Overview

Demand for evidence-based mental health interventions continues to rise across the UK, with services prioritising structured skills that reduce risk and improve outcomes. The Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) course gives a clear grounding in DBT’s philosophy, programme structure, and clinical applications, preparing learners to support clients presenting with emotion dysregulation and high-risk behaviours.

Built around practical modules, the programme develops core mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. Learners explore adolescent and adult adaptations, group and individual formats, and technology-enabled delivery. Emphasis is placed on case formulation, skills coaching, and troubleshooting barriers to engagement in real-world settings.

As a CPD Accredited, Industry Standard qualification, this course strengthens employability across health, social care, education, and third-sector services. By completion, learners will understand how to integrate DBT protocols ethically and safely, tailor skills to diverse populations, and contribute to measurable improvements in wellbeing, resilience, and service quality.

Learning Outcomes

Understand DBT’s history, philosophy, and applications in mental health.
Practise mindfulness foundations and advanced DBT self-regulation skills.
Apply distress tolerance strategies including STOP, TIPP, and acceptance.
Use emotion regulation tools to reduce vulnerability and improve balance.
Master interpersonal effectiveness frameworks for healthier relationships.
Implement DBT in individual, group, and family clinical practice.
Evaluate DBT research, evidence base, and cultural adaptations.
Apply professional ethics, supervision, and self-care in DBT delivery.

Who Is This Course For?

Counsellors, therapists, and mental health practitioners.
Healthcare professionals supporting patients with complex emotional needs.
Psychology students and trainees interested in DBT frameworks.
Social workers and youth workers supporting vulnerable populations.
Individuals seeking DBT-informed strategies for personal growth.

Career Path

Mental Health Support Worker: £20,000 – £27,000
Counsellor / Therapist (DBT-informed): £26,000 – £38,000
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (NHS Band 5): £28,000 – £36,000
Mental Health Nurse (Specialist – Band 6): £31,000 – £42,000
Clinical Psychologist (with DBT focus): £45,000 – £70,000
DBT Specialist Therapist (Private Practice): £40,000 – £60,000+

Description

Module 01: Introduction to DBT
Explore the history, philosophy, and structure of DBT, comparing it with CBT and other therapies, and understanding its wide applications in modern mental health care.
Module 02: Mindfulness in DBT
Learn mindfulness foundations, “what” and “how” skills, and advanced techniques, applying them clinically and in daily life for self-help and emotional balance.
Module 03: Distress Tolerance Skills
Develop skills to manage crises with STOP, TIPP, radical acceptance, and self-soothing techniques, building resilience and coping effectively with overwhelming emotions.
Module 04: Emotion Regulation Skills
Understand emotional regulation strategies, including PLEASE skills, opposite action, and building positive experiences, helping clients reduce vulnerability and manage emotions constructively.
Module 05: Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills
Master interpersonal tools like DEAR MAN, GIVE, and FAST frameworks, learning to manage conflict, set boundaries, and balance priorities in real-world relationships.
Module 06: Implementing DBT in Clinical Practice
Examine DBT applications in individual and group therapy, with specific approaches for adolescents, families, and disorders such as BPD, PTSD, and eating difficulties.
Module 07: Research, Evidence, and Cultural Adaptations
Review DBT research, clinical trials, and trauma applications, while exploring cultural adaptations, inclusive practice, and the role of DBT across diverse systems worldwide.
Module 08: Professional Development and Ethics
Study DBT ethics, legal issues, supervision, and therapist self-care, while exploring career pathways and self-help tools to deliver client-focused, sustainable DBT practice.

FAQs

What qualifications do I need to be a DBT therapist?
To become a DBT therapist, you typically need a professional qualification in psychology, counselling, psychotherapy, or mental health nursing. Additional DBT-specific training and certification are required, including supervised clinical practice and completion of accredited DBT workshops to ensure competence in delivering evidence-based DBT interventions.
What is the 24 hour rule in DBT?
The 24-hour rule in DBT refers to the guideline that therapists should respond to client calls or text messages within 24 hours. This rule helps maintain professional boundaries, reduces dependency, and ensures timely support while promoting client safety and effective therapeutic engagement.
Can I be a therapist without a degree in the UK?
No, you can’t work in support or assistant roles without a degree. However, to practice independently as a licensed therapist or psychotherapist in the UK, a degree in psychology, counselling, or psychotherapy is usually required along with supervised clinical experience.
Why is DBT criticized?
DBT is sometimes criticized for being highly structured, resource-intensive, and time-consuming. Critics argue that it may be less flexible for certain clients and requires significant therapist training. Despite these concerns, DBT remains evidence-based and effective, particularly for borderline personality disorder and complex emotional regulation issues.
How long does it take to become DBT certified?
DBT qualification typically takes 12–24 months, depending on the training pathway, prior qualifications, and supervised practice hours. Certification involves completing foundation and advanced DBT training, participating in workshops, and gaining clinical experience under supervision to demonstrate competence in applying DBT principles.
Does the NHS do DBT?
Yes, the NHS provides DBT services in many regions, primarily for individuals with borderline personality disorder or chronic emotional dysregulation. Access may be through specialised mental health teams, personality disorder services, or community mental health programmes, often requiring referral from a GP or psychiatric professional.
What is the 4 miss rule in DBT?
The 4 miss rule in DBT states that if a client misses four consecutive therapy sessions or skills group meetings without notification, the therapist evaluates engagement and may implement interventions to prevent dropout. This promotes accountability and consistent treatment while addressing client adherence challenges.
How to train as a DBT therapist in the UK?
To train as a DBT therapist in the UK, start with a professional mental health qualification, then complete accredited DBT training courses, workshops, and supervised clinical practice. Engage in ongoing CPD, consultation teams, and skill-building sessions to ensure competence and maintain DBT certification.
How much does it cost to get DBT certified?
DBT certification costs vary depending on the training provider, course length, and materials. Typically, certification ranges from £1,500 to £5,000, covering workshops, supervision, and course materials. Costs may increase for advanced or specialised DBT training and international certification options.
What qualifications do you need to do DBT?
You need a professional mental health qualification, such as a degree or diploma in psychology, counselling, psychotherapy, or mental health nursing. Additional DBT-specific training and supervised practice are essential to gain competence and certification, enabling safe and effective delivery of DBT interventions to clients.