Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: DBT • Substance Abuse Treatment • Social Justice

DBT

Term from Social Work industry explained for recruiters

DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) is a specialized type of therapy that helps people manage difficult emotions and improve relationships. It's particularly useful in social work and mental health settings. Think of it as a toolkit that combines accepting people as they are while helping them change unhealthy behaviors. Social workers and therapists use DBT to help clients with various challenges, from managing stress to handling crisis situations. It's similar to other therapy approaches like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), but DBT specifically focuses on balancing acceptance and change.

Examples in Resumes

Led weekly DBT skills groups for adolescents and families

Provided individual DBT therapy sessions in outpatient mental health setting

Completed comprehensive DBT certification and implemented program protocols

Typical job title: "DBT Therapists"

Also try searching for:

DBT Therapist DBT Skills Trainer Mental Health Counselor Clinical Social Worker Behavioral Health Specialist DBT Program Coordinator

Where to Find DBT Therapists

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you set up and manage a DBT program in a new facility?

Expected Answer: A senior clinician should discuss program components including individual therapy, skills groups, team consultation, and phone coaching. They should mention staff training needs, establishing protocols, and outcome measurements.

Q: How do you handle complex cases where standard DBT protocols aren't working?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to adapt DBT principles while maintaining treatment integrity, discuss consultation team utilization, and show knowledge of when to modify treatment approaches.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you integrate the four DBT modules in your practice?

Expected Answer: Should explain how mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance work together and provide examples of teaching these skills to clients.

Q: Describe how you would handle a client crisis situation using DBT principles.

Expected Answer: Should discuss using chain analysis, applying crisis survival skills, maintaining therapeutic boundaries, and implementing safety planning.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the main components of DBT?

Expected Answer: Should be able to name and briefly explain individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and consultation team meetings.

Q: How do you explain DBT to a new client?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to explain DBT in simple terms, focusing on how it helps people manage emotions and improve relationships.