Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has four primary modes of treatment delivery. This is different than other psychotherapies that offer just one mode or aspect of treatment. In this course, we will explore DBT intervention through Individual Psychotherapy, DBT Skills Training, In-the-Moment Phone Coaching, and practice one of the most commonly used techniques. We will explore the core assumptions of DBT and the science behind DBT through a series of videos and technique practice activities.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Define the core concepts of DBT Emotion Regulation and Distress Tolerance
- Identify what these modules address in client emotional work and skill training
- Practice for implementation-specific skills that can be used in everyday therapy sessions
Syllabus:
Foundations of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Define DBT and its components: dialectics, behavior, and therapy
- Understand the history of DBT developed by Marsha Linehan for treating Borderline Personality Disorder
- Explore theoretical influences including cognitive, behavioral, client-centered, and Zen approaches
- Clarify the primary goal of DBT as helping clients build a life worth living
Objective #1: Understanding DBT’s Purpose and Populations Served
- Address emotional vulnerability and difficulty returning to baseline after arousal
- Review treatable diagnoses including depression, PTSD, eating disorders, bipolar, anxiety, substance use, ADHD, OCD, and autism spectrum disorder
- Introduce Linehan’s biosocial model of emotional dysregulation
Objective #2: DBT Treatment Structure and Therapist Training
- Describe full model DBT: individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and therapist consultation
- Distinguish between basic DBT-trained therapists, intensively trained therapists, and certified DBT therapists
- Emphasize the use of diary cards and structured sessions
Objective #3: Four Core DBT Skills Modules
- Core Mindfulness: observe, describe, and participate with nonjudgmental awareness
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: maintain relationships, assert needs, and respect self and others
- Emotion Regulation: identify and manage emotional experiences and reduce vulnerability
- Distress Tolerance: survive crises and manage overwhelming emotions with acceptance
Objective #4: Mindfulness in DBT
- Address issues such as avoidance, emptiness, and reactivity
- Teach clients to observe thoughts and emotions without acting on them
- Promote control of mind and full participation in the present moment
Objective #5: Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills
- Reduce chaos in relationships and improve communication
- Learn how to say no, ask for what you need, and maintain self-respect
- Practice balance between giving and receiving in relationships
Objective #6: Emotion Regulation Techniques
- Build awareness and understanding of emotions
- Decrease mood swings, reduce vulnerability, and increase positive experiences
- Encourage acting opposite to the emotion when appropriate
Objective #7: Distress Tolerance Strategies
- Use skills to manage crises when problems can’t be solved immediately
- Learn to distract, self-soothe, and improve the moment
- Introduce STOP and TIPP skills for immediate de-escalation
Objective #8: Skills Practice and Application
- Engage in mindfulness activities such as the paper puzzle exercise
- Practice STOP skills with temperature, intense exercise, breathing, and observation
- Use ABC PLEASED and ABC skills for proactive emotional care and mastery-building
- Apply the Circle of Control exercise to integrate emotion regulation and distress tolerance
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Stacy Blankenship, LCSW
Recording Date: 12/15/2024
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 1.5hrs 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