DBT Skills for Every Practice : A 1-Day DBT Intensive

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a well-established evidence-based practice that has been used for a wide variety of mental health concerns in a number of different settings to excellent effect.  The skills that are a fundamental part of DBT empower both clinicians and clients to assert control over their lives in a variety of ways.  DBT instills clients with a sense of hope and capability through improvement of mindful awareness, tolerance of distress and crisis management, regulation of emotions on a day-to-day basis, and improvement of relational functioning while maintaining personal integrity.  These skills are intended to help clients master their day-to-day functioning while working towards a life worth living.

This one-day intensive training will provide clinicians with a brief understanding of the fundamental philosophy and foundation of DBT before helping clinicians develop understanding, knowledge, and capability around how to teach skills in a meaningful and lasting way.  Attendees can anticipate an overview of the skills that are an integral part of DBT, as well as learning experiences on how to implement these skills through tools such as the Skills Implementation Plan and the Behavior Chain Analysis.

Learning Objectives

• Develop an understanding of the application of DBT consistent with evidence-based practices.
• Learn the philosophical foundations of DBT.
• Identify ways to integrate mindfulness practice.
• Learn key concepts in teaching DBT skills to clients.
• Gain knowledge and skill in teaching and applying the four core DBT skill modules.
• Identify ways to develop and integrate skills planning to manage suicidal and self-injurious behaviors, as well as other therapeutic targets.
• Identify ways to use DBT in a variety of different therapeutic settings.
• Work with DBT tools including behavior chains and skills plans.

Knowledge Gained

Attendees will learn the core philosophical and scientific backgrounds and foundations of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, will gain an understanding of the DBT skills modules, how they interact with each other, and how to integrate effective teaching into group and individual practice.  Attendees will learn how to apply the DBT skills through various tools including safety plans, skills implementation plans, behavior chain analyses, and other methodological interventions.  Clinicians will learn techniques in teaching and communication around skills to ensure that skills are learned and retained.  Clinicians will ultimately leave this training with a thorough introduction and explanation of the skills involved with DBT, how to apply them in group and individual practice (and other practices as applicable per attendees requests), and how to go about using tools like the BCA and SIP plan to bring about change and skills installation in their clients

Presenter

Chris Malone began his career in mental health working in child and adolescent residential settings before beginning his current tenure at Mental Health Systems as a practicum student.  Over the past sixteen years Chris has facilitated Dialectical Behavior Therapy groups for adults and adolescents,  developed and facilitated group therapy for chronic pain clients as well as groups for thought disordered clients, and provided psychoeducation and support services for parents of those struggling with mental health concerns.  Chris is currently a Licensed Psychologist with the state of Minnesota and the Director of Supervision at MHS, overseeing the development of new supervisors and ensuring the quality of supervisory services.  Outside of MHS, Chris has taught ethics, research, psychopathology, and treatment interventions to Master’s level learners, and has presented at the MPA, the MACMH, and other professional organizations.  Chris is a member of the APA, with membership in Divisions 44 (Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity), 45 (Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race) and 49 (Group Psychology and Psychotherapy).  In his personal life, Chris enjoys tabletop gaming and game design, creative writing, painting, boating, fishing, and bothering his cats.