Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) has developed as a combination of operant and skills training approaches, the incorporation of the concept of dialectics and the central role of mindfulness. Variations of DBT – in its pure form, in the form of its component parts or in adapted forms such as Radically Open DBT have developed as a gold standard approach to working with “treatment resistant” and “difficult to treat” clients.
This course is part of the training programme that enables you to complete one or two of the BPS Approved Certificates: Certificate in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Certificate in Third Wave CBT. You can build up gradually your training portfolio by attending all the courses within the programme at the pace that suits you. All your training hours will be calculated, recorded in an individual validated log and accumulated towards your full Certificate.
This two-day introductory course can be taken as an independent stand-alone training module or as a part of two BPS Approved Certificates:
- BPS Approved Certificate in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
- BPS Approved Certificate in Third Wave CBT
Follow the links above to learn more about each of the Certificates.
DBT has been demonstrated to be effective with Borderline Personality Disorder, suicidal intent, sexual abuse survivors, chemical dependency and eating disorders. Its recognition of motivational obstacles to therapeutic engagement and its creative solutions mark it out as one of the most practical approaches to poor motivation in the therapeutic arena today. Its four component parts – of Mindfulness, the development of Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation and Interpersonal Skills – provide a research based set of skills and protocols that delegates will be able to draw from whatever their working context.
During the two day course, delegates will learn and understand the component parts of DBT and will have opportunities to observe a selection of DBT skills as well as practice elements of the approach which they can incorporate into their practice work. An introduction to some of the concepts in DBT skills training groups along with their practicalities will also be included.
Course tutor
Catherine Parker
Accredited CBT Therapist
Catherine Parker completed her intensive DBT training in 2001. She was a founder member of the Derbyshire DBT Service, delivering full programme DBT for over 15 years. Throughout her career as a psychotherapist, she has delivered DBT workshops within her NHS Trust and at local universities, sharing her practical experience of using DBT principles to treat a variety of diagnoses in both Talking Therapies and Community Mental Health settings. She has been the Chair of the DBT Special Interest Group of the BABCP since 2013, and has participated in a number of symposia and other events featuring DBT at the BABCP national conferences.
Course structure
- Full Course Video
- Full course materials as a PDF (downloadable)
- Personalised Certificate for 14 CPD Hours