Dialectical Behavior Therapy Intensive

Course Overview

DBT is a comprehensive psychosocial treatment originally designed for individuals meeting criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD), but has been expanded to include any patient presenting with symptoms of emotional dysregulation, interpersonal chaos, frequent suicidality, and substance abuse/addiction disorders.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) invites therapists to be embody the metaphorical stances of both Ninja and Buddha—both person-centered and CBT, both accepting and courageously pushing for change. This “dance” is the theme of this complete training in DBT.

Learning Objectives

The participant will be able to:

• Identify and learn key aspects of the BioSocial Theory of Borderline Personality Disorder, general affect dysregulation, interpersonal conflict, and substance use and addiction.
• Identify and learn the core concept of “Dialectics” and how dialectical style is applied to the therapist in DBT.
• Differentiate key theoretical differences between Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and DBT.
• Identify and learn the treatment and case management goals, behavioral targets, and treatment structure of DBT.
• Identify and learn the commons skills taught to clients within group settings, within the 5 Modules of Core Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Middle Path.
• Identify and learn Case Management strategies that balance the dialectic of empowering the client with advocacy.
• Identify special treatment strategies in DBT, including Crisis Intervention, Suicidal Behavior, Therapy-Interfering Behaviors, Phone Coaching, and Substance Use Disorders.
• Apply DBT strategies to families and adolescents.