Dialectical Behavioural Therapy is a type of talking therapy that uses a cognitive-behavioural approach. DBT emphasizes the psychosocial aspects of treatment. It is based on the concept that some people are prone to react in a more intense and out-of-the-ordinary manner toward certain emotional situations, mainly those found in romantic, family and friend relationships. As a result, the person’s arousal levels in these situations can increase more quickly than the average person’s, attain a higher level of emotional stimulation and take more time to return to normal levels of calmness. DBT provides the person with new skills to manage these painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships. DBT specifically focuses on providing therapeutic skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and assertiveness.
—