DBT Skills Training: The Fundamentals

Targeting, Case Formulation and Treatment Planning

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is now considered the treatment of choice for suicidal individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder.  It has numerous Randomized Control Trials published and consistently shows its effectiveness in treating the multi-disordered, substance dependent, suicidal BPD individual.  When treating this type of client, one thing that can be challenging for the therapist is identifying which behavior amongst many they need to prioritize in treating over others.  One of the components in DBT that might be responsible for DBT’s empirical base is the way it structures the session (what behaviors are prioritized in treating) and the way it identifies the controlling variables that drive the client’s maladaptive behaviors through the use of a behavioral chain analysis.  Based on what the information shows during this behavioral chain analysis, DBT will use a set of theories to help guide the therapist and client in developing a strong case formulation.  Part of the DBT Certification process is to learn how to develop a specific case formulation on a Stage 1 client in DBT.  This training will teach attendees what behaviors are prioritized in treating, how to develop a case formulation and how to develop specific treatment plans to help treat the controlling variables that seem to give rise to and maintain the function of the client’s maladaptive behaviors.  Individuals who attend this training should already have a basic knowledge of the theory behind DBT.  It will contain lecture, audio of a real session, and role-plays to demonstrate the concepts that will be presented.  Come prepared for a high energy and highly experiential training.