THE THERAPIST

A DBT Therapist’s Approach

The Therapist's Training

Foundational Education

Graduate degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related mental health field
Active professional license (psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, licensed professional counselor, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner)
Intensive DBT training through a recognized program (typically 10-40+ hours of didactic instruction)

DBT Consultation Team

A properly trained DBT therapist should participate in a weekly DBT consultation team, which:

Provides peer support and prevents therapist burnout
Ensures treatment adherence to the DBT model
Helps therapists stay dialectical and effective
Addresses therapist-interfering behaviors

This is considered essential to the DBT model. therapists need their own “therapy” to effectively deliver DBT.

Continuing Education

Look for therapists who engage in:

Regular DBT-specific continuing education workshops
Advanced DBT training in specialized populations or presentations
Staying current with DBT research and developments
Supervision or consultation from experienced DBT clinicians

Certifications and Credentials

While not always required, these credentials indicate advanced training:

DBT-Linehan Board of Certification (DBT-LBC): Therapists can become Certified DBT Clinicians through this rigorous process, which includes:
- Documented training hours
- Supervised clinical experience
- Written examination
- Submission of recorded therapy sessions for review
Intensive Training from Recognized Programs: Training from Behavioral Tech (founded by Dr. Marsha Linehan, DBT’s creator) or other established DBT training organizations
Advanced DBT Training: Specialized training for specific populations (adolescents, eating disorders, substance use, etc.)

A properly trained DBT therapist will:

Change your relationship with your emotions, not push you to get rid of them

Identify what prompts unwanted feelings and patterns, not judge them

Suggest alternatives to negative behavior, not just provide an outlet to vent

Set an agenda for every session based on your “diary card,” not press forward without a clear structure

Questions to Ask a Potential DBT Therapist

When interviewing therapists, consider asking:

“What specific DBT training have you completed, and with which organization?”
“Are you part of a DBT consultation team?”
“Do you offer all modes of DBT (individual therapy, skills group, phone coaching)?”
“How long have you been practicing DBT?”
“Do you have experience treating [your specific concerns]?”
“Are you certified by the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification?”

Therapist-Client Relationship

In DBT, the style and manner in which interventions are introduced are just as important as the interventions themselves. The relationship between therapist and client is considered a relationship of equals, with a recognition that both parties are fallible.

Weekly Consultation Team Meetings for Clinical Development

Like their clients, DBT therapists also need support, which is why they’re required to participate in weekly consultation team meetings with other DBT therapists who support each other in adhering to DBT protocols and furthering their clinical development. Through these sessions, therapists hone the skills they need to help clients navigate apath forward.

Choosing a Qualified DBT Therapist

It is important when choosing a DBT therapist to determine if the therapist is certified by the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification or trained by an organization that is endorsed by the Linehan Institute. These organizations ensure that a therapist has received rigorous training and is therefore qualified to to strictly comply with DBT protocol.