Why is certification important?
- DBT is a specialized treatment program for people with complex (personality disorders) problems. This requires skill and knowledge from therapists. Certification is a tool that is used internationally in order to know whether a therapist actually applies DBT.
- Many people with BPD find it difficult to trust others and have “failed” in therapy or have been rejected by previous therapists. If DBT is not performed properly (i.e., in a way that research has shown to be effective) but is performed at the therapist’s discretion, it is is likely that less positive results will be achieved with the treatment. Customized programs have not yet been proven to be effective. A system that ensures the certification of therapists who perform DBT, should ensure that people can determine for themselves whether a therapist is able to perform DBT.
- As developed by Dr. Marsha M. Linehan, DBT is recognized by HHS / SAMHSA (an US federal agency) as an evidence-based treatment. DBT certification as given by Dialexis is the only Dutch DBT certification that is recognized by Behavioral Tech.
- DGT certification, like other types of certification in mental health care, indicates that a professional is willing to be judged by experts and is prepared to conform to strict professional standards.
Candidates for one of the following certification trajectories will have to meet the entry requirements. The entry requirements differ per program.
There are three possible certification trajectories:
Borderline Task Force
For clients who (want to) follow DBT, the Borderline Taskforce has formulated clear questions in a folder. You can find it here (in Dutch).