Your Complete Guide to The Spiegel Academy’s DBT Informed Music Therapy Training Program
Curriculum • Schedule •

One of your music therapists is ready to expand their clinical expertise by taking the DBT Informed Music Therapy Training. On this page you’ll get a clear snapshot of the program details.

Your support can empower your therapist to bring advanced, evidence-based skills back to your team - strengthening client care and enhancing your program’s impact.

Part 1: Foundations

Therapists Start with 2 Self-Paced Courses

Before live training begins (October 20, 2025), your music therapist will complete two expert-led, on-demand courses to build a solid foundation in DBT principles. These courses ensure they begin the program ready to integrate DBT concepts into their clinical work - immediately benefiting your clients and your treatment program.


Course #1

DBT: Practical Life Skills Reinforced through Music Therapy

with Deborah Spiegel MT-BC and Lindsey Landeck MT-BC

Value $250 (Included ) 

  • This course introduces essential DBT skills through the lens of music therapy.
  • Your therapist will gain strategies to support emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance
  • They'll begin to learn the language of DBT for better collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
  • 10 credits

Course #2

Music and Mindfulness in Clinical Applications​

 with Katie Down MT-BC

Value $200 (Included)

  • This self-study course trains your therapist to use music-based mindfulness tools to increase client self-awareness, improve emotional regulation, and support more thoughtful, less reactive behavior — key outcomes that benefit both clients and your overall treatment program.
  • 8 credits

Part 2:

In-Depth DBT Skills Study with Music Therapy Applications and Supervision

Your therapist will participate in weekly, live virtual sessions that combine in-depth DBT skills training with direct clinical supervision and peer consultation. This phase ensures that DBT concepts aren’t just learned - they’re practiced, refined, and integrated into their work with clients in your program.

April 20, 2026- Sept 28, 2026

The first 2 Monday nights of each month -Skills Training Group

Led by Suzanne Makary MT-BC

(for 90 minutes at 5pm Pacific, 6 Mountain, 7 Central, 8 Eastern)

  • Builds a deep understanding of the full DBT curriculum using the Second Edition DBT Skills Training Manual
  • Equips your therapist to lead and co-lead DBT-informed groups
  • Emphasizes personal use of DBT skills to promote authentic modeling for clients

The 3rd Monday of each month - Clinical Supervision for Implementation

Led by Cait Carter MT-BC and Kim Johnson LMHC, MT-BC

(for 60 minutes at 5pm Pacific, 6 Mountain, 7 Central, 8 Eastern)

  • Focuses on applying DBT principles to your facility’s specific client population
  • Offers individualized guidance to ensure ethical, competent integration of DBT into music therapy sessions
  • Supports better outcomes and staff confidence through real-time case consultation

The last Monday of each month- DBT Music Therapy Consultation Group

Led by Bailey Hinz MA, MT-BC, LPMT, LMSW, CSW-I

(for 60 minutes at 4pm Pacific, 5 Mountain, 6 Central, 7 Eastern)

  • Creates a collaborative environment to troubleshoot challenges, share strategies, and maintain fidelity to the DBT model
  • Encourages therapist growth and resilience through community and shared expertise

Part 3:

Implementation & Support

This final phase empowers your therapist to confidently implement DBT-informed music therapy in real-world clinical settings. With live case consultation, direct supervision, and peer collaboration, they’ll transform knowledge into tangible outcomes for your clients and your program.

October 5, 2026 -March 29, 2027

The first 2 Monday nights of each month-Applied DBT Scenarios and Practice

led by Cait Carter MT-BC

(for 60 minutes at 4pm Pacific, 5 Mountain, 6 Central, 7 Eastern)

  • Develop rapid-response interventions using DBT-informed music therapy
  • Brainstorm clinical challenges and refine techniques through real-time problem-solving
  • Strengthen confidence and creativity in delivering individualized, evidence-based support
  • Build a versatile toolkit to meet diverse client needs on the spot

The 3rd Monday of each month - Clinical Supervision & Final Competency Project

Led by Suzanne Makary MT-BC and Kim Johnson LMHC, MT-BC

(for 60 minutes at 4pm Pacific, 5 Mountain, 6 Central, 7 Eastern)

  • Receive structured supervision focused on applying DBT with actual clients in your setting
  • Learn about the other aspects of DBT beyond skills training, such as diary cards, chain analysis, etc. so that they can implement these aspects in your workplace and be familiar with what other disciplines are doing in a DBT program
  • Complete a capstone project (case study) that demonstrates the therapist’s integration of DBT-informed music therapy in clinical practice

The last Monday of each month - Consultation Group: Integration & Community

led by Bailey Hinz MA, MT-BC, LPMT, LMSW, CSW-I

(for 60 minutes at 4pm Pacific, 5 Mountain, 6 Central, 7 Eastern)

  • Join a network of peers for collaboration, support, and continued skill refinement
  • Stay motivated and engaged through shared problem-solving and resource exchange
  • Promote long-term professional growth, burnout prevention, and job satisfaction

Total Training Credits: 100+ CMTEs

(Continuing Education credits for music therapy)

This investment culminates in a fully equipped DBT-informed music therapist who is trained, supervised, and prepared to deliver a higher standard of care in your program.

Enroll

Finale: DBT Informed Music Therapist Credential

Upon successful completion of the full program, your therapist will earn a DBT Informed Music Therapist credential — a professional endorsement affirming their advanced training and readiness to apply DBT within clinical music therapy settings.

(Value Priceless) 

What This Credential Means for Your Facility:

  • Elevates Your Team's Credentials
    Formally recognizes your therapist’s successful completion of a year-long, supervised training program grounded in DBT and music therapy integration.
  • Demonstrates Clinical Excellence
    Signals your facility’s commitment to evidence-based, trauma-informed care that supports emotional regulation, crisis prevention, and client resilience.
  • Strengthens Reputation and Outcomes
    Adds credibility and distinction to your clinical program, enhancing your ability to attract and retain both clients and qualified staff.

Program Summary

The DBT-Informed Music Therapy Training Program is a year-long, cohort-based professional development experience that includes:

• weekly guided learning and skills training
• clinical application support and supervision
• case consultation
• DBT-informed curriculum and interventions
• peer learning and community support
• 100 CMTE credits
• the DBT-Informed Music Therapist designation upon completion

For program investment, enrollment steps, or employer-specific support options, please visit the Employer Information & Enrollment Page.

Warm regards,
Deborah Spiegel, MT-BC
Founder, The Spiegel Academy!

Deborah Spiegel