MindRidge
Comprehensive DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) Program
What Is DBT?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to support individuals experiencing intense emotional distress, chronic interpersonal challenges, and high-risk behaviours such as self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
DBT was first designed to help people who struggled with emotion regulation and complex personality-related difficulties. Today, it is widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for individuals who feel overwhelmed by powerful emotions, experience frequent relationship conflict, or find it difficult to cope during times of crisis.
DBT balances two core principles: acceptance and change. Clients learn to understand their emotional experiences while building practical skills to manage emotions, improve relationships, and reduce harmful behaviours.
Who Is DBT For
Standard DBT may be helpful for individuals who experience:
- Emotional dysregulation or intense emotional reactions
- Chronic anxiety, depression, or mood instability
- Difficulties in relationships or fear of abandonment
- Impulsivity or self-destructive patterns
- Eating disorders and substance use challenges
- Trauma and post traumatic stress
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Challenges with distress tolerance or emotional control
DBT is also effective for individuals who feel “stuck” in therapy and need a more structured, skills-based approach
Components of the Comprehensive DBT Program
Our Comprehensive DBT Program is a full model Dialectical Behaviour Therapy program that includes individual therapy, skills training, between sessions coaching, and therapist consultation.
1. Individual DBT Therapy
Weekly one-to-one sessions focused on:
- Improve emotional regulation and resilience
- Strengthen relationships and communication
- Navigate crises using effective coping strategies
- Increase self-understanding and confidence
- Reducing high-risk or therapy-interfering behaviours
- Build consistency in using DBT skills outside of therapy.
Individual DBT therapy is structured and practical, with a strong focus on both acceptance and change.
2. DBT Skills Training
Clients learn and practice DBT skills across four key modules:
- Mindfulness – building awareness and staying present
- Distress Tolerance – managing crises without making things worse
- Emotion Regulation – understanding and regulating emotions
- Interpersonal Effectiveness – improving communication and relationships
Skills training provides practical tools that clients can immediately apply in daily life.
3. Between-Session Coaching
Brief, Structured, in-the-moment support to help clients apply DBT skills during emotionally challenging situations between sessions. This component supports skill generalization and real-world use.
4. Therapist Consultation & Adherence
MindRidge clinicians providing DBT participate weekly in a DBT consultation team to support treatment fidelity, clinical effectiveness, and clinicians’ well-being, ensuring adherence to DBT principles and ethical, evidence-based care.
What You Can Expect at MindRidge
- A structured yet compassionate treatment approach
- Clear goals and measurable progress
- A non-judgmental, validating therapeutic environment
- Culturally responsive and trauma-informed care
- Collaboration and transparency throughout treatment
Our DBT approach emphasizes safety, skill development, and empowerment while respecting each client’s pace and lived experience.
upcoming DBT Skills Training Groups at MindRidge
1. Virtual Adult (18+) DBT Group
Thursday, June 28, 2026, from 10 am to 11:30 am (90 minutes)
Now accepting applicants.
2. Virtual Teens DBT Group
Thursday, June 28, 2026, from 4 pm to 5:30 pm (90 minutes)
Now accepting applicants.
*Please contact MindRidge to reserve your spot, as space is limited. The groups run online for 12 weeks.
Getting Started with DBT
Beginning Comprehensive DBT typically starts with an initial assessment to determine whether DBT is the right fit and to review program expectations, structure, and commitment. DBT is most effective when clients are ready to engage consistently and collaboratively.
If you are unsure whether DBT is right for you, we invite you to contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation.
You can book your consultation or appointment online using the button below, or simply send us a message and we’ll handle the rest.
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