Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Group for Autistic Adults

What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy?

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, or DBT, has been widely used to help clients manage issues around emotional dysregulation. DBT utilises validation strategies and dialectical thinking, which can help autistic adults navigate the challenges of living in a neurotypical world and maintain their sense of identity. This program is unique because it utilises a neurodiversity-affirming approach in implementing the DBT modules of Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.

The skills learnt across these four modules may help improve functioning and well-being in areas such as:

• General mental health
• Stress and anxiety
• Social skills, perspective-taking, and the double empathy problem
• Managing sensory sensitivities
• Challenges managing intense emotions and hyperarousal
• Problems with self-identity

What will I learn?

This group program aims to help clients develop mindfulness skills, learn ways to manage challenging emotions, develop adaptive coping skills to manage stress, and learn how to create healthy interpersonal relationships. The program was developed specifically to work with the unique challenges and strengths of autistic clients. The sessions will involve both theoretical learning and experiential skill building in a group setting.

Program Structure:

The program will be run with a group of 6-10 participants and two facilitators.

Session 1: Introduction
Sessions 2 and 3: Mindfulness skills
Sessions 4 and 5: Distress Tolerance Skills
Sessions 6 and 7: Emotion Regulation Skills
Sessions 8 and 9: Interpersonal Skills
Session 10: Summary and Closure

Each session will involve a range of activities as well as revision of the previous week.

Please note: if you chose to take part you are asked to commit to attending all ten sessions. The program is structured, and missing sessions will reduce how much you get out of the program.

Who is it for? 

The program was developed specifically to work with the unique challenges and strengths of autistic adults.

When and where will it be held?

The program runs for 10 weeks online. Exact dates and times will be confirmed upon enquiry.

We also offer in-person group sessions if there is sufficient interest.

How much does it cost? 

Clients with a GP Mental Health Care Plan for group sessions are eligible for a Medicare rebate on the cost of sessions. In this instance, the sessions will have an out-of-pocket gap fee of $36.40 per session. Please discuss with your GP to see if you are eligible.

Clients who have private health insurance may be able to claim the sessions through psychology extras.

Clients with NDIS funding may also be able to access the program with this funding. You are advised to confirm this directly with your health fund or plan manager.

If you cannot access the program using any of these funding/subsidy options, the private fee per session is $70.

Who is facilitating the program?

Clinical Supervisor and Co-developer of the program

Dr Joseph Allan Sakdalan (he/him) is a registered clinical psychologist and clinical neuropsychologist passionate about supporting neurodivergent clients and has extensive experience working with this population. Joseph’s considerable background in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy has informed the development of a neurodiversity affirming DBT program for autistic clients. Joseph is an international expert and has presented locally and internationally in mental health, forensic psychology, intellectual disability, neurodevelopmental disorders, and evidence-based treatment for clients with complex presentations.

Lead Facilitator & Lived Experience Clinician

Nimasha Weerakoon (she/her) is a registered psychologist and clinical psychology registrar practicing at the Cairnmillar Clinic under the guidance and mentorship of Dr Sakdalan. She identifies as neurodivergent and is passionate about providing affirming and accessible mental health care. She is committed to approaching psychology through a neuro-affirmative lens, promoting equity and inclusion for neurodivergent people within psychology and treating distress, not difference. She is community-oriented and works from an intersectional lens. She completed her Masters of Clinical Psychology at the Cairnmillar Institute and has assisted Dr Sakdalan in developing the adapted DBT program.

How can I/we enrol?

Please contact our clinic admin staff at [email protected] or 1800 391 393. You can also register your interest here.