Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) in London

If you struggle with intense emotions, find it difficult to maintain stable relationships, or feel overwhelmed by impulsive behaviours, you’re not alone. Dialectical behaviour therapy, commonly known as DBT, is an evidence-based treatment method designed specifically to help people manage high emotional reactivity and build a more balanced, fulfilling life.

At Priory Hospital Roehampton, we provide a comprehensive 26-week DBT-informed programme. Delivered by highly skilled, British Isles trained clinicians, our pathway offers a structured environment where you can learn the practical skills needed to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

What is DBT?

DBT was originally developed to help people who experience emotions very intensely. The ‘dialectical’ part of the name refers to the balance between two seemingly opposite ideas: acceptance and change. In our sessions, we work with you to accept who you are in the moment while simultaneously learning DBT skills to change the behaviours that are causing you distress.

Who can benefit from DBT?

The skills taught in our programme are proven to be effective for a wide range of mental health challenges. You may find this treatment particularly helpful if you experience:

• Frequent mood swings or high emotional reactivity
• Difficulty managing anger or impulsive urges
• A history of self-harm or suicidal thoughts
• Intense or unstable relationships
• Challenges with eating disorders or substance misuse
• Pervasive feelings of anxiety and overwhelm

The four pillars of our DBT programme

Our 26-week framework is broken down into four essential modules. Each one provides a different set of tools to help you gain control over your emotional experience:

1. Core mindfulness

Learning how to be present in the moment and observe your thoughts and feelings without judgement.

2. Interpersonal effectiveness

Developing the skills to ask for what you need, say ‘no’, and manage conflict while maintaining your self-respect and your relationships.

3. Emotion regulation

Identifying and labelling your emotions, and learning how to reduce your vulnerability to overwhelming or impulsive emotional reactions.

4. Distress tolerance

Finding healthy ways to survive a crisis or tolerate painful situations without making them worse through impulsive actions.

Our DBT treatment pathway in Roehampton

We understand that committing to therapy is a significant step. Our programme is designed to be as supportive and structured as possible to ensure your success.

What is a treatment pathway?

In a clinical setting, a pathway is a carefully designed roadmap for your recovery. It’s not just a series of random appointments; it’s a structured journey created by experts to take you from a place of emotional distress to a place of stability and empowerment.

By following a pathway, you benefit from a clear beginning, middle and end, ensuring that every session builds on the last. This consistency is vital for recovery, as it provides the safety and predictability needed to do the deep work of emotional change.

A comprehensive approach

Our DBT group is a standardised, 26-week programme that includes:

• Pre-group assessment: A free session to ensure the group is the right fit for you and to discuss your commitment to the targets
• Weekly skills training: A 2 and a half hour group session held every week to learn and practise new behavioural skills
• Individual therapy: Regular sessions with a therapist to discuss your personal progress and how to apply the group skills to your specific life situations

Group targets

The primary goal of DBT is to help you feel more in control of your emotions and create lasting stability. To achieve this, we focus on:

• Reducing behaviours that are harmful or life-threatening
• Reducing behaviours that interfere with the progress of therapy
• Increasing the specific coping skills you need to manage your quality of life

Getting therapy at Priory Hospital Roehampton

Choosing where to undertake your therapy is just as important as the therapy itself. Our programmes are delivered at the historic Priory Hospital Roehampton, located in a quiet, leafy corner of South West London.

Why the setting matters

Recovery from emotional instability requires a sense  of safety and containment. Our site offers:

• A peaceful environment: Situated near the edge of Richmond Park, the hospital provides a calm, green space away from the noise and rush of Central London
• Expert community: Being at Roehampton means you’re part of a world-renowned centre of excellence. A full multidisciplinary team of consultants, nurses and specialist therapists supports you
• Accessibility: We are easily accessible from across London and the Home Counties, with excellent transport links and on-site parking

Whether you’re joining us in-person or accessing our treatment pathway remotely, the Roehampton team provides the professional, discreet and supportive atmosphere you need to thrive.

Pricing and insurance

Our full 26-week DBT course costs £8,995. This includes the pre-commitment sessions. We accept both self-pay clients and those using private medical insurance (PMI). We recommend checking your specific eligibility criteria with your insurer before beginning, as well as the level of treatment they will authorise.

Take the first step

At Priory Hospital Roehampton, we’re committed to providing expert care that helps you regain control and improve your quality of life. Our specialist DBT pathway offers a supportive environment focused on your long-term growth and wellbeing.

For further information or to discuss your suitability for the programme, please contact our team at [email protected] or call us.