Music Therapy Meets DBT
(Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
A Proven Approach for Managing Impulsive Behaviors and Emotions
Explore how DBT Informed Music Therapy can support you!
DBT-inspired music therapy tools give you creative, practical ways to help clients build resilience, regulate emotions, and communicate more effectively. At The Spiegel Academy, you’ll learn how to integrate DBT principles into your sessions ethically and confidently through training that can lead to recognition as a DBT-Informed Music Therapist.
DBT is an evidence-based approach that teaches practical skills for navigating life’s challenges, making wise choices, and improving communication.
👉 See research on DBT and music therapy here.
FREE DBT STARTER KIT!
Start Your Journey - Choose What Works For You
Whether you’re brand new to DBT and music therapy ... or ready for advanced training, you’ll find an option here that fits your next step.
If you're ready to go all-in ...
Join a small group comprehensive yearlong supervised individualized study with MT applications
DBT informed Music Therapy Training
Earn a credential with an endorsement as a
DBT Informed Music Therapist!
Be one of the trained DBT informed music therapists with this exclusive credential and stand out in your field,
while supporting your clients in creating a life worth loving.
Hear from Colleagues: Real Impact in the Workplace
Caitlin Carter, MT-BC and Kelly Howard MT-BC share how DBT Informed Music Therapy Training has transformed their workplace and client outcomes.
Listen to their experience as they explain why integrating DBT skills into music therapy has been a game-changer.
NOT ready for the in-depth yearlong training?
...Start with this.
Your investment in this bundle of self study classes will be credited towards the advanced training .
DBT Essentials Toolkit
for Music Therapists
- Gain knowledge of DBT's practical life skills and their application in music therapy.
- Get numerous music therapy interventions, resources, and tools for immediate use with clients.
- Learn the language of DBT to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Develop an understanding of fundamental DBT concepts.
- Lay the groundwork for seamlessly integrating DBT principles into your practice.
- Notice the impact in your life and that of your clients
23 CMTEs
Want a taste first?
FREE WORKSHOP
Integrating DBT into Your MT for Effective Results
Integrating DBT into your Music Therapy for Effective Results
Join our Free Workshop - open twice a year,
or jump on the waitlist now.
If it’s closed right now, you can still start today with the DBT Essentials Toolkit for Music Therapists or the DBT Informed Music Therapy Training.
Founder of DBT Informed Music Therapy Training
“Hi, I'm Deborah Spiegel MT-BC.
I’ve been a Music Therapist since 1976, and nothing has been more transformative for my patients and for me than training as a DBT-informed music therapist and integrating those skills into practice.
Since 2001, I’ve applied DBT directly in music therapy, and since 2011 I’ve been training other music therapists to do the same.
Now, together with my team of credentialed DBT clinicians and DBT-informed music therapists, I’m excited to share these tools with you so you too can make a bigger impact in your clients’ lives and your own.”
Resources: Check out My Book
Creative DBT Activities
Using Music:
Interventions for Enhancing Engagement and Effectiveness in Therapy
by Deborah Spiegel, Suzanne Makary, Lauren Bonavitacola,
(Jessica Kingsley 2020)
This and the following book links are Amazon affiliate links.
Inside the Book:
Part 1
Group activities to teach and reinforce DBT skills
Part 2
Written in a self-help format so you can print pages for handouts to give to clients.
Other DBT Books that We Recommend
Click each photo to see more about the book on Amazon.
Disclaimer: The term DBT-Informed Music Therapist is reserved for individuals who have completed The Spiegel Academy’s comprehensive DBT-Informed Music Therapy Training Program, which includes specialized coursework, supervision, and skills integration. Participation in other courses or workshops offered by The Spiegel Academy provides education in DBT principles and techniques but does not, by itself, confer DBT-Informed status or certification.