Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) has long been known as the go-to treatment model for Borderline Personality Disorder, or BPD. DBT has also been shown to be effective for persons without DBT who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, impulse control issues, and difficulty managing emotions. This training will introduce learners to the core tenets of DBT, including “DBT-informed treatment”, which is the application of DBT skills with non-BPD individuals. The two skills of distress tolerance and emotional regulation will be explored. Learners will obtain perspective on the use of DBT-informed skills and walk away with concrete tools and interventions to increase the client’s abilities to tolerate distress and regulate emotions.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Describe the core tenets of DBT and the basic foundations of the four core skills.
- Identify the components and skills of distress tolerance and emotional regulation.
- Integrate distress tolerance and emotional regulation skills into clinical practice.
Syllabus
Objective #1: Foundations of DBT
- Developed by Marsha Linehan for treatment of BPD and non-suicidal self-injury
- Integrates CBT, mindfulness, dialectics, and validation
- Applicable beyond BPD to a range of emotional dysregulation presentations
- Focuses on acceptance and change through four core skills modules
Objective #2: Understanding Dialectics and Distress Intolerance
- Define dialectics as the integration of opposites
- Teach clients to hold two truths simultaneously (e.g., “I can accept myself and want to grow”)
- Identify distress intolerance as a key barrier to emotional stability
- Discuss common distress-intolerant beliefs and emotional avoidance strategies
Objective #3: Unhelpful Coping Strategies and Case Illustration
- Explore behaviors such as substance use, self-harm, rumination, and social withdrawal
- Use case study (“Jessica”) to contextualize client presentation and treatment planning
- Identify triggers, emotional responses, and behaviors that worsen distress
Objective #4: Distress Tolerance Skills
- Teach crisis survival and reality acceptance techniques
- Introduce TIPP, STOP, pros and cons, radical acceptance, distraction, IMPROVE, and ACCEPTS skills
- Practice self-soothing using the five senses
- Develop a stepwise distress tolerance action plan tailored to client needs
Objective #5: Applying DT Skills in Clinical Scenarios
- Use behavioral assessments and chain analyses to guide intervention
- Develop specific, realistic, and structured plans for applying DT skills
- Reinforce skill use through follow-up and motivational enhancement
- Coach through ambivalence and validate resistance to change
Objective #6: Emotional Regulation Skills and Theoretical Framework
- Define emotional dysregulation and outline contributing biological and psychological factors
- Explain the emotional dysregulation process including triggering events and after-effects
- Introduce emotion regulation tools: Check the Facts, ABC PLEASE, Opposite Action, and problem-solving
- Highlight importance of emotion myths and reinforcement history
Objective #7: Creative Tools and Strategies for ER Skills
- Use metaphors (weather, animals, desserts) to increase emotional awareness
- Practice increasing positive emotions through mindful pleasant experiences and relationship repair
- Use coping cards and “Cope Ahead” planning for high-risk emotional situations
Objective #8: Special Considerations and Youth Application
- Address barriers to ER skill use such as overload, trauma, and avoidance
- Adapt DBT skills for children with intellectual and emotional dysregulation
- Review a case study of “K” and measure outcome changes pre- and post-intervention
Objective #9: Validation Skills and Closing Reflections
- Teach essential validating statements and avoid invalidation
- Reinforce the therapeutic value of listening, empathy, and acceptance
- Provide resources and worksheets to support ongoing DBT-informed practice
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: April 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