Private DBT Therapy London | The Fitzrovia Clinic

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) was originally developed for people who self-harm, experience chronic suicidal thoughts and/or engage in self-destructive ways of managing emotions.

‘Dialectics’ means trying to balance and find a synthesis between two opposing positions, with the goal of finding a ‘middle ground’ way of looking at and approaching events and experiences. In DBT, this will involve working towards finding a good balance between:

Acceptance – accepting yourself as you are
Change – making positive changes in your life

For example, when someone is able to understand and accept themselves, their experiences and their emotions, they can learn how to deal with thoughts and feelings in a different way.

DBT combines Cognitive Behaviour Therapy techniques and skills for emotion regulation and reality-testing, with concepts of and skills for distress tolerance, acceptance, interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness.

Generally, DBT uses a two-pronged therapy approach:

1. Individual weekly psychology sessions

2. Weekly skills groups

DBT is a long-term, intensive therapeutic approach that generally lasts from six months to two years.

DBT at The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic

The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic runs an established and effective private DBT programme in the UK, from both our London and Surrey Clinics and online. We offer DBT for adults, as well as adolescents and their families.

To find out more about our private DBT programme for adults, you can access our brochure here: DBT Programme for Adults

To find out more about our private DBT programme for adolescents and their families, you can access our brochure here: DBT Programme for Adolescents and Families
Our integrated DBT Programme consists of both individual weekly DBT Skills therapy sessions and weekly Skills Group training sessions. We effectively co-ordinate care through our team consultation processes.

Individual Sessions

Weekly individual sessions typically last for 50 minutes. Between session phone coaching is available where appropriate. Sessions can be undertaken online or face to face. The focus of these sessions is to:

Decrease self destructive and impulsive behaviours
Decrease therapy-interfering behaviours
Increase quality of life
Increase effective strategies for managing emotions, behaviours and relationships

DBT Skills Groups

Why learn DBT Skills? Because you might:

Be sensitive to emotional triggers
Have intense emotions that may be overwhelming or last from minutes to hours
Be vulnerable to acting impulsively when in “emotion mind” and sometimes make the situation worse
Struggle with communication and problems in relationships which can cause distress

Groups are facilitated by two DBT therapists who combine lecture, discussion and practice exercises in each session, and they can be accessed either online or in person. We offer Skills Groups for:

Adolescents
Families
Adults

Contacting Us

If you would like advice on DBT or other treatments, please contact us so that you can feel confident in any decisions you make about your treatment. We are able to provide these DBT services in the UK from both our London and Surrey clinics. If you are unable to access our London or Surrey clinics, we also have online therapy options available.

What is DBT Therapy and how is it different from CBT?

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment originally developed for individuals who struggle with intense emotions, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts. While DBT incorporates elements of CBT, it also focuses on acceptance, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. The aim is to help people manage overwhelming emotions and improve relationships through skills-based learning and compassionate, long-term support.

Is DBT Therapy available online?

Yes, The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic offers a comprehensive Online DBT Therapy programme that includes weekly individual therapy and online DBT skills groups. This makes it accessible for clients across the UK who may not be able to attend our London or Surrey clinics in person. Our online offering is secure, effective, and run by highly trained DBT therapists.

What does a typical DBT programme involve?

Our DBT programme includes two main components. It commences with weekly individual DBT sessions (50 minutes). Then, weekly DBT skills group sessions for learning and practising skills in a supportive environment We also offer between-session phone coaching where appropriate. The programme is suitable for both adults and adolescents and typically lasts from 6 months to 2 years, depending on individual needs.

Who is DBT Therapy for?

DBT is particularly helpful for people who experience intense emotions or mood swings or have difficulty managing anger or distress. It's also helpful to people who struggle with impulsive or self-destructive behaviours. Lastly, those that face ongoing relationship challenges. At our clinics, we provide DBT for adults, adolescents, and families either online or in-person in London and Surrey. Our team will assess your needs and help you decide if DBT is the right approach for you.

Get In Touch With Our DBT Experts Today.

Speak to a Therapist

"Absolutely the best clinic out there for help & support with any psychological problems you may be facing. The therapists are so compassionate, kind, caring and supportive and make you feel safe from the moment you contact them. Highly recommended."

Tan Feltham
"My experience with Dr Rigg has been amazing. cant highly recommend her and Fitzrovia Clinic enough."

Gracie Williams
"Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic have been incredibly supportive and professional. The psychologists are compassionate and truly dedicated to helping clients grow. Thank to their care, I feel more confident and empowered in my mental health journey."

Jennifer

Private DBT Therapy in London