Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for Eating Disorders
An evidence-based approach that helps individuals manage emotions, reduce distress, and support lasting recovery.
DBT EXPLAINED?
What Is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based form of psychological therapy that helps individuals manage intense emotions and reduce self-destructive or impulsive behaviours. Originally developed to support people with chronic emotion dysregulation, DBT combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies. DBT has since been adapted for a range of difficulties, including eating disorders, anxiety, self-harm, trauma and body image concerns.
1.25M
people living with an eating disorder
At The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image,
We provide DBT-informed therapy for eating disorders, meaning we integrate core DBT principles and skills into individually tailored one-to-one treatment.
46%
of Adults feel unhappy about appearance
The Principles Behind DBT
DBT focuses on four core areas: emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills support individuals to respond to emotions more effectively and navigate relationships with greater confidence.
How DBT Differs from Other Therapies
While CBT emphasises changing thoughts and behaviours, DBT places additional focus on emotional balance, acceptance, and the development of practical coping strategies. This makes DBT particularly helpful for individuals who experience emotional intensity, impulsivity, or self-criticism alongside their eating disorder.
How DBT Supports Recovery from Eating Disorders
For many people, eating disorder behaviours emerge as a way to cope with overwhelming or uncomfortable emotions. DBT supports individuals to understand these emotional triggers and develop healthier, more sustainable ways of managing distress.
DBT-informed therapy helps reduce binge eating, purging, rigid food rules, and other harmful behaviours by building emotional resilience and reducing reliance on unhelpful patterns. Over time, individuals gain a clearer sense of control, stability, and self-compassion.
DBT helps clients understand the links between emotions, thoughts, and eating behaviours. Recognising these patterns early allows individuals to pause and choose more helpful responses.
Understanding Emotional Triggers
Developing Healthier Coping Mechanisms
Clients learn practical tools to manage stress, regulate emotions, and respond to challenges without turning to restriction, bingeing, or compensatory behaviours. These skills strengthen coping across all areas of life.
The Core Skills of DBT
Our DBT-informed approach integrates four evidence-based DBT skill modules into one-to-one therapy. Each skills area supports behavioural change and emotional recovery using practical, accessible strategies. In full model adherent DBT 1 – 1 therapy would sit alongside a skills based grup and crisis support. Where these additional approaches are needed our team will be able to make this recommendation and refer on to one of our partners for these additional aspects
Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness
Mindfulness promotes awareness of thoughts and feelings without judgement. These skills help individuals stay grounded, reduce reactivity, and make intentional choices around food, emotions, and daily life
Distress Tolerance and Emotional Regulation
Distress tolerance skills help individuals cope with difficult or intense emotions safely, while emotional regulation techniques support more balanced emotional responses. These skills are particularly valuable for reducing urges to binge, purge, or restrict.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
This module focuses on setting boundaries, communicating needs, and building healthier relationships—areas that often feel challenging alongside eating disorder recovery.
Benefits of DBT for Eating Disorders
DBT-informed therapy can provide a wide range of benefits, including:
What to Expect During DBT-Informed Therapy
At The London Centre, DBT-informed therapy is delivered exclusively on a one-to-one basis. Sessions are structured, collaborative, and focused on practising skills that are directly relevant to the individual’s week-to-week experiences.
Your therapist will help you understand patterns, apply DBT skills to real-life situations, and build a personalised toolkit for managing difficult emotions. Treatment progresses at a pace that feels manageable, safe, and supportive.
Individual DBT-Informed Sessions
Your therapist will work closely with you to understand emotional challenges, identify triggers, and practise DBT skills in a targeted and personalised way. Sessions always begin with the most pressing or risky behaviours, ensuring safety and progress remain central.
How DBT Fits into Treatment at The London Centre
DBT-informed therapy is one of several evidence-based approaches provided by our multidisciplinary team. Our psychologists, psychiatrists, and dietitians work together to offer integrated emotional and medical care.
DBT-informed work may be used as a stand-alone treatment or alongside CBT-E, MANTRA, dietetic support, or family interventions—allowing us to create a fully tailored treatment plan. Sessions can take place in person or online to offer flexibility and accessibility.
Is DBT Right for Me?
DBT-informed therapy may be suitable if you:
FAQ’s
FAQs About DBT for Eating Disorders
Start your journey
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Reaching out for support is a significant and courageous step. Our clinicians offer compassionate, specialist care to help you understand your difficulties and begin making meaningful change.