SW 6633 - Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an empirically validated treatment for severe emotional dysregulation. Studies have shown efficacy of DBT with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), substance use disorders, chronic suicidality & self-harm, binge eating disorders, and more. This course will focus on the underlying principles of DBT, including cognitive-behavioral strategies, psychological acceptance, behavioral analysis, commitment and contingency management, and mindfulness skills. Biosocial theory of emotion dysregulation, and application of biosocial theory to establish effective case conceptualization and treatment planning for emotional dysregulation is examined. Students will complete the course with an understanding of the principles driving DBT and the ability to apply the strategies of DBT treatment to clients with complex problems. Application of the principles will be discussed via specific commitment and validation strategies as well as behavioral/problem solving strategies (e.g., chain analysis, solution analysis). Students should complete the course with an understanding of the principles driving DBT, and how to use the specific commitment and validation strategies developed to adhere to the principles of DBT, along with behavioral assessment, mindfulness skills, distress tolerance skills, interpersonal effectiveness skills, emotion regulation skills, chain analysis, and solution analysis.