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Dialectical Behavioural Therapy at Schoen Clinic: comprehensive care for children and adults

Private DBT in London at Schoen Clinic Chelsea

the words DBT THERAPY printed on pink paper

DBT offers a specialist approach to managing emotions and improving relationships.

Led by experienced therapists, our DBT group and individual sessions offer mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance skills to empower individuals to thrive.

What is Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)?


Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a highly specialised form of cognitive-behavioural therapy designed to help individuals manage their emotions, develop healthy relationships, and reduce self-destructive behaviours.


Originally developed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), DBT has since been adapted to address a range of other mental health conditions, including eating disorders and PTSD.


DBT is known for its structured and comprehensive approach, which typically includes individual therapy, skills training groups, phone coaching, and therapist consultation teams. This multifaceted approach allows individuals to receive support and guidance across various aspects of their lives, promoting lasting change and emotional wellbeing.


Overall, DBT stands out for its unique combination of acceptance, change, and structured support, making it highly effective for individuals struggling with emotion dysregulation and related challenges.


At Schoen Clinic, we offer DBT in London, Birmingham, and York, providing comprehensive care tailored to each individual's needs.


The Core Principles of DBT


DBT is grounded in the concept of dialectics, which involves balancing acceptance and change. This means helping patients accept their current situation and emotions while also working towards positive changes in their behaviours and thought patterns.


DBT combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness practices, emphasising the development of skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.


Overall, DBT is a versatile and evidence-based treatment approach that can be tailored to address a variety of mental health conditions, providing individuals with the skills and support they need to improve their quality of life and emotional wellbeing.

Get in touch today to learn more about DBT sessions with our Schoen Clinic specialists


If you're looking for DBT sessions with a specialist, please reach out to our team.


Our mental health and wellbeing clinic in London offers private outpatient DBT sessions for children, teens and adults with appointments in as little as 24 hours, as well as specialised DBT groups accessible as part of a mental health treatment programme, or on a pay-as-you-go basis. Simply complete our Online Registration Form & Screening Questionnaire to get started.


DBT is also accessible as part of inpatient treatment for adults with eating disorders in York.


How much does DBT cost in London?


At Schoen Clinic Chelsea we offer a variety of options, from one-to-one therapy sessions to group DBT skills workshops and a comprehensive mental health treatment programme. Our caring team will work with you to find the right treatment path to help you on your journey. You can find a full breakdown of our private treatment pricing here.

DBT for Borderline Personality Disorder: A Key Treatment Approach


Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterised by intense emotions, unstable relationships, and impulsive behaviours. DBT is widely recognised as one of the most effective forms of borderline personality disorder treatment. It helps individuals understand and manage their emotions, reduce self-harming behaviours, and improve relationships with others.


BPD Symptoms and the Role of DBT


Common BPD symptoms include emotional instability, fear of abandonment, chronic feelings of emptiness, and difficulty maintaining stable relationships. DBT for BPD focuses on helping patients recognise and regulate their emotions, tolerate distress, and improve their interpersonal skills. This comprehensive approach is crucial for individuals seeking effective BPD therapy treatment.


  • DBT for Eating Disorders: Promoting Healthy Relationships with Food and Body Image


Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, involve complex relationships with food, body image, and emotions. DBT for eating disorders helps patients develop healthier coping mechanisms, challenge distorted thinking patterns, and establish a more positive relationship with food and their bodies.


This treatment for eating disorders is available at our specialised hospitals in Birmingham and York, where we provide dedicated care for those struggling with these conditions.


  • DBT for PTSD: A Path to Healing from Trauma


Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and avoidance behaviours. DBT for PTSD is effective in helping individuals process traumatic experiences and develop healthier coping strategies.


This PTSD treatment incorporates mindfulness and distress tolerance techniques, enabling patients to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

How DBT Works: The Structure and Techniques


DBT is structured and intensive, typically involving a combination of individual therapy, group skills training and coaching. The therapy is divided into four key modules:


1. Mindfulness

Mindfulness skills help individuals become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. This increased awareness enables patients to respond to situations more thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively.


2. Distress Tolerance

Distress tolerance skills are crucial for coping with difficult situations and emotions without resorting to self-destructive behaviours. Techniques include self-soothing, distraction, and crisis survival strategies.


3. Emotion Regulation

Emotion regulation skills help individuals understand and manage their emotions. This module teaches strategies for reducing emotional vulnerability, increasing positive emotions, and managing intense feelings more effectively.


4. Interpersonal Effectiveness

Interpersonal effectiveness skills focus on improving communication and relationship-building. This includes assertiveness training, learning to say no, and developing healthy boundaries in relationships.


The Role of the DBT Therapist


A DBT therapist is trained to deliver this specialised form of therapy, guiding patients through the DBT modules and providing support throughout the treatment process. At Schoen Clinic, our therapists are experienced in working with individuals with BPD, eating disorders, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. They use a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to help patients achieve their therapy goals.


Integrating DBT with Other Treatments


While DBT is effective on its own, it can also be integrated with other therapeutic approaches for a more comprehensive treatment plan. This may include medication management, nutritional counselling, or other forms of psychotherapy. At Schoen Clinic, we offer a multidisciplinary approach to mental health care, ensuring that each patient receives personalised treatment tailored to their specific needs.

DBT Programmes at Schoen Clinic: Locations and Services


Schoen Clinic offers DBT therapy in three locations:


London - Schoen Clinic Chelsea

Our London clinic provides DBT for individuals seeking treatment for BPD, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. We offer both in-person and online outpatient appointments and a specialised mental health treatment programme, depending on the level of care needed.


Birmingham - Schoen Clinic Newbridge

In Birmingham, our specialised hospital focuses on treatment for eating disorders, providing DBT as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for children and teens. Patients benefit from a multidisciplinary team of experts, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and dietitians.


York - Schoen Clinic York

Our York hospital for adults also specialises in eating disorder treatment, offering DBT alongside other therapeutic modalities. The programme includes individual therapy, group skills training, and family support, providing a holistic approach to recovery.


Benefits of DBT: Research and Outcomes


Research has consistently shown that DBT is effective in reducing symptoms of BPD, improving emotional regulation, and decreasing self-harming behaviours. Studies also indicate positive outcomes for individuals with eating disorders and PTSD, including improved coping skills, reduced symptoms, and better overall functioning. The structured nature of DBT, combined with its focus on skills-building, makes it a powerful tool for long-term recovery.


How to Start DBT at Schoen Clinic


If you are interested in starting dialectical behavioural therapy at Schoen Clinic, the first step is to book an initial consultation. During this session, our team will assess your needs, discuss your treatment goals, and develop a personalised DBT therapy programme.


We are committed to providing high-quality care in a supportive and understanding environment, helping you navigate your mental health journey.

With the right support from a dedicated team of specialists, DBT can support you to get better


Dialectical Behavioural Therapy offers hope and healing for individuals struggling with BPD, eating disorders, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. At Schoen Clinic, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to help you achieve your mental health goals. Our experienced team of therapists is here to support you every step of the way, from initial assessment to ongoing therapy and beyond.

Kristin McCarthy

Integrative Therapist

Kristin McCarthy

Magdalena Garcia

Clinical Psychologist & Integrative Psychotherapist

Magdalena Garcia

Dr Lorena Dumitrache

Chartered Clinical Psychologist

Dr Lorena Dumitrache

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