Free Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Training Webinar – 1 Hour CPD Certification
Major therapeutic interventions in mental health: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
This recording is taken from the free DBT webinar that was held on Wednesday 24th March 2021 and included in the video are details on how to download a peer approval CPD certificate.
DBT has pretty much taken the therapeutic world by storm and yet there are plenty of people still unsure as to what is an isn’t DBT. This hour long session aims to clear that up, show you how you can take it further if you want to, and maybe even suggest a couple of things you can implement straight away.
Speaker: Dr William Davies, chaired by Amy George
Dr William Davies is the Head of Applied Clinical Psychology at the APT and is the author of post qualification courses on CBT, DBT, ACT, motivational interviewing, and more. These have been attended by well over 150,000 mental health professionals in the UK alone.
To view the training and find out details about CPD certification see the Go to Training link below.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): An Introduction for Beginners and Practicing Therapists
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a highly effective treatment approach originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), particularly those with chronic suicidal behavior.
Over time, DBT has proven its versatility and efficacy in addressing a range of mental health issues, including mood disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, and PTSD. Whether you’re new to psychology or already practicing as a therapist, DBT provides a structured yet flexible framework for helping clients navigate complex emotional experiences.
This post introduces the key principles of DBT, offering both beginners and seasoned therapists an insight into this evidence-based approach—and highlighting the importance of continuing professional development (CPD) in DBT training.
What is DBT?
At its core, DBT combines principles from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with concepts from mindfulness and Eastern philosophies, particularly the dialectic approach, which focuses on the synthesis of opposites.
The term “dialectical” reflects the idea of balancing acceptance and change—a central tenet in DBT.
DBT emphasizes four main components:
- Mindfulness: Being present and fully aware in the moment.
- Distress Tolerance: Coping with painful or difficult emotions without making things worse.
- Emotion Regulation: Understanding and managing intense emotional responses.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Navigating relationships skillfully and assertively.
These four skills are designed to help individuals better manage overwhelming emotions, build stronger relationships, and ultimately lead a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Why is DBT Unique?
DBT’s uniqueness lies in its balanced approach, integrating acceptance strategies (mindfulness and distress tolerance) with change strategies (emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness).
This balance makes it highly effective for individuals who experience extreme emotional dysregulation and impulsive behaviors, often cycling between intense, conflicting emotions.
For the beginner, DBT provides an approachable and structured model, rooted in practical skills that clients can learn and implement in their daily lives. Its emphasis on mindfulness and emotional awareness makes it particularly attractive for those interested in the holistic intersection of mental health and mindfulness practices.
For the trained therapist, DBT offers a highly structured yet adaptive framework. While the model encourages fidelity to the manualized treatment plan, it also leaves room for therapeutic creativity, allowing clinicians to tailor interventions to individual clients’ needs.
The Structure of DBT Treatment
DBT treatment is often delivered in both individual and group settings, with the aim of providing comprehensive support. The full DBT program typically consists of:
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions where the therapist focuses on the client’s specific needs, working on personal goals and problem-solving.
- Skills Training Groups: Group sessions that focus on teaching DBT skills, often in a psychoeducational format.
- Phone Coaching: Clients are encouraged to call their therapist between sessions when they encounter situations that require DBT skills in real-time.
- Consultation Teams: DBT therapists meet regularly with a team of other DBT providers to support one another, ensuring that they are offering the best care and maintaining their own well-being.
For someone just beginning their journey into psychology or therapy, understanding the structure of DBT helps clarify the different modes of intervention and the collaborative nature of the treatment process.
The Role of CPD in DBT
For therapists already trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy or considering incorporating it into their practice, CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is crucial.
DBT is a highly nuanced therapy that requires a deep understanding of both its principles and its practical applications. Regular CPD training helps therapists stay updated on the latest research, refine their skills, and collaborate with other professionals to improve client outcomes.
Therapists who wish to expand their DBT knowledge and expertise should consider CPD courses for several reasons:
- Stay Current with Research: DBT is a growing field with ongoing research supporting new interventions and modifications to existing protocols. Staying current ensures that therapists are using the most effective methods available.
- Skill Refinement: DBT is a complex therapy, and even seasoned therapists can benefit from refreshing and refining their skills, particularly around managing challenging clients or navigating tricky therapeutic dynamics.
- Networking and Peer Support: Attending DBT CPD training allows therapists to meet and collaborate with peers who share their interest in this therapeutic modality. Consultation teams are integral to DBT, and CPD events often offer opportunities for building these supportive networks.
- Accreditation: Many professional bodies require ongoing CPD to maintain accreditation. For those specializing in DBT, this training ensures that therapists meet the standards of their governing bodies.
Why DBT Training is Important
For beginners, enrolling in DBT training provides a solid foundation in a widely respected therapeutic model that’s proven to help clients with severe emotional and behavioral challenges.
The skills and principles learned in Dialectical Behavior Therapy are not only applicable to clients with severe disorders like BPD but can also be adapted to help individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, and relationship difficulties.
For established therapists, DBT training offers the chance to deepen and refine therapeutic skills, adding a valuable tool to your therapeutic repertoire.
DBT’s focus on mindfulness and emotional regulation can complement other approaches, making it a versatile choice for clinicians working with a wide range of mental health challenges.
Final Thoughts: The Value of DBT CPD Training
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach to managing emotional dysregulation and helping clients lead more balanced and fulfilling lives. Whether you’re new to therapy or a seasoned professional, DBT offers valuable skills and insights that can enhance your practice and improve client outcomes.
For practicing therapists, regular CPD training in DBT is essential for staying current, refining skills, and ensuring the highest level of care.
Beginners will find DBT training to be an excellent introduction to therapeutic work, providing a structured approach that blends cognitive-behavioral principles with mindfulness and emotional acceptance.
If you’re looking to broaden your skills or simply want to explore a proven therapeutic model that can make a real difference in your clients’ lives, consider viewing the DBT training above. It’s a step toward mastering a therapy that is as impactful as it is practical.
