Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Compassionate, DBT-informed therapy to help you steady intense emotions, improve relationships, and build day-to-day resilience through dialectical behavior therapy UK.

DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) balances two ideas: acceptance of where you are now and change toward what matters. In my practice, I offer DBT-informed individual therapy — integrating evidence-based principles aligned with dialectical behavior therapy UK into sessions tailored to you, rather than delivering a full, manualised DBT programme.

Who this can help

If any of these feel familiar, DBT‑informed work can be a good fit:

  • Big, fast‑changing emotions that feel hard to manage
  • Anxiety, low mood or shame linked to emotional ups and downs
  • Urges to act impulsively when distressed (e.g., withdrawing, lashing out, over‑spending)
  • Relationship patterns that swing between closeness and conflict
  • People‑pleasing, difficulty saying no, or fear of rejection
  • Burnout and overwhelm (including for autistic/ADHD clients)
  • Recovery and stabilisation after difficult or traumatic experiences

If you struggle with thoughts of harming yourself or feel unsafe, we will create a safety plan together and make sure you have the right level of support. (In an emergency, please contact NHS urgent help.)

What “DBT‑informed” means here

  • Personalised, not prescriptive: We use DBT ideas where they’re helpful and combine them with other approaches I draw on (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic and systemic thinking).
  • Skills you can use right away: We prioritise practical tools you can apply between sessions.
  • Pace that fits you: We go steadily, checking in on what works and adjusting as we go.
  • Not a full DBT programme: I don’t run DBT groups or 24/7 phone coaching. If a full programme would suit you better, I can help you explore options and referrals.

Skills we can build together

  • Mindfulness – simple practices to steady attention and access “wise mind”.
  • Distress Tolerance – ways to ride out crises safely, reduce harm and self‑soothe.
  • Emotion Regulation – understanding what emotions are telling you, reducing vulnerability (sleep, nutrition, routine) and choosing helpful actions.
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness – asking for what you need, setting boundaries and keeping self‑respect in tough conversations.

Each skill area includes small, doable steps and home practice so change shows up in everyday life

What to expect in sessions

  • First meeting – understand what’s happening, your goals and what would feel like progress.
  • Plan – agree focus areas and a simple way to track what helps.
  • Weekly or fortnightly sessions (50 minutes) – structured but warm conversations, with space for emotions and practical coaching.
  • Between‑session practice – brief exercises, notes or worksheets to support change.
  • Reviews – we check what’s working and adjust the plan together.

Online and in‑person appointments are available. Confidentiality is discussed clearly at the outset.

In‑person or online: what’s right for you?

In‑person sessions can feel grounding and give us more scope to use the space. Some people also find it easier to focus away from home and value a consistent, private space.

Online sessions (secure video) offer flexibility, no travel time and a familiar environment. They’re often a good fit if you have accessibility needs, a busy schedule, or prefer reduced sensory load.

We can decide together which format suits you best — and switch if your needs change.

Neuroinclusive and flexible

I offer neuroinclusive therapy for clients diagnosed with ASC, ADHD, or who otherwise identify as neurodivergent. We can adapt the environment (sensory needs), language (clear and direct), tools (visuals, written summaries), and pacing so sessions work with your nervous system and thinking style, while integrating evidence-based approaches such as dialectical behavior therapy UK to support emotional regulation and resilience.

Is a full DBT programme right for me?

A comprehensive DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) programme typically includes a skills group, individual therapy, phone coaching and a consultation team. Many clients, however, benefit from DBT‑informed individual therapy focused on targeted skills and personalised goals.

If you, however, need the level of structure and support offered in full DBT programs, I can direct you to other therapists who offer full DBT programs.

Getting started

If you’d like support with emotions, relationships or coping under stress, DBT‑informed therapy can help you build skills that last. You can book an appointment or send a question — I’ll reply with available times and the next steps. (See the Fees page for pricing and the Contact page to message me.)

Note: This service is not an emergency or crisis service. If you’re in immediate danger, call 999 or use NHS urgent mental health support.

FAQs

How many sessions will I need?

This varies. Many clients notice changes within 6–12 sessions; others prefer longer‑term work. We’ll review progress regularly and agree the right pace for you.

Is this suitable if I haven’t had a formal diagnosis?

Yes. You don’t need a diagnosis to start therapy. If assessment would be useful, I can signpost you to appropriate services.

Do you offer a full, manualised DBT programme?

I provide DBT‑informed individual therapy. If you need a comprehensive programme (skills group + phone coaching), I’ll discuss referral options.

Can we combine DBT with other approaches?

Absolutely. We can integrate CBT strategies, psychodynamic insight and systemic thinking where helpful.

What are your fees and how do I book?

Please see the Fees page for current rates and use the Contact page to arrange an appointment or ask a question.

Let's Chat

0203 576 1750

Email Me

s.ahmed@kindsoulpsych.co.uk

Let’s Talk!