Therapeutic approach
DBTDialectical Behaviour Therapy
Skills-based therapy for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and building more effective relationships.
Key information you should know
- Skills-based therapy balancing acceptance and change for intense emotions.
- Covers mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Our psychologists often integrate DBT skills in individual therapy; some clinics also run DBT-informed groups.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a skills-based approach developed for intense emotional experiences. It balances acceptance and change: your experience is validated while you build practical tools for managing distress.
Core DBT skills include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. They can help you navigate crises, regulate emotions, and communicate more effectively in relationships.
DBT was originally designed for both individual therapy and skills groups. Several Succoris psychologists integrate DBT skills into one-to-one work; ask your clinic about DBT-informed group programs where available.
Commonly helps with
Emotion Regulation
Therapy for emotional intensity, reactivity, and difficulty calming down — using DBT skills, Schema Therapy, and other evidence-based approaches.
Personality Disorders
Therapy for borderline, narcissistic, avoidant and other personality disorders — using Schema Therapy, DBT, and other evidence-based approaches.
Trauma
Trauma-informed therapy for single-incident trauma, complex trauma, and PTSD — working at your pace in a safe environment.
Complex Trauma and cPTSD
Specialised, trauma-informed therapy for complex trauma and cPTSD — including EMDR, Schema Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
Psychologists who use this approach
17 Succoris clinicians draw on DBT in their practice.
Accepting new clientsBook with AlisonAlison Cole
Psychologist
Alison provides a warm, supportive and collaborative therapeutic approach, creating a safe space where clients feel heard, understood and empowered to work towards meaningful change.
Works from Succoris Tweed Heads
Accepting new clientsBook with CarolineCaroline Gorman
Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Caroline is an experienced psychologist who supports clients across the lifespan to work towards meaningful therapeutic outcomes. With more than 15 years of experience, she brings a thoughtful, non-judgemental approach.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Accepting new clientsBook with GraceDr Grace Hayes
Clinical Psychologist
Grace is an experienced psychologist who supports clients across the lifespan to work towards meaningful therapeutic outcomes. She brings a thoughtful, non-judgemental approach with a special interest in perinatal mental health.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Accepting new clientsBook with SusannaDr Susanna Zito
Clinical Psychologist
Dr Susanna Zito offers evidence-based psychological support informed by extensive clinical experience via telehealth. She is an EMDR accredited practitioner and Board Approved Supervisor with a special interest in trauma and humanitarian crisis response.
Telehealth
Accepting new clientsBook with WarwickDr Warwick Hosking
Clinical Psychologist
Warwick has several years' experience working with adolescents and adults in a range of settings. He takes a client-centred, empathic and compassionate approach to building rapport and trust with his clients.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Accepting new clientsBook with JenJen Bullers
Clinical Psychologist
Jennifer prioritises warm, empathetic, and collaborative therapeutic relationships. She works with adolescents and adults, taking the time to understand each individual's experiences and tailor support to their needs.
Telehealth
Accepting new clientsBook with LianaLiana Harris
Psychologist
Liana provides a gentle and supportive approach, helping clients work through emotional and interpersonal challenges. She works collaboratively with individuals to create a safe and compassionate space.
Works from Succoris Tweed Heads
Accepting new clientsBook with MalwinaMalwina Patton
Psychologist
Malwina provides a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard and understood. She works with individuals across the lifespan, helping people make sense of their experiences and move towards meaningful change.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Accepting new clientsBook with SamanthaSamantha Lintott
Clinical Psychologist
Samantha offers a warm, non-judgemental space for children, adolescents, and adults. She supports clients to navigate emotional and interpersonal challenges using evidence-based, collaborative approaches.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Accepting new clientsBook with StaceyStacey Howes
Psychologist
Stacey offers a warm, collaborative therapeutic space for adults navigating a range of psychological concerns. She is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for every client.
Works from Succoris Tweed Heads
Accepting new clientsBook with SumairaSumaira Yousaf
Psychologist
Sumaira Yousaf is a registered General Psychologist with extensive international clinical experience across Australia and the UAE. She works with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a warm, strengths-focused approach.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Dr Catherine Hart
Founder & Clinical Director
Catherine is a Clinical Psychologist, APS Supervisor of the Year (2024), and co-founder of Succoris Psychology Group. She leads clinical standards across the group and is passionate about supporting psychologists to build sustainable, ethical practices.
Dr Kim Mihaljevic
Clinical Psychologist
Kim offers a compassionate, person-centred approach, supporting individuals to improve their emotional wellbeing and live a meaningful life. She works collaboratively with clients aged 15 and over.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Grace Crowley
Clinical Psychologist & Assessment Liaison
Gracie is a clinically endorsed and AHPRA-registered Clinical Psychologist. She works with clients across the lifespan (ages 8 and above) with a strong passion for supporting people who have experienced complex trauma.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Maddy Stenlake
Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Madeleine works integratively with adults supporting a wide range of psychological presentations with care and clarity.
Works from Succoris Tweed Heads
Nikita Kettlewell
Clinical Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Nikita works collaboratively with clients to identify goals and strategies for each individual, using a warm, empathic and non-judgemental approach. She has a background in individual and group therapy.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Tempanie Thomas
Provisional Psychologist
Tempanie has experience working with a diverse range of people seeking support for a variety of mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and age-related transitions.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Common questions about DBT
What is dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a skills-based approach developed for intense emotional experiences. It balances acceptance and change: your experience is validated while you build practical tools for managing distress. Core skills include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT was originally designed for individual therapy and skills groups, and many psychologists integrate DBT skills into one-to-one work.
How do I know if DBT is right for me?
DBT may suit you if emotions feel intense or hard to manage, if you react quickly and regret it later, or if relationships and self-harm or crisis behaviours are a concern. It is often helpful for emotion regulation difficulties, trauma-related patterns, and long-standing interpersonal struggles. You do not need a specific diagnosis to benefit. Your psychologist can discuss whether DBT-informed skills work fits your situation.
What happens in a DBT session?
DBT-informed individual sessions focus on learning and practising skills. You might work on tolerating distress without making things worse, regulating strong emotions, communicating more effectively, or staying present through mindfulness exercises. Your psychologist tracks what is working and adjusts the focus over time. Sessions are structured but flexible, typically around 50 minutes, in person or via telehealth.
Can I access DBT through Medicare at Succoris?
Yes. You can book directly with Succoris without a referral. A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan may provide Medicare rebates on individual sessions. Several Succoris psychologists integrate DBT skills into their practice. Ask your clinic about DBT-informed group programs where available. Sessions are offered in person and by telehealth across Australia.
Is DBT only for borderline personality disorder?
No. DBT was originally developed for borderline personality disorder, but its skills are widely used for anyone who struggles with intense emotions, impulsivity, or relationship difficulties. Emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills are relevant across many presentations, including trauma, anxiety, and mood difficulties. Your psychologist will adapt DBT-informed work to your goals rather than treating it as a one-size-fits-all program.
Unsure which approach is right for you?
Our team will help you find a psychologist and approach that fits your situation. You can browse clinicians who use DBT, book online, or contact us for a confidential discussion.