COPING WITH CHAOS: TREATING MULTIPLE SEVERE DISORDERS WITH DBT, March 2012

This two-day workshop is designed to be a comprehensive introductory overview of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). It is intended for mental health professionals who wish to acquaint themselves with the treatment or who are considering further training in DBT.
DBT balances change-based technology (behaviour therapy) with acceptance-based principles (validation). Both of these strategies will be introduced along with dialectical strategies (those that provide the balance of acceptance and change). The frame of DBT will be highlighted and the modes and functions of comprehensive DBT will be defined.

Methods of instruction include lecture, videotapes of treatment, and practice exercises to teach the principles and strategies of DBT. Handouts are provided.  The following topics are covered:
1) diagnosis and biosocial theory of borderline personality disorder; 2) DBT treatment targets and structure of treatment for multi-problem, high-risk clients, including the modes and functions of comprehensive DBT programs; 3) basic strategies used in DBT, including problem solving, behaviour chain analysis, validation, and dialectical strategies; and 4) brief introduction to DBT group skills training.

Learning Objectives

•    Describe the dialectical biosocial theory of borderline personality disorder (BPD) used to guide treatment planning.
•    Identify DBT treatment targets and how to structure treatment for multi-problem individuals at high risk for life-threatening behaviours.
•    Explain basic strategies used in DBT, including behaviour chain analysis, problem solving, validation, and dialectical strategies.

The presenters will be two trainers (to be confirmed) from our DBTNZ team. This training has previously been offered in New Zealand.

• Registrations are confirmed only when payment is received by credit card (with Paypal), electronically or by cheque.
• Payment must be made before the training. By registering you accept liability for the costs of the training.
• Cancellations must be notified to us by email (or the website contact form) with full identifying information.
• Cancellations received more than seven days before the event will receive a refund of the fees paid less an administration charge of $50 (for each event).
• Refunds cannot be given after that date. Refunds will not be available until after the event.
• A colleague may be substituted for no extra charge if we are notified at least two business days before the training event.
• In the unlikely event the training is cancelled by the organisers, registration will be fully refunded but no liability will be accepted for travel, accommodation or other costs/expenses incurred to registrants.