Introducing our third part to the series of Meet The Trainers here at British Isles DBT Training. This month, we are celebrating the work of Dr Christine Dunkley, who has been a part of the team since 2006.
What has been your biggest achievement?
I have completed 1080 days of training for British Isles DBT, in 347 separate events, which I think makes me one of the most prolific DBT trainers in the world. This has given me insights into the wealth of settings in which DBT is delivered, and has, I hope, made me a solid reliable authority in my field. Given an average of 50 delegates per event, it would mean I have trained around 17,500 mental health professionals, and touched the lives of thousands more clients.
Who would you most like to swap places with for the day?
I would like to be the winner of the Great British Sewing Bee on the day of the final. I am a very amateur dressmaker and would love to have the skills to win that competition, but it would be better if I could keep those skills for more than a day.
Why did you choose to become a trainer?
I have always done public teaching and speaking, I was a cadet leader in St John ambulance brigade in 1976 and used to teach first aid. So I am comfortable with a classroom. That, combined with an absolute passion for DBT made it an ideal step. But here at British Isles you have to serve a long and quite tough apprenticeship to make sure your clinical knowledge is good enough. I found it a challenge to reach each new level, and tick off all the areas of expertise. This is why the standard is high, we are all encouraged to be the best at what we do.
What is the best thing about being part of the British Isles DBT team?
Being part of a team dedicated to saving lives at home and abroad. The reputation at biDBT is so high, the trainers and the staff are all enthusiastic about this mission. I find it exciting to work with like-minded people. And being nerdy I LOVE answering DBT clinical questions. I do have my dream job.
What do you enjoy most about training with biDBT?
I love the team spirit. All DBT therapists like team work – it’s a team treatment, there is a great sense of camaraderie, and plenty of laughs. It lightens up what can be a very serious subject. I have had some great trips abroad, to Lithuania, Poland, the Channel Islands, and the USA. We got to go to Marsha Linehan’s retirement party and to have a party in the UK for 25 years of biDBT.
What advice would you give to new DBT therapists?
Milk your consult for all the tips and ideas it can give you. Take in snippets of case recordings, do role-plays, ask questions, swap metaphors and mindfulness exercises. Make your consult into the most creative space of the week. And don’t overcoach TIPP skills.
What is your favourite course to deliver and why?
Regulating emotion The DBT way – because I wrote a book on this subject, so it is dear to my heart. In BIDBT it is quite likely that your trainer has written a book or chapter on these topics, as we are all chosen for our specialist knowledge.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I love living with my two granddaughters, Silver 4 and Acer 2. In lockdown our daughter and her husband sold their house and we sold ours and all moved in together. The kids are very funny. I might start the day with Acer, dressed as Elsa from Frozen, throwing her arms round my knees and shouting, “Nanna I just did a ‘NORMOUS poo in the toilet!”
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I cut my own hair, and can cut and style my own bob in 5 minutes flat. I might be doing the laundry and catch sight of myself in a mirror, think, hmmm… I need a haircut, whip out a pair of scissors and cut a couple of inches off. Then I carry on with the washing. I haven’t been to a hairdresser in 10 years. At least I hope this is a fun fact, and not one that makes everyone say, “Ah, that explains it…”