DBT Crisis Service

The service offers a comprehensive crisis support program that spans over three weeks, with the option to renew for an additional three weeks blocks as required. Each individual is assigned a primary therapist who will be available to them for five days a week, and a secondary therapist who is available for two days a week.

During these sessions, individuals are encouraged to openly discuss any issues or challenging emotions that are causing distress. With the guidance of their therapist, they will learn essential distress tolerance skills that help them cope with intense emotions. These skills give someone an alternative to resorting to harmful behaviours, we teach people many ways of helping tolerate their discuss and the skills we teach can be very powerful in helping someone manage their emotions.

If an individual is experiencing a crisis and has found themselves in a potentially life-threatening situation, our therapists will provide immediate support, and will ensure people know how to get help immediately from accident and emergencies (A&E) services if required where someone might be thinking of taking an action to end their life right away. In the instance that the therapist is unavailable, such as during non-waking hours of the night, we ensure that the individual has access to a comprehensive crisis plan that has been developed beforehand. This plan includes clear instructions and guidance on how to manage a crisis situation (e.g. using distress tolerance skills, calling 999 or the Samaritans, etc.) and provides individuals with a reliable source of support when they need it the most.

While our ultimate goal is to reduce admissions to A&E, the safety and well-being of the individual is our top priority. Therefore, we will not hesitate to intervene if we believe there is an immediate risk to their safety.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a dynamic and skills-based approach to therapy, aimed at equipping individuals with practical skills to improve their quality of life. Initially developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan for the treatment of borderline personality disorder, DBT has since proven effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.

DBT is comprised of four distinct modules:

Distress Tolerance: These skills are designed to help individuals navigate crisis situations effectively. By practicing distress tolerance skills, individuals can learn to cope with intense emotions when they arise, rather than becoming overwhelmed by them.

Emotion Regulation: This module teaches skills in understanding, identifying, and managing emotions. It also reduces vulnerability to emotional distress, by focusing on basic lifestyle changes (e.g. diet, exercise, sleep, etc).

Mindfulness: These skills are drawn from meditation, encouraging individuals to observe their thoughts, emotions, and sensations in a non-judgmental manner.

Interpersonal Effectiveness: This module is focused on building and maintaining healthy relationships, while also learning to establish boundaries and manage conflict effectively. By cultivating balance in relationships, individuals can build fulfilling connections and promote their own personal growth.

If you would like to talk to someone about our DBT Crisis Service, please get in touch with the Private Therapy Clinic on Whatsapp message at: +447511116565, email, chat bot or book online to arrange an appointment.