthood, especially for those
exhibiting complex behavioural and emotional challenges. It is particularly beneficial for teens who struggle
with self-harm, unsafe behaviours such as absconding, and difficulties managing intense emotions.
What Does It Look Like?
DBT at The Behaviour Clinic is tailored to the individual and typically includes:
- Assessment and case formulation, identifying the young person’s needs and goals.
- Individual therapy sessions, adapted to the young person’s experiences and developmental stage.
- Sessions with carers, supporting them to reinforce DBT strategies at home.
- Coaching the young person through real-life experiences, helping them apply DBT skills in practice.
All DBT programmes include a clear structure, collaborative goal-setting, and regular progress reviews to ensure therapy is moving towards agreed outcomes.
What Does It Look Like in Practice?
Assessment
Initial consultation (in clinic or online)
Therapy
Sessions
12 DBT sessions (individual therapy, with
carer involvement where appropriate).
Sessions offered at The Behaviour Clinic
Cardiff, and can include home, school, or
online delivery as needed.
Parent/Carer Guidance
Parents and carers will be guided through where their child is in the process and provided with activities they can complete at home to support the therapy.
Review & Report
Midpoint progress review.
Final meeting, report & recommendations.
