Dialectical Behaviour Therapy in Melbourne Psychology: Practice for Emotional Regulation

Managing emotions is an important part of mental health and emotional well-being. It can feel incredibly challenging for many people. At Inner Eastern Psychology in Melbourne, we understand the effectiveness of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) in helping individuals develop these essential skills. DBT is an evidence-based method for supporting those who struggle with intense emotions. 

Understanding Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) was founded by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1970s. This therapeutic approach is a specialised form of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) designed to help clients manage their emotions, improve relationships, and reduce self-harm. This therapy blends cognitive-behavioural techniques with principles from Eastern mindfulness practices, offering a balanced approach that emphasises both acceptance and change.

DBT is highly effective for people dealing with emotional dysregulation, which is often seen in conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), depression, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and / or complex trauma.


Emotion Regulation in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT focuses on helping individuals control their emotions. This involves understanding and identifying feelings, reducing emotional vulnerability, and managing emotional responses. Learning these skills can significantly improve our ability to handle stress and improve our overall quality of life.

Key Strategies for Emotional Regulation

  • Identifying and Labelling Emotions: A key part of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is learning to accurately recognise and name our emotions. This involves being mindful of when these emotions arise and understanding the complex relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and actions.

  • Reducing Emotional Vulnerability: DBT teaches us how to reduce emotional vulnerability by focusing on our physical well-being. Engaging in positive activities and maintaining a balanced lifestyle includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and meaningful social interactions.

  • Enhancing Positive Emotions: Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfilment helps build a reserve of positive emotions, acting as a buffer against stress. DBT encourages organising and participating in activities that positively align with our personal values and interests. 

  • Managing Emotional Reactions: DBT provides specific strategies to cope with emotional reactivity. This includes opposite action, which involves acting in a way that contradicts our current mood. For instance, if we feel like isolating ourselves when sad, we can choose to engage with others instead.

Research and Efficacy of DBT 

Studies have demonstrated that Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is effective in improving emotional regulation and reducing symptoms of many mental health disorders. For example, research published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that DBT significantly decreased suicide attempts and depression in individuals with emotional dysregulation.

Another study in the Archives of General Psychiatry emphasised the effectiveness of DBT in reducing suicide behaviours and enhancing emotional stability in individuals diagnosed with BPD.

A detailed analysis published in the journal Behaviour Change emphasised the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in addressing emotional regulation challenges across diverse people. The study concluded that DBT significantly improved individuals' ability to regulate emotions and reduced related mental health symptoms. These findings suggest that DBT has a wide range of potential uses in clinical settings.

Research published in the International Journal of Bipolar Disorders highlighted the beneficial impacts of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) on individuals with bipolar disorder. Specifically, the study showed improvements in emotional stability and reductions in mood fluctuations. 

Conclusion

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an important therapeutic approach which provides a strong framework for improving emotional regulation and wellbeing. DBT enables us with the skills to understand and manage our emotions, reduce distress, and create stronger interpersonal relationships. At Inner Eastern Psychology, we are committed to supporting individuals on their journey with experience and compassion. 

The psychologists in the team who are trained in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy DBT can help enable individuals with the necessary tools to regulate emotions and develop a healthy relationship with their emotions.

Contact us to arrange an initial consultation, and make a start in prioritising emotional well-being.

Kane Waters