Dialectical Behavior Therapy is often used to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Did you know that the core four DBT skills are also useful for clients who do not have BPD? This training will introduce learners to the philosophies and tenets of DBT and highlight two of the four core skills: mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness. Clinicians will discover methods of integrating these two DBT-based skills with clients. Explore mindfulness and interpersonal skills such as wise mind, DEAR WOMAN, and FAST. Participants will have increased confidence and knowledge in implementing DBT-informed mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness skills with a variety of clients.
Upon completion of the training, participants will be able to:
- Explain mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness within the DBT model.
- Identify at least three mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness skills to use with clients.
- Discover the value of integrating DBT-informed treatment with clients to improve their mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness skills.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Foundations of DBT
- Developed by Marsha Linehan to treat non-suicidal self-injury and BPD
- Integrates CBT, stoicism, humanism, Eastern philosophy, and dialectics
- Emphasizes validation, mindfulness, and behavior focus
- Applicable across a variety of client presentations beyond BPD
Objective #2: Understanding Mindfulness in DBT
- Defined as living with awareness in the present moment without judgment
- Helps clients accept reality and reduce judgment
- Promotes awareness of thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and impulses
- Includes both complete awareness and intentional focus
Objective #3: Core Mindfulness Skills and Practices
- Observe: notice experiences in the moment
- Describe: label internal experiences without judgment
- Participate: engage fully in the here and now
- Wise Mind: integrate emotional and rational minds for balanced decision-making
- Practice includes sensory awareness, gratitude, and compassion statements
Objective #4: Clinical Application and Case Example: Michael
- Case of a teen experiencing misophonia and distress intolerance
- Treatment focused on reducing avoidance and increasing distress tolerance
- Mindfulness techniques helped Michael regulate his emotional reactivity
- Outcome showed significant and lasting improvement in symptoms
Objective #5: Mindfulness and the Therapist
- Practice mindfulness to reduce burnout and increase presence
- Benefits include greater empathy, self-compassion, and therapeutic effectiveness
- Encourage integrating mindfulness into daily routines
Objective #6: Introduction to Interpersonal Effectiveness (IE)
- Defined as the ability to interact effectively while balancing goals, relationships, and self-respect
- Skills support attending to relationships, asserting needs, and maintaining self-respect
- Key interaction goals: obtaining objectives, preserving relationships, and maintaining integrity
Objective #7: Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills and Tools
- DEAR MAN: Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear confident, Negotiate
- GIVE: Gentle, Interested, Validate, Easy manner
- FAST: Fair, Apologies (limited), Stick to values, Truthful
- Use of relationship see-saw and prioritizing communication outcomes
Objective #8: Clinical Practice Examples and Case: Annie
- Annie, a dual diagnosis client with depression and substance use
- Treatment included behavior control, radical acceptance, and interpersonal skill building
- Emphasis on developing self-respect and distress tolerance
- Used mindfulness to reduce emotional reactivity in relationships
Objective #9: Strategies for Implementation and Integration
- Use of handouts, visual aids, and worksheets to support skill use
- Reinforce skills through repetition, discussion, and application
- Leverage videos, self-assessments, and interactive tools for engagement
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: 4/27/2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com