An Introduction to Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

DBT was founded in 1993 by Marsha Linehan, initially known as CBT for Borderline disorder.  DBT consists of a series of skills and techniques for working with personality disorders and other areas.  Many people want to familiarise themselves with these skills without necessarily becoming a DBT therapist exclusively, and the introduction course is ideal if you are thinking of taking the first step in becoming a DBT therapist or if you would like to have a better understanding of the concept before referring clients or employees to a DBT service.  The programme can be delivered to groups or organisations.

Suitable for:

  • Professionals who see clients in 1 to 1 sessions and wish to add DBT techniques to their set of skills.
  • People or teams working in inpatient or community settings.
  • Mental health/psychiatric nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, probation officers, people working in HR or Occupational Health departments.
  • Carers for people with mental health issues.

Members of The Psychological Society of Ireland and The Addiction Counsellors of Ireland can earn learning credits/CPD points for completing this workshop. 

 

“I like the theory and I really enjoyed the practice piece I found it very useful. I really enjoyed the group, we were very open in the breakout rooms and as a result I l felt I learnt a lot.” 

Margaret Fitzsimons, Edenmore Drug Intervention Team, Raheny 

May 2024

 

“Very easy to listen to Ciara, she kept everyone engaged. Ciara has a lovely style of teaching which allows for questions, discussion and applying the concepts being learned. Liked the breakout rooms to chat among ourselves. Based on the learning I’d like to pursue doing the advanced DBT course. Exceeded my expectations for an online learning experience.”

Dr. Jeanine De Volder, Principal Psychologist, Forensic Psychological Services

May 2024

 

“I enjoyed the fact that the slides and handouts were made available the day before so I could follow along and make notes during the class. Our instructor was knowledgeable, approachable, and open to questions and interaction. The class was informative, not too reliant on group work, just the perfect amount, and it was thoroughly enjoyable.”

 
Emma Tyrrell, Chartered Forensic Psychologist, Forensic Psychological Services

May 2024

 

“I really enjoyed the fact that the delivery of the course included examples and real situations in which the skills learnt could be implemented OR would not be most suitable, along with recommendations for each section. Additionally, it was really great to go into breakrooms quite regularly to discuss the most recent topic. Considering the current circumstances with the pandemic, I think that remote learning is a great alternative option. The length of the course was appropriate, given the content, and the trainer did a wonderful job throughout the entire course.”

Alexandra Ferreira, Clinical Psychologist, Nua Healthcare Services

September 2021

Programme Duration

One day

Programme Content

  • Validation, the implication of invalidating environments for a child, and for the adult. Using validating responses in the therapeutic environment.
  • The use of Metaphors,
  • Problem solving strategy.
  • Contingency management.
  • Emotion-regulation.
  • Interpersonal effectiveness.
  • Mindfulness
  • Distress tolerance.
  • Walking the Middle Path.
  • The role of the face to face sessions and group sessions.

Learning Outcomes

  • Gaining an understanding of DBT.
  • The ability to create validating environments.
  • The ability to validate other people in an easy way.
  • The ability to give people different perspectives in a fast way.
  • The ability to help people to solve problems rather than dwell on them.
  • The ability to respond to very severe behaviours in a caring way without reinforcing the severe behaviour.
  • The ability to help people to bring some sense of order and predictability to emotions.
  • The ability to help people tolerating distress.

Connect with Your Trainer

The Learning Curve Institute will distribute a unique pre-course questionnaire to each participant in order to ensure the training meets the needs of everyone and is tailored to the appropriate level while also covering specific situations or scenarios as highlighted by the group.

The Learning Curve Institute offers a unique post course support system whereby participants are provided with the contact details of the trainer and are free to contact them with any questions they may have.

Programme Certification

All attendees will receive an eCertificate of Completion in "An Introduction to Dialectical Behaviour Therapy" from The Learning Curve Institute.

Tailoring the training content

As all of our training is bespoke, we will consult you prior to delivery. A review of current practice within your organisation is offered and we aim to build a programme which meets any identified needs.

The Learning Curve Institute also offers a bespoke post-course support system whereby participants are provided with the contact details of the trainer and can contact them with questions they may have at any point subsequent to the training day.