British Isles DBT Training is the licensed provider of training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, and is affiliated with the Linehan Institute. Since 1997 they have trained clinicians and teams across the UK and Ireland, and have helped launch more than 450 DBT programmes.
About DBT
DBT is a treatment model originally developed by psychologist Dr Marsha Linehan for people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It was designed to help people whose emotional difficulties were hard to manage within a standard therapeutic relationship or institutional setting.
DBT builds on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and adds acceptance and mindfulness-based strategies. The “dialectical” part means balancing two ideas: accepting yourself as you are while also working towards change. Clients learn practical skills in four main areas:
- Mindfulness: staying present and aware
- Distress tolerance: getting through a crisis without making things worse
- Emotion regulation: understanding emotions and reducing their intensity
- Interpersonal effectiveness: asking for what you need and keeping healthy relationships
A full DBT programme usually combines individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching between sessions, and a consultation team that supports the therapists.
The training helps professionals learn more about:
- Treating patients with a history of chronic suicidal behaviour
- Enhancing the morale and effectiveness of the therapist
- Adapting DBT for other areas, such as eating disorders, adolescents and substance misuse
Evidence supports DBT for people who self-harm or have attempted suicide, as well as for depression, eating disorders and feelings of hopelessness. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends considering DBT for women with BPD for whom reducing repeated self-harm is a priority.
Training
British Isles DBT Training offers a wide range of training, from introductory workshops and 2-day courses to full intensive programmes. Many courses can be taken live online via Zoom, so you can learn from home. If you prefer learning in person alongside others, there are face-to-face options too. Training can also be delivered on-site for organisations that want to train a whole team together.
The types of training courses available include:
- DBT Training Essentials
- DBT Intensive Training
- DBT Skills Training: Enhanced
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Complex PTSD
The training is aimed at mental health professionals and clinical teams, including psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, therapists and social care staff, working in NHS, private, forensic and community settings. Courses suit both teams setting up a new DBT service and established teams that want to develop their skills further.
For those wanting to take their learning further, the Postgraduate Diploma in DBT, run with Bangor University, is a chance to earn a postgraduate qualification. It is studied part-time over three to four years. Graduates meet the requirements to apply for accreditation as a DBT therapist with the Society for DBT.
Why Train With British Isles DBT?
British Isles DBT trainers are experienced DBT clinicians who have worked in both NHS and private healthcare settings, so the training is grounded in real clinical practice. As the licensed DBT training provider for Great Britain and Ireland, they deliver training that follows the treatment model developed by Dr Linehan. Whether you’re new to DBT or already have some experience, there are courses to suit you, from introductory workshops through to intensive training.
Location
Their main office is at Croesnewydd Hall on Wrexham Technology Park, just outside Wrexham town centre. Some in-person training also takes place at venues elsewhere, including Manchester and Chester. To learn more or book a course, use the details below.
British Isles DBT Training
Croesnewydd Hall
Wrexham Technology Park
Wrexham
LL13 7YP
Phone: 01978 346900
Website: https://www.dbt-training.co.uk/
Email: [email protected]