Professional Certification in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

The Professional Certification in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical foundations, core principles, and practical applications of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy in psychological and counselling settings. The course integrates concepts from cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness to explore the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. The programme emphasises the development of DBT-informed skills and intervention strategies to support individuals experiencing emotional dysregulation, distress, impulsivity, and interpersonal difficulties

Programme Overview

Professional Certification in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a specialised programme designed to provide foundational knowledge and practical skills in DBT principles, techniques, and intervention strategies. The programme covers the theoretical and conceptual foundations of DBT, the four core skills modules, behavioural analysis, validation techniques, and the application of DBT-informed approaches in counselling and psychological support settings.

Learners will develop an understanding of how DBT skills can be used to support emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. The curriculum also introduces DBT applications in specific psychological disorders, crisis management, safety planning, and professional and ethical responsibilities. Emphasis is placed on experiential learning through practical exercises, role-plays, case-based discussions, and structured skills practice. The programme aims to equip learners with a strong foundation in DBT-informed approaches while highlighting the importance of professional competence, appropriate supervision, and referral to qualified mental health professionals when required.

Module 1: Introduction to Psychology

• Definition and Importance of Psychology
• Branches and Scope of psychology
• Early Philosophical Influences on Psychology
• Roles and Responsibilities of Counsellor

Module 2: Foundations of Counselling

• Definition, Nature, Objective and Scope of counselling.
• Counselling Skills 
• Process of Counselling
• Types of Counselling 

Module 3: Introduction to Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

• Introduction and overview of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
• History and development of DBT and the contributions of Marsha M. Linehan.
• Theoretical Foundations of DBT
• The Biosocial Model
• Applications, Benefits, and Limitations

Module 4: Core Skills and Principles in DBT

• Overview of the four core DBT skills modules.
• Acceptance-based and change-oriented strategies.
• Dialectical thinking and finding a middle path.
• Validation: levels, functions, and application.
• Behavioural analysis and identification of target behaviours.
• Commitment strategies and treatment goals.

Module 5: Mindfulness Skills

• Meaning, purpose, and importance of mindfulness in DBT.
• Wise Mind, Emotional Mind, and Reasonable Mind.
• What skills: Observe, Describe, and Participate.
• How skills: Nonjudgmentally, One-mindfully, and effectively.
• Mindfulness of thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and experiences.
• Mindfulness practices for everyday life.
• Common barriers to mindfulness practice and strategies for addressing them.

Module 6: Emotion Regulation Skills and Interpersonal Effectiveness

• Understanding the nature and functions of emotions.
• Identifying, labelling, and differentiating emotions.
• Understanding emotional vulnerability and emotional dysregulation.
• Reducing emotional vulnerability through PLEASE skills.
• Building positive emotional experiences in the short and long term.
• Introduction to interpersonal effectiveness: DEAR MAN, GIVE, and FAST.

Module 7: Distress Tolerance Skills

• Meaning, purpose, and principles of distress tolerance.
• Difference between crisis survival and long-term problem-solving.
• STOP skill: Stop, take a step back, Observe, and Proceed mindfully.
• TIPP skills: Temperature, Intense exercise, Paced breathing, and Paired muscle relaxation.
• ACCEPTS: Distraction strategies for managing distress.
• Self-soothing through the five senses.

Module 8: DBT Techniques and Intervention Strategies

• Behaviour Chain Analysis
• Check the Facts and Opposite Action
• Radical Acceptance, Turning the Mind, and Willingness
• Commitment Strategies and Behavioural Reinforcement
• DBT Diary Cards, Skills Worksheets, and Homework Assignments
• Phone Coaching, Crisis Management, and Safety Planning
• Role of individual therapy, skills training groups, between-session coaching, and consultation teams in comprehensive DBT.

Module 9: DBT Applications in Specific Disorders and Ethical Practice

• Application of DBT in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
• DBT Applications in Depression and Anxiety.
• DBT for Self-Harm and Suicidal Behaviours.
• DBT Applications in Substance Use Disorders.
• DBT for Anger Management and Interpersonal Difficulties.
• Ethical Principles in DBT Practice.

Module 10: Case Study

Eligibility

Graduates in any discipline are eligible for our Post Graduate Diploma, Executive Diploma and Professional Certifications Programmes. 10+2 pass-outs are eligible for our Under Graduate Diploma and Diploma holders of two to three years course duration are also eligible for the PG Diploma.

