Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is often strongly associated with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). In fact, DBT was originally developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr Marsha Linehan specifically to help people struggling with BPD. Because of this history, many people assume DBT is only suitable if you’ve been diagnosed with BPD.
But the truth is, DBT has since been shown to help with a much wider range of difficulties — and you don’t need a BPD diagnosis to benefit from it.
Why DBT Was First Linked With BPD
DBT was created because traditional therapies weren’t working well for people with BPD, who often experience intense emotions, unstable relationships, and high levels of distress. Dr Linehan combined acceptance-based strategies (like mindfulness) with change-focused behavioural skills, creating a structured programme that gave people practical tools to cope.
Because it was so effective, DBT became the “gold standard” treatment for BPD — and that’s why the association is still so strong today.
Who Else Can Benefit From DBT?
Research and clinical experience now show that DBT can help people with a wide range of challenges, including:
- Self-harm and suicidal thoughts – DBT teaches safer ways to cope with distress and reduce harmful behaviours.
- Substance misuse – skills help manage urges and break unhelpful coping patterns.
- Eating disorders – particularly where bingeing, purging, or emotional eating are linked to difficulties managing feelings.
- Anxiety and depression – DBT can reduce emotional intensity and provide healthier strategies for managing low moods or panic.
- Post-traumatic stress – DBT skills can help with stabilisation and emotional regulation.
- Teenagers and young people – DBT for Adolescents (DBT-A) is adapted to support young people and their families with emotional and behavioural struggles.
In short: if you struggle with overwhelming emotions, impulsive behaviours, or difficulties in relationships, DBT may be a good fit, regardless of diagnosis.
What Makes DBT So Adaptable?
The reason DBT works across different difficulties is that it focuses on skills everyone can benefit from, such as:
- Learning to stay present (mindfulness).
- Handling distress without making things worse (distress tolerance).
- Managing strong feelings in a healthier way (emotion regulation).
- Building more balanced, fulfilling relationships (interpersonal effectiveness).
These aren’t just tools for people with BPD — they’re life skills that can support anyone who feels overwhelmed or stuck in unhelpful cycles.
Do I Need a Diagnosis to Start DBT?
Not at all. While some people come to DBT after a diagnosis of BPD or another condition, many simply recognise that they’re struggling with their emotions, relationships, or coping strategies. The focus is on building skills and resilience, not on labels.
DBT Beyond BPD
While DBT has its roots in supporting people with Borderline Personality Disorder, it has grown into a widely used and evidence-based therapy for many different struggles. Whether or not you have a formal diagnosis, if you feel that your emotions or behaviours are getting in the way of the life you want to live, DBT could help.
At Home Counties Therapy, we provide DBT both online across the UK and worldwide, and in person at our clinic for people based in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Bedfordshire.
Get in touch today to arrange a confidential consultation and find out if DBT is right for you.
