DBT Foundational offers a next-generation approach to training, bringing the DBT model to life for ‘real world’ clinical practice. This course equips you with the confidence and skills to thrive within an existing DBT team from day one.
Led by world-renowned DBT clinicians and Linehan-trained experts, you’ll be introduced to core DBT principles while working through a diverse range of complex cases—right from the start of treatment. You’ll learn how to seamlessly integrate into a DBT consultation team and apply DBT strategies effectively.
Designed with flexibility in mind, this course lets you start at any time (once eligibility is confirmed) and move through the content at your own pace. Whether you want to focus on a particular area or revisit key material, you’ll have the freedom to shape your learning journey. Plus, you’ll gain access to additional content for diving deeper into the topics that interest you most.
Your learning experience is carefully crafted to guide you through the full DBT model, emphasizing hands-on application every step of the way. You’ll explore the biosocial theory of DBT, how to conceptualize cases, structure treatment plans, and navigate therapy-interfering behaviors. Along the way, you’ll master techniques for balancing acceptance and change, learn strategies for working with PTSD, and treating secondary targets. The course also covers cognitive modification, stylistic strategies, and working with suicidal or self-harming patients.
Throughout this training, you’ll see all four modes of DBT demonstrated: Individual Therapy, Skills Group, Phone Coaching, and Team Consultation. This will allow you to see how each element of DBT integrates together to form the gold-standard treatment for multi-problem patients.
We invite you to join us in this comprehensive learning experience, guided and inspired by DBT founder, Marsha Linehan.
How It Works
Start your DBT Foundational course as soon as you meet the eligibility requirements (approval normally takes up to two working days).
The course is purposely structured across 12 weeks, giving you time to fully absorb each concept and develop a deep understanding of why it matters.
Every learner and DBT team is different. The course is “self directed” for the benefit of each practitioner and the unique circumstances of your team. Learn when it suits you with extended course access for 12 months.
Learning Objectives:
1. Incorporate DBT assumptions and a dialectical worldview into treatment with multi-problem patients.
2. Understand the biosocial model of DBT, and how to conceptualise client issues through this model.
3. Apply DBT principles and strategies during DBT consultation team meetings.
4. Structure treatment according to the primary target hierarchies.
5. Complete DBT pre-treatment tasks (for example, identify client’s goals, orient to DBT, obtain commitment to treatment).
6. Implement effective phone coaching strategies.
7. Generate chain analyses for problematic behaviors, and evaluate solutions for specific problematic links from a chain analysis.
8. Apply the DBT problem-solving strategies (skills training, cognitive modification, exposure, contingency management).
9. Implement the acceptance principles and levels of validation in DBT.
10. Assess long-term and acute risk for suicide, and apply DBT Suicide crisis protocols.
11. Implement effective approaches to PTSD in the context of Stage 1DBT treatment.
12. Structure a DBT Skills Group, and apply effective strategies for teaching in this treatment mode.
