Dialectical behaviour therapy training

This project aims to give training in dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) to people who work in mental health and addiction, so they can include effective behavioural treatments in their tool kit to support recovery in people with the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and other complex, difficult to treat problems.

On this page

• About this project
• What we are doing
• Training workshops
• Previous work
• Further information

About this project

DBT is a comprehensive cognitive behaviour treatment for people with borderline personality disorder, especially those who are so distressed that they are forced into repeated patterns of suicidality or self-harm. Research has shown DBT can effectively reduce suicidal behaviour, dropout from treatment, psychiatric hospitalisation, anger and interpersonal difficulties.

Te Pou has supported the development of a high quality DBT training capacity in New Zealand to lower the barriers, namely cost and access, to services seeking training in the most evidenced based treatment for people with borderline personality disorder.  

What we are doing

Late in 2008 Te Pou commissioned a report to identify the future direction of DBT training in New Zealand. John Gawith and Michael Batcheler from DBT-NZ have led this and been in touch with DHBs to seek feedback on DBT training. The report is available for download in PDF format below.

Future Directions for DBT in New Zealand PDF (518kb)

As a result of this report, Te Pou has been working with DBT-NZ on the ongoing development and delivery of DBT training.

DBT-NZ will now lead, coordinate and deliver DBT training in New Zealand. Part of this development has included work with Behavioural Tech in the USA, to gain affiliate status for the delivery of training in New Zealand. This will ensure that any training in New Zealand continues to be aligned and updated with Behavioural Tech.

This development work has meant the planned workshops for May and June 2010 were delayed. Workshop dates are now as follows.

Training workshops

The cost for each two day training workshop is $425 + GST. Registrations from 8.15am on the first day. Lunch and tea/coffee refreshments provided. A registration pack is available for download in PDF format below.

DBT-NZ 2010 training information and registration PDF (439kb)

For further information please email info   "at" dbtnz.co.nz or call Lynda or Cathy at SBA Thames ph 07 867 9122.

Previous work

A two-day training and leadership day was held for 170 people in 2005. In 2006, a DBT Intensive Training Part One attracted 70 attendees, all of whom required prior training in cognitive behavioural treatments. Intensive Training Part Two also ran in 2006.

In the 2007/2008 year, Te Pou funded New Zealand DBT training team to attend two intensive training sessions in Melbourne. 

There is a real commitment towards training DBT clinicians and establishing DBT as part of New Zealand mental health services, and Te Pou is eager to secure ongoing future funding from DHBs and support the training team in expanding its range of delivery.

Te Pou contracted Blueprint for Learning to assist with the administrative, training and promotional needs around DBT within DHBs. This was completed in 2008.

Further information

Executive Summary: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy - Efficacy, Effectiveness and Feasibility PDF (145kb)  

Marie Institute of Behavioural Technology  

For further information please contact Emma Wood, national workforce manager.

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Page last updated: 18 May 2010