Key Principles of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

CPD courses for psychologists

This foundational CPD webinar introduces the core principles of Dialectical Behaviour therapy (DBT), a structured and evidence-based approach designed to support clients struggling with suicidal ideation, self-harming behaviors, and emotional dysregulation.

In this talk, Dr. Ella Brent explains the psychological states and emotional vulnerabilities that contribute to impulsivity and the distress-maintaining cycles many clients experience. Through a trauma-sensitive and skills-focused lens, she outlines how DBT enables clients to better tolerate intense emotional states and move toward safer, more constructive behaviour.

This session includes an overview of practical DBT tools that clinicians can use to help clients regulate emotions, build distress tolerance, and reduce self-harm.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - Part 2. Fusion vs Defusion and Avoidance vs Acceptance
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy : Distress tolerance
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: States of mind
The Concept of Mentalisation
Helping families Help: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Eating Disorder Recovery
Safety, Connection and the Autonomic Nervous System: Attachment Theory and Polyvagal Theory
Understanding ADHD Through an Executive Functioning Lens
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - Part 3. Lack of Contact with Values vs Values and Inaction/Impulsivity vs Committed_Action