An Introduction to DBT Skills and Strategies (6 hour staff training)

Course overview

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT Linehan, 1993), developed by Marsha M. Linehan, Ph.D. at the University of Washington. DBT is a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment which combines cognitive behavioral theory and eastern mindfulness for children and adults who are at high risk for life-threatening or other chronic and severe dysfunctional behaviors and have not responded to "treatment-as-ususual". Because of the success of DBT, programs from all levels of care; outpatient, inpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospital programs and even school settings have incorporated the model and are using DBT to assist with rapid stabilization of self-harm behaviors, suicidal ideation, and other crisis behaviors. It is well known that there is a high rate of staff turnover in clinical settings. This 6-hour training is designed to introduce the principles, strategies and skills in DBT that are used to reinforce adaptive coping and stability. This training is designed to orient new staff quickly to DBT in programs where DBT is in the initial stages of implementation. Participants will leave the training with an overview of the treatment model, the research behind it, specific tools and interventions staff can use right away, and where to go for further, more intensive training.