The Skills of Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that was originally developed for chronically suicidal individuals and is now the gold standard treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder. The treatment and its adaptations have since been proven through research to be effective across a wide range of disorders and behavioral problems which have at their core the issue of Pervasive Emotion Dysregulation. Attendees will be given an overview of key theoretical concepts that inform the “spirit” of DBT, the core treatment strategies as used within a DBT skills group, and how DBT skills relate to the other components of comprehensive DBT.
The bulk of the workshop will be focused on the skills in DBT, and will provide attendees with a basic understanding of the four primary DBT skills modules (Core Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotional Regulation, Distress Tolerance). A brief introduction to the fifth module added to the DBT Adolescent adaption (Walking the Middle Path) will also be given. Through didactic lectures and in-vivo activities, attendees will have an opportunity to learn the content of the skills, as well as how to structure and conduct a DBT skills group. Hands-on learning will occur through several group practice activities, with additional learning from real life clinical examples and modeling of the skills and strategies by the facilitator.
Skills / Knowledge
- DBT
- Social work