Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
You are not your thoughts. You are the observer of your thoughts — and with practice, you can choose which ones to follow.
What Is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals who experience intense emotions, struggle with relationships, or feel overwhelmed by stress. Originally developed for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), DBT is now widely used to support people with trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and emotion dysregulation.
​
DBT blends mindfulness practices with cognitive and behavioural strategies to help clients build a life worth living. Whether you're managing trauma symptoms, feeling emotionally reactive, or having difficulty navigating relationships, DBT teaches you practical skills to cope and thrive. At Harmony Healing Psychotherapy, we offer virtual DBT-informed therapy across Ontario and Nova Scotia, tailored to your unique needs and goals.
​
DBT is structured around four key pillars that each target different areas of emotional and relational health — see more info below.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the foundation of DBT. It teaches you how to stay grounded in the present moment rather than becoming overwhelmed by past experiences or future worries. This skill is especially helpful for clients struggling with trauma and anxiety, as it encourages emotional awareness without judgment.
Distress Tolerance
These skills help you survive crisis situations without making things worse. Whether you’re dealing with intense emotions, trauma triggers, or urges related to addiction or self-harm, distress tolerance techniques help you ride the emotional wave until it passes.
Emotion Regulation
Emotion regulation skills help you understand, name, and manage your emotions in a healthy way. This pillar is particularly useful for people who feel their emotions spiral out of control or who have been told they are “too sensitive.” It empowers clients to reduce emotional suffering and increase emotional balance.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
This area focuses on improving your relationships. You’ll learn how to ask for what you need, set healthy boundaries, and navigate conflict with confidence and respect. These skills are crucial for clients who struggle with people-pleasing, fear of abandonment, or difficulty asserting themselves in relationships.
DBT Therapy at Harmony Healing Psychotherapy
Discover the power of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for managing intense emotions, reducing anxiety, and improving relationships. Our trauma-informed therapists offer personalized DBT sessions virtually across Ontario and Nova Scotia to help you build practical skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Whether you’re struggling with borderline personality disorder (BPD), mood challenges, or overwhelming stress, DBT provides compassionate, evidence-based tools to guide you toward lasting healing and balance. Book your free 15-minute consultation today and start your journey to emotional wellness with Harmony Healing.