Certification Training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy

3 Days · Step by Step

Course Outline

• 7 assumptions of DBT to guide practice
• The Biosocial Theory underlying DBT
• Main goals and history as an evidence-based treatment
• Acceptance and change as core principles of DBT
• Balancing acceptance and change strategies
• Navigating and addressing contradictory perspectives
• DBT practice components (individual therapy, skills group, treatment teams, phone coaching)
• The role of validation to build a therapeutic alliance
• Manage Treatment Interfering Behaviors (TIBs)
• Reviewing the 4 modules of DBT
• Research, limitations and treatment risks

• Using the SUDs Scale to measure the intensity of emotional distress
• Behavioral Chain Analysis to identify triggers and gain insights into problematic behaviors
• How Diary Cards help you gain a better understanding of patterns
• Using the Emotion Identification Chart to improve emotional awareness

• Techniques to challenge and reframe self-critical beliefs
• Accessing and engaging “wise mind” in decision-making and problem-solving
• Cultivating acceptance and letting go of self-judgment and criticism
• Increasing awareness of judgmental thoughts and attitudes
• One Mindful: fully engage in the present moment without distraction
• Cultivating mindfulness as a tool for reducing impulsivity
• Pocket Mindfulness: brief exercises to manage stress and regulate emotions

• Practical techniques to manage distress in the moment
• Engaging the 5 senses to ground oneself and manage distress
• Making lemonade from lemons - Shifting perspectives and reframing situations
• Tweaking our self-talk/coping thoughts - Changing negative self-talk and developing self compassion
• Radical Acceptance - Learning to accept and tolerate distressing situations without judgment or resistance

• Exercises to enhance emotional awareness and recognition
• The connection between emotions and physical sensations
• Opposite action skill to change emotional responses
• Checking the facts skill to challenge emotional assumptions and biases with evidence
• Developing adaptive coping strategies and analyzing behavior patterns

• Identifying strengths and weaknesses in interpersonal effectiveness
• Emotional bank account - strategies to build and maintain positive emotional connections with others
• Using the DEARMAN technique for effective communication
• Assertive skills for saying “No” and setting boundaries
• Identifying and overcoming common barriers to effective interpersonal skills

• Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
• SAFE-T Pocket Card: Suicide Assessment Five-Step Evaluation and Triage for Clinicians
• Implementing evidence-based suicide prevention strategies
• Utilizing DBT tools to intervene with individuals at risk of suicide
• Developing a comprehensive safety plan to prevent suicidal behavior
• Providing ongoing support and follow-up care for individuals at risk of suicide

• Strategies for creating a trauma-informed environment in DBT
• Adapting DBT skills modules for trauma treatment
• Specific DBT skills exercises for trauma-focused group settings
• Adapting DBT for adolescents
• DBT with clients who have SUD, eating disorders or co-occurring conditions
• Managing therapist burnout and self-care in DBT

• Goals and objectives of DBT Skills Groups
• Structuring and conducting group sessions
• Tips for managing group dynamics and promoting a positive group culture
• Strategies for dealing with challenging group members and maintaining group cohesion
• How to monitor progress and evaluate outcomes in DBT Skills Group

• Demonstrative role plays for applying DBT skills in therapy sessions
• Review of case studies and real-life examples of using DBT in clinical practice
• Feedback for improving therapist competency in DBT