Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Foundations, Assessment, and Treatment Planning

This 4-week hybrid course provides a comprehensive exploration of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for treating emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, and high-risk behaviors. Participants will gain foundational knowledge of DBT theory, the biosocial model of emotion regulation, and evidence-based strategies for assessment, skills training, and treatment planning.

The course integrates theoretical understanding with practical clinical application, focusing on core DBT skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Participants will learn to conduct DBT-informed assessments, apply individual and group interventions, and develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to clients with borderline personality disorder, self-harming behaviors, and co-occurring mental health conditions.

The hybrid format combines live interactive sessions, recorded lectures, applied exercises, case consultations, and reflective assignments, enabling participants to implement DBT in individual, group, or multi-disciplinary settings. Emphasis is placed on maintaining treatment fidelity, addressing clinician countertransference, and integrating culturally sensitive and ethical practices.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Explain the theoretical foundations of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and the biosocial model
• Conduct DBT-informed assessments and case conceptualizations
• Develop individualized treatment plans incorporating DBT skills and interventions
• Apply core DBT skills (mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness) in clinical practice
• Monitor client progress and adjust DBT interventions appropriately
• Integrate culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and ethical practices into DBT treatment