PCHEI Members Area

DBT Skills Community of Practice

Shared learning and peer support for DBT-informed student counselling

This Community of Practice (CoP) supports PCHEI members trained in DBT Skills to develop and adapt programmes for higher education contexts. It builds on the HSE DBT Skills training and offers space for collaborative exploration of delivery, pedagogy, and student engagement.



About the Community

The DBT Skills CoP provides a structured, supportive environment to deepen understanding of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills and their application with student populations. Meetings focus on key DBT modules, using shared resources and discussion to explore how skills can be meaningfully delivered within third-level settings.


This CoP is open to all PCHEI members who have completed the HSE DBT Skills training. Members are welcome to join at any point.



Current Focus: Emotional Regulation Skills (2025/26)

For the 2025/26 academic year, the group is working through the Emotional Regulation (ER) Skills module.

  • Each session explores a group or theme of ER Skills in delivery order
  • Slide decks guide discussion and reflection
  • A review session follows completion of the full ER Skills set
  • Missed a session? Slide decks are available on request


Looking Ahead: Distress Tolerance Skills (2026/27)

The focus for the 2026/27 academic year is expected to shift to Distress Tolerance Skills, with a similar structured, skills-based approach.



How to Join or Learn More

This is a peer-led community for counsellors already trained in DBT Skills. For enquiries or to request slide decks from past sessions, please contact  Nicola (SETU Waterford) at nicola.aldeweireldt@SETU.ie