This document outlines the content and learning objectives of a 3 module DBT training program. Module 1 will cover the major DBT strategies, techniques, and modalities through teaching sessions, skills modeling, role plays and case discussions. Participants will practice DBT skills in consult groups. Module 2 requires participants to treat at least one DBT client, run one skills group, attend consult groups, and complete a casebook. Module 3 involves presenting casebooks for feedback and refreshing teachings to assess competence in delivering DBT. By the end of the training, participants will be certified to provide DBT interventions.

1. Outline of Module 1 and 2 DBT training content
Learning objectives
By the end of Module 1 participants will be familiar with
The settings in which DBT is useful
The evidence base for DBT
The DBT understanding of BPD
The over all structure of a DBT intervention
The major strategies used in DBT
The main modalities used to deliver DBT
Aspects of establishing and delivering a DBT service
Module 1 will consist in
Teaching sessions covering the major DBT strategies and techniques
Modelling of skills
Role plays to develop participants’ own skills
Reflection and discussion sessions
Use of example cases and scenarios
Working in ‘consult groups’ to practice DBT adherent interaction
Module 2: participants will be asked to
take on at least one individual DBT client
deliver at least one complete cycle of a DBT skills training group
attend consult group regularly
complete assigned reading
complete a DBT casebook*
prepare a presentation of the casebook*
*casebooks may be completed and presented in groups of three or four
Module 3 will take place after approximately six months of supervised practice, and involve
consolidation of skills through:
presentation of DBT casebooks with group and trainer feed back
refreshment of selected teaching
a DBT exam

2. trainer rating of participant competence based on all of the above and participation
written individual feed back
By the end of Module 3 participants will be
competent to deliver a DBT intervention
Those participants who are assessed as competent at the end of Module 2 will receive a
certificate of course completion; others may be asked to provide further evidence of
competence before receiving a certificate.
Trainer details
Dr Fiona Kennedy is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with 14 years’ experience of leading DBT
services, training and practising DBT. Services she has established and lead have received:
 BUPA Award for Clinical Excellence
 National Audit Office citation as example of Good Practice
 Chamber of Commerce Award for Services to Business
She now practises privately as well as consulting to business with her associates in GreenWood
Mentors Ltd., and delivers training for the Skills Development Service Ltd. She volunteers
annually to train volunteers to use DBT with rescued street children in India for the charity
Dream a Dream.