An Introduction to DBT in Schools - From Prevention to Intervention

Auckland 1051

• DBT Skills in Schools: Skills Training for Emotional Problem Solving for Adolescents (DBT STEPS-A: A social and emotional learning curriculum with a prevention focus);
• School-based implementation of DBT;
• DBT informed school counselling.

For each approach, we will introduce the rationale and provide an overview of what they look like in practice. We will emphasise how school counsellors can make use of the strategies of goal setting, targeting hierarchy, validation, chain analysis and ‘on the fly’ coaching. We will introduce the concept of skills training and its use in coaching. If time permits we will teach two or three core DBT skills.

Learning objectives:

1. Know the rationale for the different applications of DBT in the school context.
2. Know the modes and requirements for various applications of DBT in the school context.
3. Understand DBT approaches to goal setting and targeting, including life threatening behaviors and school interfering behaviors.
4. Be introduced to chain analysis as a method of assessment and identifying possible solutions.
5. Learn the fundamentals of validation and skills training as applied in ‘on the fly’ coaching.

Who is this training intended for:

This training is relevant for a range of school and health professionals working with young people in middle and high school contexts who are interested in learning more about the application of DBT in schools. It will be especially relevant when those young people have complex problems relating to emotion/emotion dysregulation including suicidal, self-injurious and other life threatening behaviour. It is relevant to school teachers, guidance counsellors, educational psychologists and other psychologists and counsellors working directly with youth and their families, as well as those in secondary roles supporting front-line staff.

Training Level

• As a one-day training, this is not a comprehensive training in DBT or its application to young people.
• There are no pre-requisites for this training
• This training has not previoulsy been offered in New Zealand

Useful Reading:

1. Mazza JJ, Dexter-Mazza, ET, Miller, AL, Rathus, JH & Murphy, HE (2016) DBT Skills in Schools: Skills Training for Emotional Problem Solving for Adolescents (DBT STEPS-A). New York: Guilford Press.
2. Rathus, JH. and Miller, AL. (2015) DBT Skills Manual for Adolescents. The Guilford Press, New York, NY.

 Background reading:

1. Rathus, JH, Miller, AL. and Linehan, MM. (2007) Dialectical Behavior Therapy with Suicidal Adolescents. The Guilford Press, New York, NY

2. Linehan, M. M. (2014). DBT Skills Training Manual (Second Edition). New York: Guilford Press

1. Registrations are confirmed only when payment is received by credit card (with Paypal), electronically or by cheque.
2. Payment must be made before the training. By registering you accept liability for the costs of the training.
3. Cancellations must be notified to us by email (or the website contact form) with full identifying information.
4. 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).
5. Refunds cannot be given after that date. Refunds will not be available until after the event.
6. A colleague may be substituted for no extra charge if we are notified at least two business days before the training event.
7. 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.