The hospital’s DBT programme provides a comprehensive DBT service to women on Bowling Ward, who present with a range of complex difficulties and high-risk behaviours, often associated with trauma and emotional dysregulation.
Cygnet Hospital Bierley’s entry for the much-coveted award featured a co-produced case-study, detailing the inspirational recovery of Charlie who completed Bowling’s DBT programme last year. At APT’s award ceremony, Charlie gave a moving account of her recovery explaining how she had used DBT to build a busy, meaningful and valued life, outside of hospital.
Charlie was joined by her former DBT therapist and DBT programme Lead, Dr Kelly Elsegood. Both Charlie and Kelly gave a candid description of their shared therapeutic journey including the practical applications of DBT to address a number of mental health and psychotherapeutic challenges.
Presenting at the ceremony from her new flat, via video call, Charlie explained: “I still struggle sometimes, just like everyone does, but now I’ve got the skills to help me manage. I’ve never felt so positive and optimistic about my future. I plan to do more online courses, get myself back out into the community and do some voluntary work, and then hopefully start an access to nursing course in September next year.
“I can’t wait to help people who are feeling like I used to, and share my DBT knowledge with anyone who needs it! Eventually, I would like to reduce or stop my medication, and get my EUPD diagnosis removed – I’ve looked at the criteria and it doesn’t describe me anymore! If someone had said to me 5 years ago that I would get to this stage, I would never have believed them. But here I am. And a big part of that is thanks to DBT.”
The APT judges commented, “Yours was a very powerful case study, giving hope and inspiration to us all. We loved how you demonstrated as well as described your use of the skills, Charlie, and how together with your therapist you were able to showcase the various elements of the DBT programme.”
In accepting the award, Kelly thanked Charlie for her willingness and courage to share her story. Kelly also paid tribute the other members of the DBT team, Sam Moore and Rebecca Szlachcic, and their MDT colleagues on Bowling Ward, who all work hard to support the effective delivery of DBT.
Bierley’s DBT programme has been highly commended, having previously been shortlisted for APT’s award for Excellence in 2019 and also winning the Award for Excellence in 2017 and 2018.