DBT Practitioner Training
Ongoing Access
Further CPD
Certificate
Copyright
This 12 month program explores the competencies necessary for implementing the suggested outpatient DBT approach, which includes individual therapy sessions and DBT Skills Training Classes.
Practitioner Training: Online or Blended Learning Options
Online Practitioner Training Commences is accessible now! | In-person training also includes access to online training materials | Registrations NOW OPEN!
- Singapore Option includes intensive workshops on the following dates: Tuesday 7th October 2025; Tuesday 3rd March 2026; and Tuesday 30th June 2026
- Register through Elephant Psychology Institute at https://www.elephant.com.sg/clinician_training/dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt-level-3-mastery-program/
DBT Practitioner Training Opportunities
Evidence informed professional development
Who should take this course?
Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists, Mental Health Nurses, Social Workers, Mental Health OTs, Psychotherapists, Counsellors and Psychiatrists have all found this training useful!
Below is an overview of what’s covered in this program preparing practitioners for the delivery of the recommended outpatient DBT model, which includes individual treatment sessions and DBT Skills Training Classes:
Obtain Specific DBT Knowledge:
Understanding of DBT Framework: Familiarity with the theoretical underpinnings of DBT, including its roots in behavioural therapy, mindfulness practices, and dialectics.
Target Populations: Knowledge of which populations DBT is typically used for, such as individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), but also for other conditions like mood disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.
Modes of Treatment: Awareness of the four modes of DBT treatment:
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions focusing on achieving therapeutic goals.
- DBT Skills Training: Group sessions teaching specific skills in areas like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Phone Coaching: Providing clients with skills coaching outside of scheduled sessions.
- Consultation Team: Regular meetings among DBT therapists to support one another in delivering effective treatment.
Assessment Tools: Knowledge of assessment tools and measures used to evaluate progress and outcomes in DBT, such as the Diary Card and other self-report measures.
Ethical Guidelines: Understanding of ethical considerations in delivering DBT, particularly in terms of boundaries, confidentiality, and informed consent.
Obtain DBT Strategies:
Behavioural Analysis: Ability to conduct functional behavioural analysis to understand the antecedents and consequences of maladaptive behaviours.
Individual Therapy Skills:
- Structuring sessions effectively to balance validation and change-oriented strategies.
- Application of behavioral techniques and cognitive restructuring.
- Coaching clients on applying skills learned in DBT Skills Training.
Group Facilitation Skills:
- Planning and leading DBT Skills Training Classes.
- Managing group dynamics and promoting a supportive learning environment.
- Teaching mindfulness practices and behavioural skills effectively.
Mindfulness Training: Competency in teaching mindfulness techniques and practices to enhance emotional awareness and regulation.
Crisis Management: Skills in managing crises and suicidal ideation using DBT-specific strategies like chain analysis and safety planning.
Collaboration and Consultation: Ability to collaborate with other healthcare providers involved in the client’s care and participate in DBT consultation team meetings.
Implementation of Outpatient DBT Model:
Treatment Planning: Collaboratively developing treatment plans with clients, setting specific goals, and outlining strategies for achieving them.
Session Structure: Following the structured session format in individual therapy and DBT Skills Training Classes, including review of diary cards, teaching new skills, and assigning homework.
Skills Training: Systematically teaching and reinforcing DBT skills across modules (mindfulness, middle path skills, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness).
Phone Coaching: Providing skills coaching between sessions to help clients generalize and apply skills in real-life situations.
Measurement and Evaluation: Regularly assessing progress using outcome measures and adjusting treatment strategies as needed.
Adherence to Protocols: Adhering to DBT protocols and guidelines as established by treatment manuals and ongoing research.
Learning, Development and Improvement:
Supervision and Consultation: Participating in 12 months of supervision/consultation to enhance skills and ensure fidelity to the DBT model.
Professional Development: 12 months of continuing education in DBT and related therapeutic modalities to stay current with best practices.
Feedback and Adaptation: Supporting feedback from clients and colleagues to continuously improve delivery of DBT services.
By combining this knowledge base with practical skills and a structured approach, clinicians can expect to be effectively delivering the recommended outpatient DBT model, supporting clients in developing skills for managing emotions, relationships, and challenging life situations.
DBT Practitioner Training Opportunities
2025/26 DBT Practitioner Online Training Dates!
DBT Practitioner Program & Model Orientation
- 16th August 2025: DBT Foundations Pt 1
- 23rd August 2025: DBT Foundations Pt 2
- 30th August 2025: DBT Foundations Pt 3
- 6th September 2025: DBT Foundations Pt 4
Followed by a LIVE three hour webinar online will introduce participants to the 12 month DBT Comprehensive Training Program through DBT Institute. This program has been developed for mental health professionals looking to implement a range of DBT strategies in their current practice as well as practitioners looking to start a full Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) program.
Program Orientation via Zoom is on Tuesday the 16th September 2025 starts at 5pm Melbourne time (3pm in Singapore/Perth, 8am in London or 9am in South Africa)
Pre-implementation Content
Implementation Content
7 x LIVE Zoom Implementation sessions will offer participants support implementing a DBT or DBT informed approach from February 2026.
- Tuesday, 10th Feb 2026: Distress Tolerance Overview
- Tuesday, 24th March 2026: Check-in & Clarification
- Tuesday, 21st April 2026: Emotion Regulation Overview
- Tuesday, 19th May 2026: Check-in & Clarification
- Tuesday, 16th June 2026: Middle Path Skills Overview
- Tuesday, 21st July 2026: Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills
- Tuesday, 18th August 2026: Final Clarifications
30 minute individual supervision sessions will be accessible for each participant in March and July 2026!
Review & Credentialing in DBT
DBT Credentialing Sessions commence October 2026!
Self Directed Learning
Christmas New Year break until mid January 2026.
Additional Fortnightly Zoom Sessions (Optional)
- Sessions are not attended by an ADBTI practitioner and have been made available for course participants
- Sessions are not mandatory and have been made available for participants who prefer a group based learning environment (a little like a DBT consult team session)
- We suggest participants discuss the content provided over the previous fortnight through this course
- Please consider others and be respectful and non-judgmental
DBT Practitioner Training Opportunities
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a discounted rate?
How do I get access to the workshop resources?
Do you provide lunch?
Can I receive a certificate of attendance?
Can I claim Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points/Hours?
Certificate of Completion provided for all workshops

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Who should attend?
This workshop is suitable for mental health professionals seeking to obtain foundational knowledge of DBT. Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists, Mental Health Nurses, Social Workers, Mental Health OTs, Psychotherapists, Counsellors and Psychiatrists have all found this workshop useful! -
Why choose the ADBTI?
Our approach has been formalised through partnerships and mentoring with Marsha Linehan’s (developer of DBT) training organisation Behavioral Tech LLC between 2003-08, Babette Rothschild (developer of Somatic Trauma Therapy) between 2015-18 & Thomas Lynch's (developer of RO DBT) training organisation Radically Open Ltd since 2022.- We have been developing clinicians in DBT since 2004
- Over 17,000 clinicians have attended our workshops
- Our educators still use DBT and RO DBT in their clinical practice
- We have developed a range of DBT Informed approaches including DBT-TI, DBT-C and ACDC Skills approach
- We have provided training throughout Australia, NZ, UK, Singapore, Thailand and South Africa
- We are passionate educators who are passionate about supporting clinicians utilise DBT & RO DBT approaches