Introduction to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (2-DAY)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) invites therapists to embody the stances of Radical Acceptor and Change Agent—both person-centered and CBT, both validating and challenging, and weaving those therapeutic moves into a dance. While covering group DBT, this DBT training focuses in more depth on the Individual Therapy components of DBT and what makes a therapist “dialectical” in session.

The participant will be able to:

1. Identify and learn key aspects of the BioSocial Theory of Borderline Personality Disorder, general affect dysregulation, interpersonal conflict, and substance use and addiction.
2. Identify and learn the core concept of “Dialectics” and how dialectical style is applied to the therapist in DBT.
3. Differentiate key theoretical differences between Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and DBT.
4. Identify and learn the treatment and case management goals, behavioral targets, and treatment structure of DBT.
5. 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.
6. Identify and learn Case Management strategies that balance the dialectic of empowering the client with advocacy.
7. Identify special treatment strategies in DBT, including Crisis Intervention, Suicidal Behavior, Therapy-Interfering Behaviors, Phone Coaching, and Substance Use Disorders.
8. Apply DBT strategies to families and adolescents.