Welcome to the Mental Elf podcast, which features interviews with leading experts in mental health: researchers, clinicians, practitioners and experts by experience.
I will help you keep up to date with the latest reliable mental health research.
Our podcasts are recorded at major mental health events and conferences, and explore a wide range of topics relevant to people who work in mental health and related fields.
Check out the Mental Elf website for thousands of free blogs summarising the latest reliable mental health research.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to the Mental Elf podcast, which features interviews with leading experts in mental health: researchers, clinicians, practitioners and experts by experience.
I will help you keep up to date with the latest reliable mental health research.
Our podcasts are recorded at major mental health events and conferences, and explore a wide range of topics relevant to people who work in mental health and related fields.
Check out the Mental Elf website for thousands of free blogs summarising the latest reliable mental health research.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exploring DBT: Techniques, Efficacy, and Lived Experience #BIGSPD25
Welcome to episode 1 of the BIGSPD 2025 podcast, hosted by André from the Mental Elf. This episode dives deep into Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) with guest experts Professor Michaela Swales, Programme Director at the North Wales Clinical Psychology Programme, and Jenifer Dylan, an Advanced Lived Experience Practitioner and DBT Therapist.
Together, they explore the success, challenges, and future of DBT, discussing various psychotherapies for personality disorders, evidence for DBT's effectiveness, and the roles of therapists with lived experience. Tune in to learn how DBT works, real-life applications, and the importance of tailored therapeutic approaches. Join us for an insightful conversation and stay updated on the latest research and practices in mental health.
00:00 Welcome to the BIGSPD25 Podcast
00:27 Meet the Experts: Michaela Swales and Jenifer Dylan
01:09 Understanding DBT and Other Psychotherapies
05:23 The Efficacy and Safety of DBT
08:01 Introduction to DBT: Basics and Skills
12:26 DBT in Practice: Real-Life Applications
18:22 Adapting DBT for Diverse Needs
24:32 The Role of Lived Experience in Therapy
31:59 Improving Clinical Care in DBT
35:08 Conclusion and Upcoming Events
Find out more about the 2025 conference of the British and Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorders on their website: https://bigspd.org.uk/bigspd-conference-2025/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.