DBT-100 DBT-Informed Practice Certificate Program (36 hours)
Format: Synchronous and virtual over Zoom Video Conference Platform (see minimum technical requirements)
Cost: $895 + HST
No textbook required.
Overview of the Course
This DBT-Informed Certificate Program comprises three weekend sessions. On the first weekend, students will learn the theoretical foundations of the Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Model, and its informed application for individual treatment. On the second weekend, students will have opportunity to practice applying their skills using a standardized actor. On the final weekend, participants will be provided with the knowledge and skills required to run DBT-informed groups—a modality of intervention increasingly being used by mental health agencies for its effectiveness in supporting clients with multiple, complex mental health issues.
This program has to be completed in the sequence in which it is offered. In providing this program, the ADLER faculty is intent on conveying to participants interested in integrating DBT techniques into their practices that this program does not provide certification to become DBT therapists. The “Certification of Individual Therapists” is the only treatment-developer-approved certification program in DBT® in the US and Canada; it is provided exclusively by the DBT®-Linehan Board of Certification (DBT-LBC). The entire process for certification can be found at http://www.dbt-lbc.org.
Students who successfully complete this program will learn to:
a. Integrate theory and practice in DBT-informed therapy
b. Assess the suitability of DBT-Informed Practice to prospective clients
c. Enhance applicable skills with a standardized actor
d. Conduct DBT-informed group
Course Description
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is an intensive out-patient therapy developed by Marsha Linehan to treat chronically suicidal clients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. DBT has also been widely adapted to treat clients with addictions, eating disorders and other complex problems.
Working with clients who experience these difficulties is extremely challenging for mental health and direct service professionals. DBT has proven to be effective in reducing suicidal, self-harm, and other impulsive behaviours, alongside increasing client engagement in therapy. DBT blends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with acceptance-based strategies stemming from Zen philosophy. A primary therapeutic task is to balance acceptance of the client with a focus on change.
The structure of DBT includes four components: individual treatment; group skills; DBT phone coaching; and consultation team. In this course, participants will learn the theoretical underpinnings of DBT, the group and individual components, and DBT skills from each of the four components.
Dates and time for Fall 2022:
All classes are held from 9am – 4pm ET, with a 1-hour break for lunch in between the morning and afternoon sessions
102: June 10/11
103: June 24/25
DBT-102: Nov 19/20
DBT-103: Dec 10/11
Eligibility and Completion Requirements
This course is taught by an experienced practitioner and a trained standardized actor, and is open to community participants as well as to students in other psychology programs. (For Adler MPsy students, this is a 3-credit elective.)
Students are required to participate in all classroom activities. Students in Adler’s MPsy program will be required to complete a written assignment at the end of the course (pass/fail). Students who successfully attend each session and complete the required coursework will receive a Certificate of Completion. This course will also be included as a course in Adler MPsy students’ Multi-Modality Elective Certificates.
Getting Started
Once payment is processed, students will be enrolled in Adler’s online learning platform (Adlearn) where they will gain access to related course materials as well as information outlining how to access and attend the virtual (synchronous) lectures. All lectures will be conducted virtually via Zoom, and will be recorded and posted to the class page on Adlearn for future reference. Students will be able to access course materials, including lecture recordings, up until one month after the final session.
Please note: registration for this synchronous course closes one week prior to the start of the first session. Unlike our online courses, students must attend each session at the specified date and time (see above). Please plan accordingly.
Minimum Technical Requirements:
• A working computer, with audio- and video-capabilities. (All students are required to have their webcams and microphones turned on during class-times.)
• The Zoom video-conferencing application
• A quiet room free from background interference for the duration of class
Contact Us
Students may contact a representative from our Faculty of Continuing Education at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.