Services
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a well-established, evidence-based therapeutic model designed to support individuals in managing intense emotions, building resilience, and improving relationships. Originally developed for people with borderline personality disorder, DBT is now recognised as a transdiagnostic approach – effective across a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, self-harm, and emotional dysregulation.
There is also emerging evidence supporting the use of DBT with neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum or living with ADHD. Its structured, skills-based framework and strong emphasis on emotional regulation and distress tolerance make it a promising option for this population.
DBT can be implemented across the lifespan, with adaptations for adults, adolescents, and children. For adolescents, the model includes a unique module called Walking the Middle Path, which is specifically designed to improve communication and reduce conflict between teens and their parents or caregivers. This focus on family dynamics helps reinforce skill use at home and strengthens the therapeutic impact.
DBT Skills Group Training
DBT Skills Group Training provides structured sessions where clients learn and practise core DBT skills: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. For adolescents, a fifth module — Walking the Middle Path — is also included. These groups offer a supportive environment for both adults and adolescents to develop practical tools for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and navigating daily life more effectively.
DBT Individual Therapy
DBT Individual Therapy builds on the skills learned in group skills training, providing personalised, one-on-one support tailored to each client’s unique challenges. It includes ongoing skills application, behavioural analysis, and problem-solving within a structured therapeutic relationship. Phone coaching is also available to support clients in applying DBT skills in real-life situations between sessions. DBT is most effective when all components—individual therapy, skills groups, phone coaching, and consultation—are integrated and working together to support meaningful behavioural change and emotional regulation.
DBT Consult Group
Lauren is available to facilitate DBT Consultation Groups for professionals who are starting to implement DBT and wish to maintain fidelity to the treatment model. These groups provide a structured, collaborative space for clinicians to reflect on their DBT practice, receive guidance, and ensure adherence to core principles while adapting to their clinical context.
DBT Training for Mental Health Professionals
Lauren Creese offers specialised training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) tailored for mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, occupational therapists, and nursing staff. These training programmes can be focused on working with adults or adolescents and are designed to enhance skills, promote treatment fidelity, and support effective implementation of DBT within diverse clinical settings across South Africa. Training covers core DBT principles, practical applications, and adaptations relevant to the local context.
DBT in Schools
Our DBT in Schools programme brings the core components of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy into primary and secondary school environments to support emotional and behavioural well-being. The programme is highly adaptable, making it effective for a wide range of pupils — including those who are neurodivergent (such as individuals with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or Dyslexia) as well as neurotypical learners navigating stress, anxiety, peer conflict, or academic pressure.
Through structured, weekly sessions, pupils are taught key DBT skills across five areas: Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Walking the Middle Path (promoting flexible thinking styles). Sessions are delivered using developmentally appropriate, flexible approaches — incorporating visuals, movement, routine, and multi-sensory learning — to ensure accessibility and engagement for all learners, regardless of their needs or learning style.
In addition, we offer training and consultation for teachers and school staff, equipping them with practical strategies to reinforce DBT skills across the school day. The programme supports schools in creating emotionally safe, inclusive environments where all pupils can build resilience, manage big emotions, and develop strong, healthy relationships.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy & the SpecBLOOM Series
My interest in this work is both deeply personal and professional. I’ve had the privilege of walking closely alongside several remarkable individuals whose ways of experiencing the world have taught me far more than any textbook ever could. These relationships have profoundly shaped how I understand and engage with neurodiversity – informing a therapeutic approach that is grounded in respect, curiosity, and affirmation. Rooted in a neurodiversity-affirming framework, my work centres on supporting individuals to better understand themselves, harness their strengths, and flourish in environments that may not always be set up with their needs in mind. These incredible neurodivergent minds – including those of autistic individuals, ADHDers, dyslexic and gifted learners, those with tic disorders and others – don’t need to be “corrected” to fit into a narrow mould. Instead, therapy becomes a space where individuals are supported to understand themselves, build on their strengths, and navigate a world that often doesn’t accommodate their needs.
This philosophy inspired the creation of the SpecBLOOM Series – a dynamic collection of lectures, seminars and workshops for schools, educators, parents, and learners. The series focuses on building awareness and practical strategies around neurodivergence, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, compassion, and systemic change.
Why “SpecBLOOM”?
The name is a play on spekboom, a hardy South African plant known for its resilience, its ability to thrive in tough environments, and its unique ability to photosynthesise at night – unlike most plants. It’s a powerful symbol of adaptability and quiet strength – qualities I see in so many neurodivergent individuals who flourish when they’re understood and supported.
“Bloom” evokes growth, vitality, and the idea of flourishing in one’s own way – not despite difference, but because of it.
A key idea running through the series is the analogy of neurotypicals and neurodivergents as two different operating systems – like Microsoft and iOS. Neither is superior, but difficulties arise when most of the world is designed to accommodate one system and not the other. SpecBLOOM works to bridge that gap – by fostering understanding, encouraging flexibility, and advocating for environments that work with, not against, neurodivergent ways of being.
What the Series Offers
Having worked with many schools across South Africa, the SpecBLOOM Series is designed to be flexible and responsive. Topics include:
Practical strategies for classroom differentiation
Co-regulation and emotional support techniques
Understanding sensory and learning profiles
Advocacy and rights-based education
Building neurodivergent pride and self-understanding
Supporting families and fostering parent-school collaboration
Whether it’s a one-off educator training, a parent talk, or a multi-part workshop series for learners, SpecBLOOM aims to equip school communities with tools, insight, and heart.
Clinical supervision for early-career psychologists
I offer clinical supervision to early-career psychologists who are looking for support, guidance, and a space to grow in their professional roles. With over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, and having worked closely with postgraduate students for many years, I understand the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with entering the field of clinical psychology.
My approach to supervision is collaborative and reflective, grounded in evidence-based practice and shaped by my own experience in clinical, academic, and public health settings. I aim to create a safe, supportive environment where supervisees feel comfortable bringing their uncertainties, clinical dilemmas, and areas of growth. Together, we work on strengthening clinical reasoning, navigating ethical complexities, and developing a clear therapeutic identity.
I draw on my expertise in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and psychopathology to guide case discussions and provide practical, skills-based insights. I’m particularly passionate about supporting psychologists who work in resource-limited settings, where flexibility, creativity, and resilience are key to providing effective care.
Whether you’re completing community service, preparing for independent practice, or simply looking to deepen your clinical skills, I offer supervision that is thoughtful, responsive, and tailored to your development as a confident and ethical practitioner.