DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) is a groundbreaking treatment designed to help individuals regulate their emotions and behaviours. Initially developed in the 1980s and 1990s for individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), it has since shown effectiveness with a wide range of mental health disorders, especially substance use disorders, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. It has also shown usefulness with individuals who do not have a diagnosed mental health disorder, but who struggle to regulate their emotions and behaviours. The pillar of the treatment is the central dialectic of acceptance and change. A dialectic refers to a pair of opposites being equally valid at the same time: radical acceptance and change simultaneously.

At Brisbane Harmony Centre we offer DBT skills training groups in Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness and Mindfulness. The groups are coordinated and run by psychologist Dr Sarah Swannell (PhD, MClinPsych), Advanced DBT Clinician.

DBT skills training groups are appropriate for individuals who are committed to and motivated for treatment; are not currently engaging in high risk and/or life-threatening behaviours; and do not require between session support. Individuals who do not meet these criteria require more intensive and individual support outside of the scope of these skills groups.

Brisbane Harmony Centre offers the DBT skills training on a group basis. Group skills sessions comprise one component of the full and comprehensive Standard DBT program. Those who are not suitable for these group sessions at Brisbane Harmony Centre may wish to access a Standard DBT Program through other public or private agencies. A Standard DBT Program includes individual therapy sessions, between session phone coaching for clients, and consultation groups for clinicians. This full Standard Program cannot be offered by Brisbane Harmony Centre.

Next Module: Distress Tolerance (commencing 1 September 2021)*

Dates: 1 September to 20 October 2021 (8-week module).

Day/Time: Wednesdays 10am - 12.30pm with a 15-minute break.

Cost: $1,200 per module (full payment required 14 days prior to start date).

Medicare will provide a small rebate of $22.55 per client per session for clients attending psychology groups as long as at least 6 clients are in attendance. Medicare will provide this rebate for up to 10 planned group sessions in a calendar year. Clients must obtain a Mental Health Care Plan from their GP in order to claim these rebates.

Rebates from private health insurance will depend on your insurance. Please contact your insurance provider for more information.

Referral Procedure: please self-refer using the DBT Skills Training Groups Self-Referral Form.

Contact: AskUs@brisbaneharmonycentre.com.au or (07) 3148 6685.

For More Information: See Sarah’s website www.sarahswannell.com.au

* Please note that the commencement date is subject to sufficient bookings – commencement date may be delayed.