Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Group Therapy • EMDR • Psychopathology

DBT

Term from Mental Health Counseling 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 like a toolkit that therapists use to teach clients practical skills for handling stress, relationships, and emotional challenges. DBT was originally created to help people with intense emotional struggles, but is now widely used for various mental health concerns. Think of it as a structured approach that combines traditional talk therapy with practical skills training - similar to how a coach might teach both strategy and hands-on techniques.

Examples in Resumes

Provided individual and group therapy using DBT techniques to adult clients

Led weekly DBT skills training groups for adolescents and their families

Completed intensive training in DBT and implemented program protocols

Facilitated Dialectical Behavior Therapy sessions for clients with complex needs

Typical job title: "DBT Therapists"

Also try searching for:

Mental Health Counselor DBT Skills Trainer Behavioral Therapist Clinical Social Worker Licensed Professional Counselor DBT Group Facilitator Mental Health Clinician

Where to Find DBT Therapists

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you adapt DBT for different populations or settings?

Expected Answer: A senior therapist should explain how they modify DBT skills and teaching methods for different age groups, cultural backgrounds, or specific mental health needs, while maintaining the core principles of the treatment.

Q: How do you handle crisis situations within the DBT framework?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of DBT crisis protocols, explain how they balance acceptance and change strategies, and discuss specific examples of crisis intervention while maintaining therapeutic boundaries.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the four main modules of DBT and how do you implement them?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance in simple terms and provide examples of how they teach these skills to clients.

Q: How do you track client progress in DBT?

Expected Answer: Should discuss using diary cards, behavior tracking, and outcome measurements while maintaining client engagement and motivation in the therapy process.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is dialectical thinking and why is it important in DBT?

Expected Answer: Should explain the balance between acceptance and change in simple terms, and how this helps clients move forward in therapy.

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

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to explain DBT concepts in client-friendly language and describe how the therapy can help with everyday challenges.