Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
The Tuke Centre provides outpatient Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) delivered in collaboration with The Retreat, York.
DBT is helpful for clients who are chronically suicidal or repeatedly self-harm, together with difficulties coping with life and feeling out of control, particularly with emotions and relationships. Research carried out over 25 years supports this, and shows consistent results of improvement in self-management skills in relationships, emotions and impulses. This offers people increased probability of safety and a sustained life, a life which can be more fulfilling and rewarding.
DBT is a psychological therapy developed by Marsha Linehan at the University of Washington, USA. It brings together well-established elements of behaviour and cognitive therapy in a clear framework.
The DBT team at The Tuke Centre help you recognise and address some or all of the following:
- Suicidal and self-harming behaviours: repeated suicide threats and attempts, cutting, burning or other physical self-harm.
- Relationships: intense unstable relationships, fear of being abandoned, trouble keeping relationships.
- Impulsiveness: acting in ways likely to cause harm such as drinking, drug taking, binge eating, shoplifting, reckless driving, or impulsive behaviour ruled by mood.
- Confusion about self: confused or absent sense of self, feeling empty, evil or non-existent, feeling that the self, others or the environment are somewhat unreal, changed or threatening.
- Unstable moods: extreme emotional sensitivity, mood swings, problems with anger.
Our Outpatient DBT Guide will give you more information about this therapy.
How to access DBT
Please ring Dr Julia Coakes on 01904 430370 if you wish to refer someone for standard DBT, or if you want to discuss whether a referral would be appropriate.
We accept referrals from a member of the client’s clinical team, ideally from their GP or Psychiatrist.
The Team
Dr Julia Coakes - Clinical Psychologist & Service Lead
Dr Gill Smith - Consultant Psychiatrist
Dan Round - RMN, Psychotherapist
Sally Paybody - RMN, Nurse Therapist
Comments from a client:
"This is a very challenging service, with excellent support and understanding, to help change dangerous and unwanted behaviours. The telephone support service has been the most valuable of all - somewhere I can call when in a crisis, and learn to put skills into practice. The skills group is personal to your own experiences and the individual therapy has helped me make changes to my behaviour and life. I have found a safe environment to practice my skills. Suicidal behaviours vanished straight away. I now eat a normal diet, which I have never been able to before with the help of the specialist eating disorders dietitian.
I am truly grateful for all those who have helped me to give me the tools to practise and use for when I go on further in my journey in life."
