About Formatio

Formatio means "to shape or form". Life is messy and we are often shaped by our experiences in ways that make us feel helpless. But where do you start? Formatio is an invitation to join a community of people who want to take back control and shape their lives using evidence-based methods.


Formatio is the person-centric treatment model of The South African DBT Institute, which allows you to personalise your journey through different levels of engagement. You can enrol for a self-guided course, monitor your progress through surveys, diary cards and a journal that are monitored by our team, join a group program tailored to your condition or book an appointment with one of our team of healthcare professionals.

Self-guided programs

Programs based on evidence-based modalities with an 8 to 24 session duration

Over the last couple of years, we have found the greatest barrier to receiving treatment is affordability. We have compiled evidence-based programs you can complete on your own time or in collaboration with you therapist. Our programs include:


  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) (24 sessions) 
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) (12 sessions) and
  • Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) (8 sessions)


Over the last couple of years, we have found the greatest barrier to receiving treatment is affordability. We have compiled evidence-based programs you can complete on your own time or in collaboration with you therapist. Our programs include:


  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) (24 sessions) 
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) (12 sessions) and
  • Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) (8 sessions)