Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: Beyond the Basics - Virtual Delivery

dialectical behaviour therapy course prince george

Many therapists have been introduced to core concepts of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) through Sheri Van Dijk's workshop "Calming the Emotional Storm", as well as through her books. The DBT Beyond Basics workshop is intended for clinicians with a basic understanding of DBT who want to develop more sophisticated and targeted interventions by:

  1. Delving further into treatment planning from a DBT perspective and learning how to decide which DBT interventions will best suit a client's needs;
  2. Exploring how to teach the DBT skills to clients in relation to Axis I diagnoses, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder;
  3. Discussing what to do when interventions don't seem to be moving the client forward;
  4. Taking a closer look at the role of the DBT consultation team.

This course is being delivered virtually with live instruction and interaction. 

We strongly recommend students complete the Dialectical Behavior Therapy workshop offered through UNBC Continuing Studies prior to taking DBT Beyond the Basics (previously Advanced DBT).

Learning Outcomes

  • How to use DBT strategies and skills to treat psychiatric illnesses other than borderline personality disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, and issues such as anger, grief, and self-esteem
  • Awareness of challenges that new DBT therapists encounter, ideas to help therapists deal with client "resistance", and techniques to help clinicians manage escalating emotions during the session
  • Expand your knowledge of DBT strategies and skills through lecture, role-play, video analysis of clients, and practical exercises
  • Focus more on how to apply the DBT skills to your own personal and professional life, and learn how these skills will help to reduce feelings of ineffectiveness and burnout with clients
  • Expand your knowledge of DBT strategies and skills through lecture, small and large group discussions, and practical exercises
  • Practice considering clients from a behaviour theory perspective to help you analyze what might be keeping people stuck
  • Learn more dialectical strategies to help clients move forward in treatment, and to elicit commitment to working

Course Requirements

Students must have a computer with webcam in order to attend class and participate in exercises and knowledge checks.

Course Prerequisites

We strongly recommend students complete the introductory Dialectical Behaviour Therapy workshop offered through UNBC Continuing Studies.