part of a stabilisation based approach

DBT Primer Program - ACDC Skills

This program has been developed using a Trauma Informed Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT-TI) framework.The goal of these sessions are to connect individuals with a range of personal resources to increase capacity to function at a level where impulsivity and distress is reduced. In addition, orientation to a full DBT or RO DBT program is an additional goal of this program!

  • Assess & Plan

    3 Individual Sessions

  • Group Skills Training

    8 x Sessions online

  • Individual Sessions

    exploring a DBT approach

  • Review Session

    finialising treatment options
    THE DBT PRIMER PROGRAM IS A DBT INFORMED APPROACH THAT REPLACES COMMITMENT SESSIONS

    JANUARY 2025 INTAKE NOW OPEN!

    What you are going to learn

    About our Program

    This program utilises a Stabilisation Based Therapy, Mindfulness, Radically Open DBT and a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) informed approach to support individuals experiencing recurring distress and overwhelm. DBT is an evidence-based therapy that began with efforts to treat individuals with extreme emotional distress. There is evidence that DBT can be useful in treating mood disorders, suicidal ideation, and for change in behavioural patterns such as self-harm and substance use

    • Decrease life-threatening behaviours (e.g. self-injurious behaviour, suicidal thoughts, family violence, threats and/or attempts)
    • Increase personal coping skills
    • Improve overall stabilisation and capacity to engage further therapy (if individuals choose to engage in deeper therapy)

    Commitments for the DBT Primer Program

    The Australian DBT Institute waitlist program has been used by our clinicians in various forms since 2004. This program supports individuals on a waitlist for a DBT or Radically Open DBT program at DBT Clinics either online or in-person.

    01

    1st Individual Session

    This session is with an individual therapist completing self-reporting tools, crisis management plan and identify treatment targets and therapeutic goals.

    02

    Online or Self-Paced Skills Class

    The eight skills class sessions online with each class being between 60 minutes. 2 Classes a week on a Monday and Thursday night at 6pm (VIC time)
    • Week 1: Introduction & Mindfulness
    • Week 2: Pleasant Events & Grounding
    • Week 3: Identifying Resources & Self-Care
    • Week 4: Memory Gems & Ripple Effect

    03

    Individual Therapy Sessions

    Three sessions with an individual therapist reviewing group content and exploring key elements of DBT
    • Week 2: Diary Card & Journaling
    • Week 3: Orientate to Chain Analysis
    • Week 4: Phone & Skills Coaching

    04

    Individual Review

    Final session (week 4) the individual therapist completes self-reporting tools, crisis management plan and finalise any referrals for ongoing support. If an individual is to commence a DBT or RO DBT program with DBT Clinics an initial session with their ongoing individual therapist will be made during the final session of this program.
    THE DBT PRIMER PROGRAM IS A DBT INFORMED APPROACH THAT REPLACES COMMITMENT SESSIONS

    JANUARY 2025 INTAKE NOW OPEN!

    THE DBT PRIMER PROGRAM IS A DBT INFORMED APPROACH THAT REPLACES COMMITMENT SESSIONS

    JANUARY 2025 INTAKE NOW OPEN!

    ACDC Resources Developer

    Dr. Peter King is clinical lead at the Australian DBT Institute and developer of Stabilisation Based Therapy (SBT). SBT is the treatment framework under which ACDC resources were developed. Dr. King is an experienced educator and clinician with over 25 years of experiences in various public, community and private mental health settings. Since 1993, Peter has worked in Mental Health Nursing, Social Work, DBT Programs, Psychotherapy, and Clinical Leader in the health care and not-for-profit sector. He has consolidated this experience both in Australia and the USA through mentoring with Marsha Linehan’s company Behavioral Tech LLC, mentoring with the creator of Somatic Trauma Therapy – Babette Rothschild, leading clinical research and completed Ph.D. in the mental health field.





    “Stabilisation is an essential component of treatment. Without it, therapy can be overwhelming for many people.”

    Dr. Peter King

    Executive Director, Australian DBT Institute