Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
in Toronto

Many individuals face intense emotions, self-destructive behaviours, and relationship difficulties that disrupt daily life. At Centres for Health and Healing in Toronto, we offer personalized Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) through holistic programmes that support lasting recovery and a more balanced, fulfilling life.

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What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
[DBT]?

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of talk therapy originally adapted from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). While DBT was initially designed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), it has proven effective in managing various other mental health conditions, including substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and certain eating disorders.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy offers a proven approach to help those facing mental health issues by teaching skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. 

How DBT Works

The term โ€œdialecticalโ€ refers to the concept of working with opposites. DBT offers a framework for understanding and balancing contradictory perspectives. Individuals learn to accept themselves as they are while also acknowledging the need for change. This dual focus allows for self-acceptance and behavioural change, even when these goals seem contradictory. DBT in Toronto emphasizes the possibility of achieving both simultaneously

How Does DBT Help?

DBT helps people by teaching them how to challenge automatic negative thoughts that often make emotional difficulties worse. Individuals can improve their emotional well-being and make lasting behavioural changes by reframing these thoughts. This approach is beneficial for people struggling with self-defeating beliefs, such as negative self-talk or unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse.

Core Strategies in DBT

DBT provides therapeutic skills in four key areas to support recovery, behavioural change, and personal growth. These skills are divided into acceptance-oriented and change-oriented strategies:

Acceptance-Oriented Skills

Core Mindfulness
This helps individuals stay present, promoting calmness and reducing negative thoughts and impulsive actions.

Distress Tolerance
It builds resilience against intense emotions, teaching healthy coping strategies like distraction and self-soothing.

Change-Oriented Skills

Emotional Regulation
This helps individuals identify and manage intense emotions, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and adopt healthier coping strategies, which benefits them and others.

Interpersonal Effectiveness
It enhances communication and relationships by promoting assertiveness, mutual respect, good listening, and positive interactions.

Key Goals of DBT

The primary goals of DBT are to reduce impulsivity, interpersonal difficulties, emotional reactivity, self-harm, and suicidal behaviours. DBT helps individuals:

  • Stay present in the moment
  • Understand and accept difficult emotions
  • Develop coping skills for stress and emotional regulation
  • Enhance relationships with others
  • Make positive life changes
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When Do We Use DBT?

Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT is now an evidence-based treatment that effectively helps individuals with various other mental health conditions, including:

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression (including treatment-resistant major depression and chronic depression)
  • Eating disorders (including bulimia and binge eating)
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Self-harming
  • Suicidal thoughts and/or behaviour
  • Substance use disorder

DBT is typically delivered through individual therapy, group therapy skills training, and phone/video coaching. In Toronto, it is accessible in these formats and offers flexible and effective support.

Effectiveness of DBT

A review of 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported by the National Library of Medicine strongly supports Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) as an effective treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The studies, involving a total of 1,755 participantsโ€”predominantly womenโ€”examined the impact of DBT on self-injurious behaviours, suicidal thoughts or ideation, emergency service visits, and hospital admissions. 

Most trials indicated that short-term and standard DBT significantly reduced suicidality in BPD patients, with small to moderate effect sizes that persisted up to 24 months post-treatment.

DBT works best for individuals committed to personal change, ready to fully engage in therapy by completing homework assignments, focused on the present and future rather than the past, and willing to participate in both group and individual therapy sessions.

Which is Better, DBT or CBT?

DBT and CBT are both effective โ€œtalking therapiesโ€ that help individuals manage their problems by changing thought patterns and behaviours. While DBT incorporates core CBT principles, it places a greater emphasis on acceptance and interpersonal relationships. Due to its sole focus on change, DBT is particularly beneficial for individuals who find CBT challenging. By including mindfulness and distress tolerance, DBT can be more effective for those with intense emotional experiences.

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Why We Are The Best Option for DBT in Toronto?

At Centres for Health and Healing, we are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care through our holistic approach to treatment. We believe that DBT is most effective when integrated with various therapeutic modalities tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Hereโ€™s why we are the best option for DBT

We offer personalized one-on-one sessions, ensuring that each person receives the attention and care they need to address their specific challenges.

Our DBT approach is strengthened by incorporating mindfulness therapy, which helps clients stay present and manage their emotions effectively.

Understanding the critical role of family in the healing process, we provide family therapy sessions to create a supportive environment and foster healthier relationships.

We facilitate group therapy, allowing clients to connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

For those who require ongoing support while managing their daily lives, our online outpatient services provide flexibility and continued care.

Our commitment to your well-being extends beyond initial treatment. We offer aftercare services to ensure long-term recovery and support your continued growth.

Discover Hope and Healing with DBT in Toronto

At Centres for Health and Healing, we specialize in personalized mental health treatment using evidence-based, highly effective programs. Dialectical behaviour therapy is a key component of our services, offered through individual, group, and family sessions. In addition, our holistic approach ensures deep transformational healing and long-term recovery.

Contact us today to learn more about our DBT in Toronto. We are ready to provide more information and guidance for the success of your journey.

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