When short-term support isn't enough
A structured referral pathway for clients who need more than insight. Some clients engage genuinely with EAP support - they're articulate, motivated, and trying - and yet they remain stuck. Emotionally dysregulated, repeating the same patterns, unable to translate understanding into lasting change. DBT Psychology Clinic exists for exactly this group.
Who We Work With
These are the presentations that standard EAP and short-term therapy often don't fully resolve — and that comprehensive DBT is specifically designed to treat.
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High-functioning professionals
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Insight without change
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Complex presentations
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About DBT Psychology
The Program
Our 48-week program is delivered consistent with the treatment as originally developed and researched by Marsha Linehan. Not an adapted or abbreviated version — the full model.
When to Refer
A practical checklist for referring clinicians
A comprehensive DBT program may be worth considering when a client meets several of the following criteria.
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Functioning well in some areas of life but struggling significantly in others — particularly close relationships or emotional regulation
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Continues to experience significant internal distress despite ongoing therapy engagement
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Has developed insight and understanding, but is not translating this into sustained behavioural change
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Shows prominent self-criticism or self-invalidation that consistently undermines progress made in session
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Appears caught between knowing what needs to change and being unable to act on that knowledge
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Uses behaviours such as substance use, self-harm, or impulsive actions to manage emotional states
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Would benefit from a more structured, skills-based approach alongside individual therapeutic work
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Has exhausted short-term EAP support without sufficient resolution of core difficulties
The suitability of DBT is best assessed through an initial clinical consultation. We are happy to have an informal conversation about whether the program is likely to be a good fit before a formal referral is made. Referring clinicians are kept informed of client progress throughout the program.
This is not a failure of therapy, or of the therapist, or of the client. It is a clinical signal worth paying attention to."
Louise Fisher, Director and Clinical Psychologist, DBT Psychology Clinic
How We Work
We have designed the referral process to be as straightforward as possible for the clinicians and organisations we work with.
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Step 1 — Book a referrer briefing
A 15-minute call with one of our team to discuss how we work, the presentations we treat, and whether your clients are likely to be a good fit.
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Step 2 — Discuss the client
Brief clinical conversation about the specific presentation. We will give you an honest view of whether DBT is likely to be the right next step.
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Step 3 — Client intake consultation
A full clinical assessment with Tania or Louise to confirm suitability and match the client with the right therapist. Clients can self-book via our intake page.
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Step 4 — Collaborative care
Referring clinicians are kept in the loop on client progress. We work alongside, not instead of, existing support relationships.
Your First Point of Contact - Tania Alexander
Founding Director | Dedicated Intake Clinician
Tania Alexander is a founding director of DBT Psychology Clinic and one of Australia's most experienced DBT clinicians. More than 20 years ago, she pioneered one of the first comprehensive DBT programs in a public mental health service in Sydney — a program that continues to this day. In 2017 she co-founded Sydney's first comprehensive full-model DBT program in private practice. Tania oversees clinical quality across the program and takes referrals for initial suitability consultations.
Let's talk about how we can work together
A 15-minute referrer briefing with one of our team is the easiest way to understand whether our program is a good fit for your clients or organisation. Book directly into our diary, or submit an enquiry below.