Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) training for clinicians: Foundational to advanced

Description: DBT is an intensive outpatient therapy developed by Marsha Linehan to treat chronically suicidal clients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. It has also been adapted to treat clients with addictions, eating disorders and other complex problems. Working with clients who experience these difficulties is extremely challenging for mental health and direct service professionals. DBT has proven to be effective in reducing suicidal, self-harm and other impulsive behaviours and to increase client engagement in therapy. DBT blends cognitive behavioural therapy with acceptance-based strategies stemming from Zen philosophy. A primary therapeutic task is to balance the acceptance of the client with a focus on change. 

This introductory training is designed for clinicians who are interested in utilizing dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) in either group or individual settings with clients. Material will be presented using interactive lecture and experiential exercises. During this webinar, participants will learn the theoretical underpinnings of DBT, aspects of the individual component of DBT, and skills from each of the four modules taught in DBT Skills groups: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. 

Learning objectives:

• Conceptualize borderline personality disorder using the biosocial theory
• Recognize the components of standard DBT
• Balance validation and change strategies
• Conduct a behavioural analysis and solution analysis of problematic behaviours
• Be able to teach select DBT skills to clients

Whether you’re supporting clients with chronic emotion dysregulation, impulsivity, or suicidal ideation, this introductory DBT training will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact. You’ll gain a solid understanding of the biosocial theory of borderline personality disorder, the structure and components of standard DBT, and the core therapeutic balance between acceptance and change. Through experiential learning, you’ll also practice key skills from each DBT module and build confidence in applying validation strategies, conducting behavioural analyses, and teaching DBT skills to clients.

Register now to build your foundation in DBT and strengthen your capacity to work effectively with high-risk and emotionally dysregulated clients.

Ontario Psychological Association employees, members, associates and affiliates can use discount code OPA15 to receive 15% off all upcoming programs (cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions/discounts).