Foundations of DBT

In this module you will learn the history and background of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Treatment as well as how to:

• Identify the core philosophies, modalities and assumptions of DBT treatment
• Assess whether original formula or adaptive/modified DBT would work most effectively with your client population
• Avoid stereotyping or stigmatizing your clients during treatment
• Determine which clients are best suited for DBT therapy

Core DBT Modalities

Module 2 expands on the basics of DBT and takes a closer look at some of its core modalities. You will learn how to:

• Recognize core and common dialectics found in DBT
• Identify DBT’s 4 modalities — individual sessions, skills group, phone coaching and peer consultation
• Prioritize life-threatening, self-harming, and treatment interfering behaviors
• Integrate the use of diary cards into your client’s treatment plans
• Conduct peer consultation and individual sessions

Skills Group and Core Mindfulness Principles

This module outlines how to lead a successful skills group and goes into detail on the first core skills group module — mindfulness. You’ll learn how to:

• Organize your skills group sessions efficiently
• Integrate the core principles of mindfulness into your treatment strategies
• Teach your clients about “wise mind” and how to use this tool to aid in mindfulness practice
• Resolve issues that arise in group effectively

Skills Training Continued

Building on the last module, module 4 details skills from the remaining three DBT skills group modules including how to:

• Help your clients improve the quality of their relationships by increasing interpersonal effectiveness skills
• Teach emotional regulation skills utilizing strategies such as fact checking, coping ahead and core mindfulness principles
• Improve distress tolerance skills in your clients by teaching radical acceptance

Dialectics in DBT

In this module we’ll explore dialectics in DBT. You will learn how to:

• Identify the 3 core treatment strategies in DBT – change, validation and dialectical strategies
• Help your clients find the middle path between two contradictory ideas
• Help your clients to see both black and white at the same time (the goal of dialectics)
• Recognize the 3 dialectical dilemmas and how to spot these thought patterns in your clients

Behavioral Change Strategies

In this module you’ll learn the behavioral interventions and methods that are most effective in changing behaviors. You’ll learn how to:

• Develop and manage behavioral contingencies
• Determine the best strategies for changing your client’s behavior
• Apply classical conditioning techniques to improve therapeutic outcomes
• Recognize therapy interfering behavior and reduce its influence in your sessions

Telephone Coaching and Behavioral Chain Analysis

This module covers phone coaching and shows you how to conduct a behavior chain analysis. Topics include:

• Determine best practices and guidelines for incorporating phone coaching into your client’s treatment plan
• Neutralize issues that arise with phone coaching including therapy interfering behaviors
• Identify precipitating events and vulnerability factors associated with undesirable behaviors and events
• Teach your clients how to conduct a behavioral chain analysis

Validation Strategies

Module 8 covers the use of validation strategies in DBT treatment. You’ll learn how to:

• Identify the different types of validation and how to determine which one to use with your client during a session
• Use the concept of radical genuineness to validate even your most difficult clients
• Establish boundaries in the application of validation
• Teach clients how to use DBT skills for ethical decision making

Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist-HSP, combines her knowledge and experience to guide you step-by-step through 8 modules of in-depth DBT training, all designed to help you effectively apply Dialectical Behavior Therapy with your specific client population. Watch your email for an order confirmation with the account access link to get started on the materials instantly. Click here for course objectives and outline.

Access all course videos and materials online forever, or download the videos and materials to your personal library. Plus, use the CE21 Mobile™ app to access the course content on-the-go, wherever and whenever you want on your mobile devices.

You’ll have the opportunity to instantly collaborate with other professionals on the course materials through interactive message boards as you begin to develop your own DBT strategy. You’ll be part of a community of hundreds of practitioners all focused on these DBT materials, providing valuable opportunities to share insight and experiences, and to build your professional network.

Complete your online CE tests and earn up to 12 CE Hours! Click here for total course CE Credit and approval details specific to your profession.

Stephanie Vaughn, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist-HSP is the founder of Psyche, PLLC, a boutique outpatient therapy practice located in the Nashville, TN. She is an associate faculty member at Vanderbilt University in both the psychology and psychiatry departments. She conducts Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with both adolescents and adults as a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™. She is considered an expert on Therapy-Interfering Behaviors and contingency management for oppositional behaviors in adolescents.

Dr. Vaughn has worked in the intensive PTSD program at the Department of Veteran Affairs with soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq and female soldiers suffering from Military Sexual Trauma where she implemented formal Prolonged Exposure (PE). She is active in the teaching and supervision of DBT for Vanderbilt’s psychology & counseling students and doctoral interns, as well as psychiatry residents. She founded and currently runs Vanderbilt’s DBT Peer Consultation Group. She has served as an expert consultant for a variety of hospitals, schools, and clinics around the country.

Stephanie Vaughn and PESI are not affiliated or associated with Marsha M. Linehan, PhD, ABPP, or her organization.