Program Information

Program Information

A group of private psychologists and clinicians, trained in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), run a full DBT program in the ACT. We are commencing the next round of a 24 week program (minimum) for individuals over the age of 18 who have difficulties with emotions, relationships, impulsivity, self harm, suicidal behaviours, substance use and other problems stemming from emotion dysregulation.

DBT

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a treatment developed by Dr Marsha Linehan for individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

Recent research on this therapy has demonstrated that DBT is not only useful for those with BPD but also for other conditions where emotion regulation is the primary difficulty.

The therapy is a multi modal therapy providing psycho education in a group setting for 2 ¼ hours per week; individual therapy within the DBT framework for one hour per week; and the availability of phone coaching for new skills between scheduled sessions. Therapists also participate in a weekly consult meeting to enhance their skills and to maintain adherence to the therapy. DBT is the most thoroughly researched therapy for individuals who struggle with self harming behaviours, including suicidal behaviour. The research findings have consistently shown that DBT helps decrease the frequency and intensity of these behaviours, as well as helping to decrease hospital admissions.

The psycho-educational component covers 4 modules, each targeting a specific area of skills enhancement. The four modules include: Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. The skills group sessions include homework and skill practice as well as information on the skill areas. They are not traditional group therapy sessions and discussions of self harming behaviours are not permitted during the group sessions. DBT is a very active therapy and clients are required to participate and take new skills into the real world for practice and to solve on going problems.

The individual therapy helps to keep up motivation and to generalise the skills, which are learnt in the group training.

The individual sessions help the client to use the skills they learn in each module and to repair difficulties when they arise.

Prior to commencement in the DBT program, potential clients will need to move through what is called the pre-treatment phase. During this phase, clients initially attend an assessment appointment with the DBT Intake Psychologist to ensure that the program is suitable for them at this time. After this initial assessment, clients whom are suited to the program meet with their individual therapist who will help them to understand the DBT program and ensure that the client is prepared for the hard work ahead. This stage involves addressing any problems that would make undertaking the program unworkable. At the end of this phase clients decide whether to commit to the program for the 24 weeks (minimum), knowing that the aim of the program is to improve the quality of their lives.

Possibilities for You or Someone You Know

There may still be limited places available for people to participate.

Fees

The program is private and therefore there are costs involved. {However the introduction of the new Medicare rebate scheme has made it possible for us to keep the costs to the individual much lower than before, in some cases}.

The skills group runs over the 24 weeks and costs $2300. The $2300 for the skills group is to be paid up front and is non refundable. The costs for the individual sessions are negotiated by the therapist and may be partially medicare rebatable. The costs for individual sessions are in addition to the cost of skills group. All clients need to organise a Mental Health plan with the G.P or Psychiatrist to be eligible for medicare rebates.

If you are interested in referring yourself or someone you know, please phone 0487 511 664 and leave a message.

We will then return your call and set up an interview with the person who is considering joining the program, to see if they are at the right stage of their development to gain the most from participating.