DBT is comprehensive and complex, and practicing it is like mastering the art of dance. We mindfully respond to interactions, modifying our movement, speed and flow depending on our observations. We create new opportunities with the DBT strategies and skills, flexibly responding to what is needed and what will work, in any given moment.

Having all these strategies at our disposal requires familiarity, and yet there are very few opportunities to practice. In my experience, DBT consultation teams have a lot to cover just in managing the current challenges arising with group, dealing with risk and therapy-interfering behaviours, and in maintaining the sustainability of the program. And although the group skills training is often co-facilitated, we are often left to our devices in our individual work. I believe we all need ongoing and regular support to reflect on and improve our practice of DBT. This is why I wish to co-create a safe, non-judgmental space to try things out, make mistakes and learn from each other. I’m hoping that with the potential to meet online, with the reduction in stigma and the increase in clinician numbers across the country that perhaps there is enough of us to connect as a viable community? At any rate, this form is an opportunity to register your interest and also share your thoughts about any clinical support you would find helpful.

Please register your interest in a monthly (initially) DBT training and supervision group.

Proposed format:

Zoom 90 minute meeting, with video and audio/microphone enabled, so we can visually meet each other and engage with the group as a whole. Initial idea is short presentation or training about a specific DBT strategy followed by self-reflections, active practice, group reflections and questions about how we apply this into our lives. Ideally, we wish to identify and get support to overcome our barriers or challenges in using the skills and also benefit from observing and hearing about how others use the strategies. We can also open the group up for questions and dilemmas that people are facing in their DBT work to ensure we reflect on the application of DBT skills in our real-life challenges. Topics of training can be requested by participants and the agenda shaped by feedback and the needs of the group.

Initial proposal for the DBT Clinical Group

Frequency: Monthly, commencing October 2022 pending interest. Initial commitment for three months (Oct, Nov and Dec) to take us to the end of the year with a view to recommence from Feb 2023 onwards.

Day: Vote below for your preferred day/ time.

Duration: 90 minutes. The session will start with a brief teaching or a reminder about a strategy or element we want to be using in our practice of DBT. This will be followed by group discussion to enhance our reflective practice and share our thoughts about using the strategies in real life. It will include deliberate practice of the various strategies so we can build a sense of mastery.

Cost: $250 (plus GST) per person per session.

Additionally, I encourage you to share your views on my proposal but also to feel free to suggest different ideas about either “what” we do or “how” we structure the sessions. If there is enough interest, I would enjoy establishing a supportive and inspiring DBT clinical practice group.

Register your interest