Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy approach that emphasizes the psychosocial aspects of counselling services. Sometimes a person will experience intense reactions in emotional situations and DBT helps individuals reduce arousal levels and emotional stimulation that takes a significant amount of time to return to a tolerable baseline.

DBT is support-oriented as it helps the individual to identify strengths and build on them so they can begin to feel better about his/herself and their life. The counsellor and client work together on relationships challenges using role-play, and practicing skills such as self-soothing and completing homework. The counsellor helps the individual to learn, apply and master the DBT skills. There is an emphasis on problem-solving behaviours during each session. DBT will also focus on decreasing post-traumatic stress responses and helping to enhance the individual’s own self-respect and self-image.