Research and the institute’s extensive experience have consistently shown that therapists who actively participate in consultation teams tend to demonstrate a higher level of adherence to DBT principles and techniques compared to those who rarely engage with a team. This underscores the importance of ongoing support and collaboration among therapists to maintain fidelity to the DBT model. 

However, the reality of clinical practice is that scheduling and conducting consultation team meetings can be logistically challenging. Some clinicians may also have preferences for one-on-one supervision, which can be more conducive to addressing their specific needs and concerns. Recognizing these practical challenges and the diversity of therapist preferences, the Australian DBT Institute takes a flexible approach to DBT supervision. In addition to consultation teams, they also offer individual supervision sessions for therapists and teams who may find it difficult to schedule or attend group meetings. This individualized approach ensures that all clinicians, regardless of their logistical constraints or supervision preferences, have access to the support and guidance they need to effectively implement DBT and related therapeutic approaches in their practice. 

The Australian DBT Institute’s clinical supervision services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of clinicians working with clients facing emotion dysregulation, borderline personality disorder, or clients in need of stabilization-based therapy. By adapting DBT’s consultation team concept and offering both group and individual supervision options, they empower therapists to enhance their skills, maintain fidelity to the DBT model, and provide high-quality care to their clients.

DBT Consultation Meetings
The role of the consultation team is to assist in the therapeutic process by providing feedback and support to therapists. Our experience, and that of the research, indicates that therapists who participate in consultation team show higher level of adherence to DBT than those who seldom met with a team and as such the Australian DBT Institute will offer this monthly Supervision Group for individual therapists and teams unable to schedule consultation team meetings. Our monthly meetings provide advice, share ideas and discuss ways to cope with difficult clients. 

Evidence also indicates that participation in a consultation team reduces the likelihood of burnout. DBT Consultation Team Format