Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is more than a treatment method—it’s a powerful, skills-based approach to emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindful living. Whether you’re a mental health professional, coach, caregiver, or someone on your own wellness journey, there are many ways to level up your DBT education and apply these tools more effectively.
From beginner-friendly workshops to intensive certification programs, here’s a comprehensive guide to the types of DBT training available—and how to choose the right path for your goals.
Why Expand Your DBT Training?
DBT is grounded in structure and practice. But to truly integrate it into your work or life, deeper training provides clarity, confidence, and real-world effectiveness. By levelling up your DBT education, you can:
- Work more skilfully with clients in distress
- Apply DBT in coaching, education, or healthcare settings
- Use DBT tools to support loved ones or personal growth
- Qualify for advanced roles or group facilitation
- Stay up to date with evidence-based practices
The 5 Key Levels of DBT Education & Training
1. Introductory Courses and Webinars
Perfect for: Beginners, caregivers, students, wellness coaches
If you’re new to DBT, start with an overview of the model. Intro courses cover the basics—what DBT is, who it helps, and how it differs from other therapies.
What you’ll learn:
- Core DBT principles
- The four DBT skills modules
- Practical examples and exercises
Where to find them:
Mental health organizations, online platforms like PESI, Psychwire, or even self-paced Udemy courses.
2. DBT Skills Training Workshops
Perfect for: Clinicians, coaches, peer support workers, family members
These workshops focus on teaching the actual DBT skills—Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. They may last a weekend or several weeks.
What you’ll learn:
- How to teach or coach DBT skills
- Real-world scenarios and role-play
- Tips for managing emotional reactivity in yourself and others
Some programs offer DBT-informed training, which allows non-clinicians to use DBT skills ethically without providing full therapy.
3. DBT Certification Programs
Perfect for: Licensed therapists, psychologists, social workers
To deliver DBT in a clinical setting, many professionals pursue certification. These programs are more intensive, typically involving:
- Multi-day intensive training
- Ongoing consultation or supervision
- Video reviews and adherence checks
- Final evaluation or certification exam
Popular providers:
- Behavioral Tech (founded by Marsha Linehan)
- DBT-Linehan Board of Certification (DBT-LBC)
- The DBT Centre of San Diego
- The Portland DBT Institute
These programs follow the comprehensive DBT model and prepare clinicians for individual therapy, group skills training, and phone coaching.
4. Advanced or Specialized DBT Modules
Perfect for: Experienced DBT practitioners, group facilitators, niche practitioners
Already trained in DBT? You can deepen your expertise with advanced modules, focusing on:
- DBT for adolescents (DBT-A)
- DBT for substance use disorders
- DBT for trauma and PTSD
- DBT with neurodiverse populations
These specialised trainings often address co-occurring diagnoses or high-risk behaviors, giving you tools to adapt DBT in complex settings.
5. DBT Peer Consultation and Supervision
Perfect for: Active DBT therapists and group leaders
Peer consultation is a key part of DBT practice. Joining or forming a consultation team helps you:
- Maintain fidelity to the model
- Prevent burnout
- Get feedback on challenging cases
- Continue growing your skill set
Some organizations also offer 1:1 supervision with certified DBT consultants, ideal for clinicians pursuing certification or refining their practice.
Choosing the Right DBT Training for You
Ask yourself:
- What’s your role? (Therapist, coach, caregiver, etc.)
- Do you want to deliver DBT therapy, or use DBT-informed skills?
- Do you need official certification, or practical tools?
- What population do you work with most—adults, teens, families, trauma survivors?
The right training should align with your scope of practice, level of experience, and long-term goals.
Bonus: Self-Guided Learning Tools
Even outside of formal programs, you can grow your DBT knowledge through:
- Workbooks like “The Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills Workbook” by McKay, Wood, and Brantley
- DBT podcasts and online communities
- Mobile apps like DBT Coach or MoodTools
- DBT manuals and texts by Marsha Linehan
These tools are especially helpful for individuals practicing DBT for personal growth or self-regulation.
DBT isn’t just a set of techniques—it’s a life-changing framework for navigating emotions, relationships, and inner conflict. Whether you’re guiding others or developing your own skills, there’s always another level of depth and application to explore.
By investing in DBT training, you’re not only gaining professional expertise—you’re cultivating resilience, clarity, and compassion that can ripple out into every part of your life and work.