DBT Therapy and Groups Online!

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) delivered online is a form of psychotherapy that adapts the principles and techniques of traditional DBT to an online or virtual platform. DBT was originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to help individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), but it has since been adapted for a wide range of mental health issues and emotional regulation difficulties. Online DBT is a response to the growing demand for accessible mental health care and the increasing use of technology in healthcare delivery. DBT is designed to help individuals develop skills in four key areas: mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.

We were one of the first organisations to have delivered DBT online with our first online program delivered through Skype in 2010. Today, our online DBT program is provided through secure, Australian Health Care Standards-compliant Zoom and our resources are available to participants through the Australian DBT Institute-developed DBT Assist platform. Our online approach allows individuals to access therapy from the comfort of their own homes. Online DBT includes the following components which have been described below!

• 1. Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions with a therapist or counsellor where clients discuss their specific challenges and work on skill development.
  2. Skills Training: Group sessions where clients learn and practice the four core DBT skill sets (mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance). Our well-researched approach also provides individuals with a range of videos to watch in preparation for each group session.
  3. Phone Coaching: In some cases, clients may have access to phone or messaging support from their therapist in between sessions to support the use of DBT Skills!
  4. Homework and Worksheets: Clients may be provided with homework assignments and worksheets to reinforce and practice skills between sessions. Our worksheets are stored on our secure portal DBT Assist.
  5. Assessment and Goal-Setting: Online DBT typically begins with a thorough assessment of the client’s needs including preferred coping style assessment, followed by the development of a personalised treatment plan with specific goals.
  6. Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a core component of DBT and involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Clients are taught mindfulness techniques through online sessions and guided meditations.
  7. Emotion Regulation: Online DBT helps clients identify and manage intense emotions, teaching strategies to reduce emotional suffering and increase emotional stability.
  8. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Clients learn effective communication, assertiveness, and boundary-setting skills in their online therapy, enabling them to have healthier relationships.
  9. Distress Tolerance: Clients are taught skills to cope with crises, intense stress, and difficult situations without resorting to harmful behaviors.
  10. Progress Monitoring: Online DBT involves regular assessment of progress toward therapy goals. Therapists and clients track improvements and make adjustments as necessary.
  11. Group Sessions: In addition to individual therapy, clients often participate in online group skills training sessions. These groups can foster a sense of community and support.
  12. Homework and Skills Practice: Clients are assigned homework and encouraged to practice their DBT skills regularly, often with the help of worksheets, journaling, or mobile apps designed for DBT.
  13. Accessibility and Convenience: Online DBT can be more accessible to those who have mobility issues, live in remote areas, or have busy schedules. It eliminates barriers such as transportation and allows for flexible scheduling.
  14. Privacy and Security: As an online DBT provider we take privacy and security seriously, using encrypted communication platforms and adhering to relevant regulations to protect client confidentiality.
  15. Effectiveness: Research has shown that online DBT can be as effective as in-person DBT for many individuals, particularly when conducted by trained and licensed professionals.
  16. Cost: Our group sessions cost $65 per session and individual therapy sessions vary according to practitioner ($190-$250 per session). We accept referrals from individuals with mental health plans, NDIS, WorkCover and more!
  17. Regulation: It’s essential to ensure that online DBT providers are licensed, follow ethical guidelines, and adhere to legal and regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions in which they operate. All of our practitioners are credentialed every 24 months to ensure they are delivering high-fidelity DBT programs!

Ultimately, online DBT offers an effective and convenient way for individuals to access dialectical behaviour therapy and develop valuable skills for emotional regulation and improved mental health. It combines the core components of traditional DBT with the benefits of online therapy, making it accessible to a broader population.

Our DBT programs have the following upcoming dates for commencement.

• • Term 1 2024: Week commencing 29th January 2024 (referrals close 2 weeks prior to this date)
  • Term 2 2024: Week commencing 15th April 2024 (referrals close 2 weeks prior to this date)
  • Term 3 2024: Week commencing 15th July 2024 (referrals close 2 weeks prior to this date)
  • Term 4 2024: Week commencing 7th October 2024 (referrals close 2 weeks prior to this date)

We accept NDIS referrals, Mental Health Plans, Redress Scheme and Private Paying referrals.