Essentials: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy in Action

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based cognitive behavioural treatment originally developed for people diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and chronic suicidality. Over time, DBT skills training has emerged as a valuable intervention in its own right, particularly in services where full DBT programmes are not feasible. These skills-based approaches aim to help people manage intense emotions and distress more effectively. Structured groups provide a supportive environment to learn, practice and embed these skills for lasting change.

This workshop, led by Andy Small who is Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy team lead at EMERGE Leeds, will introduce the principles and structure of DBT-informed skills groups for adults aged 18 and over. The session will highlight how these groups can bridge gaps in care and support individuals to build a life worth living. We will explore the rationale for skills-based interventions and the core modules of DBT, including Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance and Interpersonal Effectiveness. A significant part of the session will be experiential, giving participants the opportunity to learn and practice selected DBT skills together, to gain a real sense of how these approaches work in practice. 

After attending this course delegates will be able to…

• Outline the origins and development of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and its evidence base within mental health care. 
• Explain the structure and purpose of DBT-informed skills groups and the four core skills modules: Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance and Interpersonal Effectiveness. 
• Practice and experience selected DBT skills during the workshop, gaining insight into how these techniques can be introduced and applied in clinical settings. 

Suitability
This course offers 3 CPD points suitable for Mental health professionals interested in approaching the care of people in a trauma-informed and compassionate way through skills-based interventions.