DBT-informed therapy in Melbourne.
Some people feel emotions at a volume others never quite understand — faster to rise, more intense at the peak, slower to settle. When feelings run that strong, the usual advice ("just calm down", "don't overthink it") is worse than useless. What helps is a concrete set of skills.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) was built around exactly those skills. Our Melbourne psychologists provide DBT-informed individual therapy — weaving DBT's skills into one-on-one sessions — at Carlton, St Kilda and by telehealth.
DBT-informed, not a group programme.
It's worth being clear up front. Comprehensive DBT is an intensive programme combining individual therapy, a weekly skills group and between-session phone coaching — and for some people, particularly those with severe or high-risk difficulties, that full programme is the recommended treatment. Clarity offers DBT-informed individual therapy: your psychologist draws on DBT's well-researched skills and principles within regular one-on-one sessions. It's a strong fit for many people who want to build emotion-regulation skills without a group format — and if an assessment suggests you'd be better served by a comprehensive DBT programme, we'll tell you honestly and help point you toward one.
Skills that meet strong emotions.
DBT's genius is its balance of two things that sound opposite: accepting yourself as you are, and working to change what isn't working ("dialectical" means holding both at once). The skills fall into four areas:
Mindfulness
The foundation — noticing your thoughts and emotions as they happen, without judgement, so you can respond rather than react on autopilot.
Distress tolerance
Getting through crisis moments without making them worse — practical ways to survive intense distress without turning to self-harm, substances or impulsive decisions.
Emotion regulation
Understanding what your emotions are doing, reducing vulnerability to overwhelming feelings, and changing emotional responses that aren't serving you.
Interpersonal effectiveness
Asking for what you need, saying no, and navigating conflict while keeping both the relationship and your self-respect intact.
When feelings run hot.
DBT was originally developed for borderline personality disorder, and its skills remain central there — but they help far more broadly. DBT-informed work suits difficulty regulating intense emotions, impulsivity, chronic feelings of emptiness, unstable or conflict-prone relationships, and self-destructive coping. The distress-tolerance and emotion-regulation skills are also valuable alongside work on trauma, anxiety and depression. Because the skills overlap with other approaches, your psychologist may blend DBT-informed work with CBT, Schema Therapy or mindfulness-based methods as your needs require.
Frequently asked questions.
Do you run a full DBT programme with a skills group?
No. We provide DBT-informed individual therapy — DBT skills within one-on-one sessions — not a comprehensive programme with a separate weekly skills group and phone coaching. If an assessment suggests you need the full programme, we'll say so and help you find one.
Can I still benefit without the group?
Many people do. Learning and applying DBT skills within individual therapy suits a lot of people well, particularly where difficulties are moderate rather than severe or high-risk. Your psychologist will assess whether this format fits your needs.
Is DBT a type of CBT?
Yes — DBT grew out of CBT, then added a strong emphasis on acceptance, mindfulness and emotion regulation for people who experience emotions very intensely. You may find your psychologist drawing on both.
Do I need a referral?
No — you can book directly. A GP referral with a Mental Health Treatment Plan is only needed if you'd like to claim the Medicare rebate.
If you're having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please reach out now: Lifeline on 13 11 14 is available 24/7, and in an emergency call 000.
Strong emotions can be worked with.
Book a session at Carlton, St Kilda or by telehealth — and start building the skills.
Reviewed by Dr Simon Vincenzi, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Clarity Psychology.