Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
What is DBT?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is a specific type of cognitive behavioural therapy, initially developed to help people with borderline personality disorder or self-harming behaviours. However, more recent research has demonstrated its efficacy for people with eating disorders, post traumatic stress disorder and depression.
Within DBT, eating disordered behaviours (particularly binge eating and purging) are seen as a form of emotional regulation - used when people are trying to manage or avoid negative emotions. There is an overlap between this and how people use self-harm to manage emotions - suggesting that an approach in which people find different ways to manage difficult emotions might be helpful.
‘Dialectics’ means trying to balance opposite positions and look at how they go together. In DBT you will work with your therapist to find a good balance between acceptance and change; learning to manage difficult emotions by letting yourself experience, recognise and accept them. As you learn to accept and regulate your emotions, you also become more able to change any unhelpful behaviours. To help you achieve this, DBT therapists use both acceptance and change techniques - finding a balance between accepting yourself as you are, and making positive changes in your life.
WHAT DOES DBT INVOLVE?
Full DBT includes a number of components, including individual therapy and a group skills training programme. The skills training programme consists of four key skills:
Mindfulness (the practice of being aware and in the present moment)
Interpersonal Effectiveness (how to be assertive and deal with interpersonal conflict)
Distress Tolerance (how to tolerate distressing feelings)
Emotion Regulation (how to identify and change emotions that you want to change)
These skills can also be incorporated into individual therapy.
Within the London Centre, DBT is most likely to be offered as an individual treatment (learning skills within your one-to-one weekly therapy sessions) or as an adjunct to CBT. The individual sessions will usually follow a targeted treatment plan, beginning with the most risky behaviours. Time will be taken to look at any difficulties over the week, to identify triggers and consequences and to think about what skills were used, or could have been used. DBT is a collaborative therapy, with a focus on developing skills that you can continue to use beyond therapy.
WHO BENEFITS FROM DBT?
Initial research trials of the use of DBT for eating disorders do appear to indicate that DBT is effective in reducing or stopping eating disordered behaviours. It can also be a useful approach for people looking for skills to help them manage difficult emotions, particularly when these trigger binge eating. However, the research is still fairly new, and more research is necessary. Current research findings focus on the benefits of DBT for people with bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder. It is also likely to be useful for clients who also have borderline personality disorder, experience intense emotions, or self-harm alongside their eating disorder.
There is also a version of DBT for people with anorexia nerovsa: Radically Open-DBT (RO-DBT). This has been designed for those who are struggling with issues of over-control.
DBT skills training can be an effective adjunct for anyone in individual therapy for eating disorders. Some of the skills that a person with an eating disorder might work on include mindful eating, learning to identify triggers, and improving responses to negative emotions or stressors.
Specialist Team
The London Centre comprises specialist health professionals trained in evidence-based treatments for eating disorders. The team include:
Psychiatrists
Clinical Psychologists
Counselling Psychologists
Trainee Psychologists
Occupational Therapists
Dietitians
Family/Couple Therapists
Diverse Treatment Options
The clinic's specialist nature and the experience of its team also enable the offering of a wide variety of treatment approaches and therapies. The clinics offer both in-person and remote consultations for bulimia rehab.Personalised Care
At the London Centre, we believe it's important to align our patients with both the right clinician and the appropriate treatment. While we ensure the use of evidence-based therapies, we also ensure taking the time to listen to client preferences. This approach enables us to find the therapist and approach that best suits your needs, including inquiries on how to cure bulimia or how to treat bulimia.Testimonials
How it works
Our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation, leveraging the expertise of multiple specialists, to ensure that our bulimia therapy is effective and tailored to your personal recovery.
Step 1
Contact Us
Before making an appointment, you can contact us with any questions you might have via phone, email, or by using our online contact form. Your first contact will more than likely be with Kerry, our wonderful PA.Step 2
Assessment
Before the initial session, clients are requested to complete a brief questionnaire regarding their current circumstances, preferences, and availability for appointments. While not mandatory, this information assists us in matching individuals with the most suitable clinician for bulimia counseling and bulimia diagnosis.Step 3
First Session
Following the assessment, clients will have a session to discuss their recommended treatment plan. A start date will be agreed upon, and arrangements will be made for an initial session.Featured
FAQs
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The fees do vary depending on, which clinician you see. For a full summary of our fees, what health insurance company policies we accept, and details about making payments please click the link. (https://www.thelondoncentre.co.uk/fees)
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Our Team PA, Kerry, is available to answer any questions you may have prior to booking an assessment. If you would like to discuss treatment options or have a general conversation prior to booking, you are able to schedule a call with Mini Jones, our Clinic Lead who is always happy to discuss any questions or concerns. For further information, or to request a call back, please click the link provided to get in touch via email, phone, or through our online contact form.(https://www.thelondoncentre.co.uk/book-an-appointment)
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It is important to note that we do have a 24 hour cancellation policy on all booked appointments. Any cancellations received within 24 hours remain fully charged.
We request payment for an initial assessment appointment in advance of your appointment, which you can make over the phone using a debit or credit card or via the secure payment link sent to you with your invoice. For any further treatment sessions, and unless covered by private health insurance, we will invoice you sessionally which is payable upon receipt, however, we offer a maximum 30-day period in order to receive payment.
All appointment reminders will be sent to you via our client management system ‘Cliniko’ - notifications@cliniko.com please do add this email address to your inbox contacts to ensure all communications are received promptly. -
Therapy is most effective when a series of appointments tailored to your individual requirements can be established. The NICE guidelines are between 20-40 appointments but we are guided by our clients depending on their needs, preference, and motivation to adopt change. We will always remain flexible to accommodate your preferences.