Programme Duration

The minimum duration to complete the Professional Certification programme is 6 months and maximum is 12 months.

Programme Mode

Registration is currently open for Part-time (Online Live Classes) mode.

Programme Deliverables

A comprehensive study material for all the modules in hard copies ensuring the needs of the audience. The accompanying training material is appropriately aligned with the current Industry’s expectations.

• Assignments for all the programme modules for continuous evaluation and guidance.
• Interactive or online live sessions on all key areas of the programme giving all flexibility to the participants.
• Online Live Classes/Part-time for all the modules will be conducted on the weekends. Moreover, a doubt clearing session will also be scheduled before the examination
• All the efforts are made by IGMPI faculty members to make the entire programme modules easily understandable.
• Assessment and evaluation for all the programme modules in order to enhance the levels of competencies and skills of the participants leading towards the objective of application in the job.
• At the end of each programme modules, the trainers shall obtain feedback from the participants using specially designed questionnaires.
• All learning and training delivery initiatives shall be conducted in English.

Examination and Certification

All the participants are expected to appear for an online exam and are also obliged to submit assignments after each module. After successful completion, the participants will be awarded Professional Certification in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) by Centre for Health Management and Research, IGMPI. For all the above-mentioned modules, Online Live Classes/Part-time or face-to-face classes (Regular mode), elaborate programme material, self-assessment assignments would be provided by the Institute. Details get updated on the webpage as well.

Discipline in Classes and Examination

Every student is required to observe a disciplined behaviour during her/his classes, assessments & examinations and to follow instructions from the Professors. Any act of indiscipline may result into discredit & it will be mentioned in her/his academic report.

Placement Assistance & Corporate Relations

For the Post Graduate Diploma, Undergraduate Diploma, Executive Diploma and Professional Certification Programmes, we will provide placement assistance after the completion of the programme. The Institute has partnered with many organizations for providing placement assistance to its students. The robust placement cell comprises senior level Human Resources professionals and Talent Acquisition experts which maintains close links with business and industry. The efforts of our placement cell also include helping with professional resume writing, interview skills & conducting mock interviews etc.

In recent months the Institute has witnessed more and more participation from professionals working with global healthcare like , Jhpiego, SELCO Foundation, TATA Foundation, Samarthan NGO, PSI, UNICEF, WHO, HCL Foundation, IPE Global, Optum, PATH, AIIMS, Action against Hunger, Ekta Shakti Foundation, Seva Foundation, India HIV-AIDS Alliance, HLFPPT, Deepak Foundation, Novartis, LalPath Labs Ltd., Fortis Healthcare Ltd., HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd., Indraprastha Medical Corporation Ltd., Narayana Hrudayalaya Ltd., Piramal Enterprises Ltd., Wockhardt Ltd., Cactus Communications, Public Health Foundations of India, Cytel, Religare Health Insurance Company Ltd., Deloitte, DuPont Sustainable Solutions, Bain & Company, Alvarez & Marsal, McKinsey & Company, etc. The IGMPI’s Corporate Resource Division actively recommends our students and training participants for various job requirements and specialized roles to Human Resource, Talent Acquisition as well as the heads of various departments in Pharmaceutical, Healthcare industries on regular basis.

Future Career Prospects

The Professional Certification in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) offers opportunities for learners to enhance their knowledge and skills in counselling, psychological support, emotional regulation, and mental health promotion. The course may benefit psychology students, counsellors, educators, and mental health professionals seeking to strengthen their understanding of DBT-informed techniques and evidence-based approaches. The knowledge gained may be applied in counselling centres, mental health organisations, educational institutions, rehabilitation facilities, community wellness programmes, and other relevant support settings, depending on the learner’s qualifications and professional scope of practice. Learners may also pursue further training and supervised professional development in DBT and related therapeutic approaches. The course aims to strengthen competencies in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and behavioural change while emphasising ethical practice, appropriate supervision, and referral to qualified mental health professionals when necessary.

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Apply Online

Last date for submitting completed Application Form: 12^th Nov 2026.

For further enquiries, call or write to us on:
18001031071 (Toll Free -9:00 am to 5:30 pm IST-except on Central Government holidays)/ info@igmpi.ac.in