DBT Skills Introduction Virtual: March 13-14, 2023

Training Location: Zoom Meeting

Webcam and audio are required for participation.

9:00am-4:30pm CST

Trainer: Vibh Forsythe Cox, PhD

This training consists of eight 90-minute modules delivered virtually for a total of 12 instructor-led hours. Each module includes reading and homework tasks. Total participant time required for each module is approximately 2.5 - 3 hours. The modular nature of this course allows us to customize it to the schedule of our clients. Quizzes are included in each module and are repeated as a final knowledge test at the end of the program.

Research indicates that DBT skills are a key mechanism of change for suicide attempts, non-suicidal self-injury, depression, and anger, and multiple randomized control trials have shown DBT skills to be effective for a variety of problems, including depression, emotion dysregulation, binge eating, and borderline personality disorder.

This introduction to DBT Skills Training introduces Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills: Core Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. Participants learn about the function of skills training in DBT, the structure of a DBT skills training program, the goals and general content of each skills module, and the targets for DBT skills training. It also provides an overview of the manner in which DBT conceptualizes problems, as well as the behavior change, validation, and dialectical strategies used across all modes of the treatment. Clinical examples are used to illustrate specific skills training procedures. Video of roundtable discussions of DBT experts, and demonstrations of a skills training class are incorporated.

The training is designed for all mental health professionals who want to learn DBT skills to improve their work with their clients. Prior knowledge of DBT is not required; however, learning will be enhanced if participants are familiar with Dr. Marsha Linehan's 1993 text, Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, and the 2015 DBT Skills Training Manual, Second Edition. Participants should have the latter available during the course.

Registration includes the 2015 DBT Skills Training Manual and DBT Skills Manual for Adolescents e-books, which will both be sent to you.

This virtual training provides 12 hours of Continuing Education Credits for the following licenses: Psychologist, Professional Counselor, Psychological Associate, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapist, Chemical Dependency Counselor, Peer Specialist, Supported Employment Specialist and Certified Family Partner. Upon successful completion of this virtual training, you will earn a certificate of completion and (if applicable) continuing education credit.