Why DBT Is a Game-Changer for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
If you—or someone you care about—are living with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), you’re not alone. TRD can feel relentless, especially when multiple medications and even advanced treatments like ketamine or TMS haven’t brought the relief you needed.
But there is hope.
One of the most promising, evidence-based approaches for TRD is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)—and it's helping people regain a sense of control, connection, and purpose, even after years of struggling.
What is DBT?
DBT is a structured therapy originally developed to treat chronic suicidality and borderline personality disorder. But over the years, research has shown that it’s effective for a range of complex and hard-to-treat mental health conditions—including TRD.
At its core, DBT teaches practical, actionable skills that target some of the key challenges people with TRD face:
Emotional overwhelm
Hopelessness and shame
Impaired relationships
Difficulty coping with distress
Struggles with motivation and meaning
Why DBT Works for TRD
People with TRD often describe feeling stuck in an emotional loop: they want things to change, but don’t have the tools—or energy—to make it happen. DBT breaks that cycle.
Here’s how:
It teaches you how to manage intense emotions, not just suppress or avoid them.
It reduces self-judgment and shame, which often worsen depression.
It helps you build a life worth living, starting with small, concrete actions.
It’s skills-based, so progress can start even if mood doesn’t immediately shift.
It works alongside other treatments. You don’t have to choose between DBT and ketamine, or DBT and medication. You can do both.
In fact, many people report better outcomes when DBT is added to their existing treatment plan.
What Makes Our DBT Group Different
I offer a live, online DBT skills group, bringing with 18 years of clinical experience as a psychiatrist. It’s a safe, structured space where you’ll learn:
How to regulate difficult emotions
How to tolerate distress without making things worse
How to improve relationships and boundaries
How to shift out of “emotional shutdown” and into meaningful action
Our next group begins 8 August 2025, and runs weekly via Zoom. It’s facilitated by me, Dr. Michelle King, a psychiatrist with expertise in TRD, chronic pain, and DBT. Payment plans are available.
You Don’t Have to Keep Struggling Alone
If you’ve tried everything and still feel stuck, DBT might be the missing piece. It’s not a quick fix—but it is a roadmap out of the dark.
Click here to learn more and sign up
Because even treatment-resistant depression deserves a treatment plan that works.
