Women's Services Pathway

At Elizabeth House, we understand that the mental health needs of women are diverse, and that a one-size-fits-all approach is rarely effective. Women experiencing severe mental health difficulties, particularly those with a history of trauma or self-harm, require personalised care and support. We provide a range of therapeutic interventions and treatment pathways that are specifically designed to meet the needs of women at different stages of their recovery.

Our approach is grounded in the belief that every woman deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and regain control over her life. Whether a woman is ready to engage in intensive therapy or needs preparatory support, we offer a pathway that meets her where she is and helps her progress towards independence and well-being.

Woman in therapy session

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Programme

At the core of our women’s services is the full twelve-month Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) programme, designed for women who are ready and committed to engaging in a structured and intensive treatment process. DBT is particularly effective for women who have a history of serious self-harm and emotional dysregulation. This evidence-based therapy focuses on decreasing high-risk behaviours, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing interpersonal relationships, ultimately helping women to develop the skills needed to live more independently and safely.

Key Elements of DBT

  • Emotional Regulation: DBT teaches women how to manage intense emotions without resorting to harmful behaviours, such as self-harm. This is achieved through the development of coping strategies and emotional awareness.

  • Interpersonal Effectiveness: Women learn how to improve their communication and relationships, fostering healthier and more fulfilling connections with others.

  • Distress Tolerance: DBT helps women build resilience in managing stress and crisis situations without escalating to harmful behaviours.

  • Mindfulness: The practice of mindfulness, a core component of DBT, encourages women to stay present and aware of their thoughts and feelings without judgment.

By the end of the twelve-month programme, many women find that they have not only reduced their risk behaviours but also gained significant improvements in their overall quality of life.

  • We recognise that not all women are immediately ready for the demands of an intensive therapeutic programme like DBT. For those who are not yet prepared to engage fully, we offer DBT Preparatory Services and DBT Informed Services. These programmes are designed to help women build the commitment, motivation, and foundational skills they need before embarking on the full DBT course.

  • This programme focuses on therapeutic preparatory work, including commitment-building exercises and motivational enhancement. The aim is to help women reach a stage where they are ready and able to engage with the more intensive DBT programme. This may involve:

    • Exploring and addressing ambivalence about therapy

    • Developing a basic understanding of DBT principles

    • Building initial coping skills to manage distress

  • For women who are not yet ready for the full DBT programme but could still benefit from some of its principles, our DBT informed services offer a less intensive version of the therapy. Women in this programme begin to explore the core components of DBT, including emotional regulation and mindfulness, but at a slower and more manageable pace.

Apartment-Based Living and Skills Practice

As part of both the full DBT programme and our preparatory services, we offer self-contained apartments where women can practice the skills they have learned in real-life settings. This allows them to generalise their new skills and test their readiness for independent living before returning to the community. In these supported living environments, women can work on managing their emotions, navigating interpersonal relationships, and dealing with everyday stressors in a safe and supportive setting.

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

For women who are unable or choose not to engage with DBT, we offer Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). CFT is designed to help individuals develop a compassionate and understanding relationship with themselves, particularly if they experience high levels of shame or self-criticism. CFT can be an excellent alternative for women who find DBT too emotionally demanding or are not ready for its cognitive challenges.

At Elizabeth House, we often combine CFT with Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT). This blended approach provides a flexible and effective pathway for women who may not be ready for a more insight-driven form of therapy.

  • Positive Behaviour Support (PBS): This approach focuses on understanding the triggers for challenging behaviours and working to reduce these through positive reinforcement and proactive strategies. PBS is particularly effective for women who struggle with behavioural issues as a result of their mental health conditions.

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT): Many women who come to us have experienced significant trauma, which has contributed to their mental health difficulties. TF-CBT helps women process their trauma in a safe and supportive environment, allowing them to move forward in their recovery.

Woman receiving support

A Biopsychological Model

One of the unique aspects of CFT is its focus on the biopsychological model. This approach helps women understand the physiological responses associated with their emotions, as well as the psychological. By exploring how the body reacts to stress and emotional pain, women can gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and develop strategies for managing these responses.

Women engaging in CFT can also access apartment living, giving them the opportunity to practice their new skills in a real-life environment, much like those in the DBT programme.

Eclectic and Bespoke Care Models

For women who require a truly bespoke treatment plan, we offer an eclectic model of care that is tailored to the specific needs of each individual. This approach allows the care team and the patient to select from a wide range of treatment interventions to create a personalised care package that addresses the woman’s unique mental health challenges and recovery goals.

Customised Treatment Packages

Our eclectic model draws from a variety of therapeutic approaches, including DBT, CFT, PBS, and TF-CBT, as well as other interventions such as:

  • Psychodynamic Therapy: Exploring the underlying emotional and psychological issues that contribute to a woman’s mental health difficulties.

  • Group Therapy: Providing women with the opportunity to share their experiences and learn from others in a supportive group environment.

  • Individual Therapy: One-to-one sessions with a therapist to work through specific challenges and build resilience.

Holistic Support

In addition to these therapeutic interventions, we offer a wide range of support services designed to help women develop the practical skills they need to live independently and achieve their recovery goals. These include:

  • Occupational Therapy: Helping women develop the skills and confidence needed for daily living, including personal care, household management, and vocational skills.

  • Real Work Opportunities: Providing women with the chance to engage in meaningful work, whether through volunteer roles or supported employment opportunities. These experiences help build self-esteem, improve social skills, and prepare women for re-entering the workforce or pursuing further education.

  • Risk Management and Reduction: We work closely with each woman to develop a personalised risk management plan that addresses her specific needs and helps reduce the likelihood of harmful behaviours. This includes strategies for managing self-harm, substance misuse, or other challenging behaviours.

A Holistic Approach to Women’s Mental Health

At Elizabeth House, our Women’s Services Pathway is designed to provide a comprehensive, compassionate, and individualised approach to mental health care. We understand that women with severe mental health conditions face unique challenges, and we are committed to providing the support and treatment they need to overcome these challenges and live fulfilling lives.

Our range of therapeutic options, from the intensive DBT programme to the more flexible and gentler CFT approach, ensures that every woman can find a pathway that meets her needs. By combining evidence-based therapies with practical support, such as apartment living and real work opportunities, we help women not only manage their mental health but also build the skills and confidence needed to thrive outside of a hospital setting.

Whether you are seeking support for yourself or a loved one, our Women’s Services Pathway provides the care, understanding, and expertise needed to make recovery a reality. At Elizabeth House, we believe in the strength and resilience of every woman, and we are here to walk alongside you on your journey to healing and well-being.