Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose DBTBrisbane?

DBTBrisbane have highly trained therapists and skills group trainers who have undertaken specific DBT training and worked hard to develop a comprehensive, adherent, evidence-based program. The DBTBrisbane consultation team meet weekly to ensure fidelity to the DBT model such that the program delivers the highest quality treatment.

Do I need a referral?

You are welcome to refer yourself to DBTBrisbane. You would only need a referral from a GP or Psychiatrist if you wish to claim rebates under a mental health care plan. (Better Access to Mental Health Scheme) More information on the Better Access Program is available in this link: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/mental-ba-fact-pat

I already have a therapist, can I stay with them?

Everyone in DBT needs to have an individual therapist that is in the consultation group and part of DBTBrisbane. DBT is such an intensive and time consuming program that it is not possible for people to undergo another therapy at the same time. It is also confusing for people to learn 2 different therapies at the same time. People are able to maintain a relationship with another therapist and see other providers for things other than therapy i.e. prescriptions or reports, and are welcome to return to another therapist after they complete the DBTBrisbane program if they wish to.

What training have your clinicians received?

At DBTBrisbane, five of our clinicians have completed the 10-day Intensive Training with Behavior Tech. Also, three of our clinicians have also completed a further 5-days of Advanced Intensive Training provided by Behavior Tech and specifically the DBT treatment developer, Dr. Marsha Linehan. Additionally, two of our clinicians have undertaken training with Dr. Linehan on Mindfulness and Reality Acceptance skills. Further, two of our clinicians have completed high level training on incorporating prolonged exposure (PTSD treatment) into standard DBT. Several of our clinicians have also been trained in Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT) to help those dealing with issues of over-control. Not only have our DBT therapists received a high level of training in DBT, but we continue to be a valued and sought-after provider of training to other clinicians, clinics and organisations such as public and private hospitals, NGOs and charities.

Is Bulk Billing available?

No, we are a full fee paying program. Some of our clients have a mental health care plan and referral from their GP or Psychiatrist and so do receive rebates for individual sessions. These rebates do not cover the costs of the program and are limited in number. The program has been deliberately designed so that people who work can still attend outside of business hours.

Do I have to attend the group?

Sometimes the thought of attending a group can be daunting. The purpose of the group is to learn skills and part of the effectiveness of DBT is that skills are taught in a separate session to individual therapy. People find that they benefit from hearing how other people have struggled with or been successful with skills. In certain circumstances, we can organise for people to have an individual skills session, however this will increase the overall cost of therapy.

I’ve already tried DBT and it didn’t work.

DBT is a skills based program. If you stop using the skills it can seem like you are back at square one. Clients who have completed a course of DBT sometimes require skills prompting and reminders. This is why several of our clinicians are happy to see past DBT graduates for skills "booster" sessions. Attending booster sessions can help to keep you connected with DBT skills and make it easier to sustain positive changes in your life.

The evidence for DBT is for a program with all the components i.e. skills group, individual therapy, phone coaching, homework, consultation group. If you were previously in a program which didn’t offer all of these components, and didn’t follow the treatment guidelines as manualised by Dr. Marsha Linehan, the developer of DBT, then evidence suggests it will not be as effective. There are sometimes therapists and programs which are called DBT but are not adherent DBT programs. This language may include “DBT based” or “DBT informed”. However, standard, comprehensive, evidence-based DBT means all the bells and whistles: skills group, individual therapy, phone coaching, homework, daily diary card, and consultation group. The DBTBrisbane program offers all of these components.

Do I need to have Borderline Personality Disorder to receive DBT?

DBT is a gold standard treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) but here at DBTBrisbane we don’t insist on this diagnosis. We know that there are a wider range of diagnoses and people that can benefit from DBT.

DBT has been studied and shown to be effective for people with Major Depression, non-suicidal self injury, other personality disorders, ADHD, PTSD related to childhood, Bipolar Disorder, Binge Eating Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa and Substance Use Disorder. Read more on this page.

I’m keen - what do I do now?

We encourage you to book an initial appointment with one of our clinicians so we can learn more about you and how we can help support you to achieve your goals.