Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – (FULLY ACCREDITED) Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview (80-120 words) describing structure and time commitment.
Module 1: Introduction to DBT
Estimated time: 1-2 hours
- Foundational principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Development of DBT by Marsha Linehan
- Core goals of DBT: building effective lives
- Balancing acceptance and change in therapy
Module 2: Mindfulness Skills
Estimated time: 2-3 hours
- Integrating mindfulness into DBT practice
- Practicing observing, describing, and participating
- Developing non-judgmental awareness
- Applying mindfulness to emotional regulation
Module 3: Distress Tolerance Skills
Estimated time: 2-3 hours
- Understanding crisis survival strategies
- Learning techniques to tolerate emotional pain
- Accepting reality without judgment
- Preventing impulsive behaviors during distress
Module 4: Emotional Regulation Skills
Estimated time: 3-4 hours
- Identifying and labeling emotions accurately
- Reducing emotional vulnerability and reactivity
- Managing intense emotions like anger and anxiety
- Building emotional resilience through DBT techniques
Module 5: Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills
Estimated time: 3-4 hours
- Improving communication in relationships
- Setting healthy boundaries assertively
- Balancing priorities and relationships
- Handling interpersonal conflict effectively
Module 6: DBT Techniques in Therapy
Estimated time: 2-3 hours
- Applying DBT in individual and group therapy
- Structure and flow of DBT sessions
- Therapist’s role in skill integration
- Using DBT for BPD, depression, and trauma
Module 7: Final Project: Applying DBT Skills
Estimated time: 3-4 hours
- Analyzing real-life case studies
- Practicing DBT skill application
- Receiving feedback for improvement
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of mental health concepts
- Interest in psychology or therapy practices
- No prior DBT experience required
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Understand core DBT principles and their therapeutic applications
- Apply mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation skills
- Enhance interpersonal effectiveness in personal and professional settings
- Implement DBT techniques with clients or in self-practice
- Earn a certificate of completion to support professional development