Online · Across New Zealand · No referral needed
Emotion dysregulation therapy in New Zealand
When emotions hit harder, last longer and take over, there are skills for that. Our psychologists teach evidence-based emotion regulation, online across NZ.
Clinically reviewed by Inge Prince, Clinical Psychologist · Updated June 2026
Book a SessionWhat is emotion dysregulation?
Emotion dysregulation means emotions that feel disproportionately intense, arrive quickly and take a long time to settle, often with impulsive reactions, mood swings or anger that's hard to control. It's a feature of many experiences including trauma, ADHD and BPD, and improves with skills-based therapies such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
When feelings take the wheel
Emotion dysregulation means emotions that feel too big, arrive too fast, and take too long to settle. It might look like rage that erupts before you can think, hurt that spirals for days, moods that swing sharply, impulsive decisions you regret, or relationships that run hot and cold. Afterwards there's often shame - "why can't I just handle things like everyone else?"
The honest answer: emotion regulation is a set of skills, and for all sorts of reasons, temperament, upbringing, trauma, neurodivergence, some people never got a fair chance to learn them. The good news is they can be learned at any age.
How therapy helps
Our psychologists draw primarily on Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills, the most established approach for emotion dysregulation, alongside Schema Therapy and ACT. Work typically covers:
- Understanding your emotional patterns, what triggers you, how emotions escalate, and what keeps the cycle going
- Distress tolerance, getting through intense moments without making them worse
- Emotion regulation skills, reducing emotional vulnerability and changing the trajectory of emotions once they start
- Interpersonal effectiveness, asking for what you need and holding boundaries without blowing up or shutting down
This work also helps with anger and irritability, an area Jake Meads works in regularly, and with the emotional intensity that can come with ADHD, BPD traits, or complex trauma histories, where Candice van der Merwe and Jezebel Machado bring particular depth.
Why people choose Mindwell for this
Emotion dysregulation is one of Mindwell's core specialties, it's in our name on the door. Sessions are online, private and practical: you leave with skills to use this week, not just insight. And because therapy happens in your own environment, practising those skills where you actually live is built in from day one.
Fees
One clear fee for all sessions: $199 + GST per 50-minute session. No referral needed. A Stripe card processing fee (2.9% + 60¢) applies at payment. Many health insurers cover psychology sessions, we provide a receipt you can submit for reimbursement. See full fees and payment details →
Frequently asked questions
Is emotion dysregulation the same as borderline personality disorder?
No. Emotion dysregulation is a feature of many experiences, trauma, ADHD, depression, anxiety, BPD, or none of the above. You don't need any diagnosis to work on emotion regulation skills.
What is DBT?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is a structured, skills-based therapy originally developed for intense emotional difficulties. It teaches concrete skills across mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
Can you help with anger specifically?
Yes. Anger and irritability respond well to the same skills-based work, understanding triggers, catching the escalation earlier, and building responses that don't damage your relationships or your own wellbeing.
How quickly will I notice change?
Many people find one or two skills make a noticeable difference within weeks. Deeper change, shifting long-standing patterns, typically takes a few months of consistent work with your psychologist.
Ready to take the first step?
Booking takes just a few minutes. You'll be matched with an available psychologist and can have your first session from the comfort of your own home.
Book a Session NowAll sessions are online · Available across New Zealand · Confidential