What Are DBT Skills?

DBT stands for Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. It focuses on four core skill areas: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills help you handle big emotions, cope with crises, and communicate with more confidence and clarity.

DBT is hands-on and collaborative. You will learn and practice simple techniques right in the session, then try them in everyday life with guidance and support.

Why Choose DBT Skills?

Many people are drawn to DBT when anxiety, intense emotions, or sudden urges feel overwhelming. DBT offers a clear roadmap to calm the nervous system and respond in healthier ways. Research shows it can reduce self-harm, improve relationships, and increase emotional resilience in both teens and adults.

Because DBT is concrete and skill-based, you may notice positive shifts after just a few sessions.

How DBT Skills Can Help

DBT may be a good fit if you:

• feel emotions rise quickly and intensely

• find it hard to cope during crisis moments

• struggle with anger, impulsivity, or self-criticism

• want to set healthy boundaries and express needs clearly

• need practical tools to reduce harmful coping habits

Together, we will practice small steps that can lead to steady, lasting change.

What Sessions Are Like

In a DBT skills session, you might learn a grounding exercise, practice a way to tolerate distress, or role-play a conversation. If it feels helpful, you can try the skill during the week and reflect on how it went next time we meet.

Sessions are 50 minutes and available in person near UVic and Camosun, or online anywhere in British Columbia.

Combining DBT with Other Approaches

DBT blends well with therapies such as CBT, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness. We will shape each session to meet your needs and comfort level, whether you want pure DBT skills or a mix of approaches.

Meet Our Counsellors

Darcy Harbour, RCC
Uses DBT skills with mindfulness and relationship-focused work to build calm and improve communication.

Maria Butler, RCC
Helps students and young adults apply DBT skills to manage anxiety, focus challenges, and academic stress.

Talita Nell, RCC
Integrates DBT with compassion-based therapy for international and out-of-province students facing adjustment stress.

Cost and Coverage

Sessions range from $155 to $170. Many benefits plans offer coverate. We’ll provide receipts and are happy to answer any questions about coverage. Please visit our rates page for more details.

Book a Free 20-Minute Consultation

Curious about DBT skills and how they might help you feel more steady and connected? Book a free 20-minute consult to learn more and decide if DBT feels right for you.

We look forward to supporting you.