What Training Does DBT Require?

DBT is a type of talking therapy that is based on the framework of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). DBT therapy has been specifically adapted for patients who feel their emotions more intensely than others. This psychotherapy relies on an evidence-based practice that equips clinicians with the skills they require to help patients better manage their intense emotions.

A Review: What is DBT

DBT was initially developed for those with borderline personality disorder – however, it has proven to also be an effective treatment for those with depression and suicidal thoughts. Additionally, DBT has been utilized for treating those with eating disorders, as well as those who struggle with drugs and alcohol misuse. The aims of DBT therapy are for the patient to:

• Accept their difficult feelings
• Learn ways in which to manage these feelings
• Encourage positive changes in their life

DBT Techniques

There are various types of techniques that can be used to administer DBT, but the most common are:

• One-on-one Therapy: this requires a therapist to work with their patient on an individual basis, talking through their specific issues. This technique helps them to navigate their challenging thoughts with the use of DBT skills.
• Skills Training: this is a group setting which is intended to build essential DBT abilities in the patient. During these sessions, attendees are encouraged to talk through different scenarios and how they would practice DBT in the discussed situations.
• Phone Coaching: this is usually used as an extra step between DBT sessions and gives patients extra support.

DBT Techniques

There are various types of techniques that can be used to administer DBT, but the most common are:

• One-on-one Therapy: this requires a therapist to work with their patient on an individual basis, talking through their specific issues. This technique helps them to navigate their challenging thoughts with the use of DBT skills.
• Skills Training: this is a group setting which is intended to build essential DBT abilities in the patient. During these sessions, attendees are encouraged to talk through different scenarios and how they would practice DBT in the discussed situations.
• Phone Coaching: this is usually used as an extra step between DBT sessions and gives patients extra support.

DBT: Interpersonal Effectiveness

Essentially, DBT equips a person with skills to better handle their day-to-day life – which is known as interpersonal effectiveness. Within this DBT framework, a person will be able to:

• Build a sense of self mastery and self-respect
• Balance their wants and needs
• Attend to their relationships better
• Learn how to better manage their priorities

These are just some of the skills a person learns when undergoing DBT therapy. As a clinician, you are able to equip a person with a sense of independence and a feeling that they are able to aptly manage their emotions. So, what type of training is required to become a DBT practitioner?

Becoming a DBT qualified therapist is quite a lengthy process - once you’ve completed your required bachelor’s and master’s degrees, you will need to complete a set number of clinical hours to become a licenced therapist. The next step to becoming a DBT trained therapist is to complete DBT specific training.

DBT Training

DBT training will explore the theoretical basis of the therapy so you can better practice the clinical process of DBT. Here at PESI, we have a range of DBT courses which enable you to become credited DBT practitioners. Our DBT certificate course allows you to:

• Use DBT effectively and creatively
• Tailor the model of DBT to a variety of clients
• Integrate DBT skills for both individual and group therapy
• Take home client worksheets and resources
• Practice streamlined diary cards and chain analysis protocol

Our courses are guided by the latest research and policy in evidence-based practices, while teaching you the clinical process of DBT from theory to practice. This training course extends beyond prescriptive applications and shows you how to use essential skills such as validation, dialectical strategies, communication styles and other skills. This course also counts towards the requirements for the Certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy through Evergreen Certifications.

We also offer an advanced Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills training course – this is an eight module intensive course that teaches the foundations of DBT as well as the dialectics, behavioral change strategies, validation strategies and core mindfulness principles. This course is taught by Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist-HSP – who is an associate faculty member at Vanderbilt University in both the psychology and psychiatry departments. Stephanie conducts Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with both adolescents and adults as a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™.

Looking for more information about DBT training? Browse through our online DBT courses to find the right one for you, or contact our helpful team today.

DBT Online Courses

Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy Professional (C-DBT) Training: An Advanced Online Skills Training for Adapting Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Everyday Clinical Needs

The Integrated Trauma Therapist: Incorporating IFS with EMDR, SP, CPT, AEDP, DBT, and Psychedelic Medicines for Treating Complex Trauma and PTSD

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Certification (C-DBT): Practical Clinical Applications for Trauma, Comorbidities, Addiction and More

2-Day Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Intensive Training Cours