This April, we are sharing another part of our series of ‘Meet The Trainers’ – introducing trainer Dr Amy Gaglia Essletzbichler.
What is the best thing about being part of the British Isles DBT team?
By far the best thing is the amazing people I get to work with–from co-trainers to office staff and delegates, each person brings something unique.
Why did you choose to become a trainer?
I felt so inspired by my own Intensive Training™ and thought it must be an amazing job to teach people this therapy. Having implemented DBT with clients for many years I began to see what a life-saving impact it can make. I wanted to help other people to have those experiences.
What do you enjoy most about training with biDBT?
There is such variety in this job, no training is ever the same. There are new role plays, new challenges, and the opportunity to have lots of fun too. We could be getting our heads around a really tricky case or roleplaying a dramatic scene to bring home a teaching point. It definitely brings out the frustrated actress in me.
What advice would you give to new DBT therapists?
Trust and stick to the model and be patient with yourself as it is complex and takes time to develop your practice on different levels. Lean on your colleagues.
What is your favourite course to deliver and why?
I love delivering the 5-day Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Foundational Training™, as the delegates generally love being there and all want to be there. They also usually have some experience with a team before they come to the training.
What is your favourite DBT-related quote?
“It depends!”
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I live in Vienna so I like eating cakes. Fortunately, I also like doing Yoga, Pilates and walking the dog.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I went to school with Maggie Siff, the American actress who plays the therapist Wendy in Billions. I think my therapy life is slightly less glamorous than hers.
Who would you most like to swap places with for the day?
It changes all the time, but this week it is screenwriter Shonda Rhimes, who created Greys Anatomy. She has her own land, she creates amazing characters, and she is really humble about the struggles of balancing a career and family.
What has been your biggest achievement?
I count being married for 20 years as an achievement, and evidence, that DBT skills are effective! Workwise, I remember a decade ago, when 6 other people and myself, were sitting around a table wondering how we might create some kind of DBT society. Today, The Society for DBT of the UK and Ireland is a thriving organisation that arranges conferences and CPD, and in which I chair the Board of Accreditation. I am proud to have been a founder member and to have contributed to the careers of many accredited therapists.