An Introduction to the DBT PE Protocol for PTSD with Melanie Harned

An Introduction to the DBT Prolonged Exposure Protocol for PTSD

A four-hour virtual live (online) training

Melanie Harned, PhD, ABPP

Description

This 4-hour virtual live workshop is designed to provide an introduction to the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Prolonged Exposure Protocol (DBT PE) for PTSD, one of the newest developments in DBT research and practice. DBT was originally developed to treat chronically suicidal and self-injuring individuals with multiple mental disorders and pervasive emotion dysregulation. From its inception, DBT has highlighted the role of trauma as a common etiological factor and PTSD as an important treatment target for many clients who receive this treatment. The first two decades of DBT treatment development and research primarily focused on Stage 1 DBT to target behavioral dyscontrol, and DBT’s Stage 2 in which PTSD is targeted was left largely undeveloped.  As a result, formal treatment of PTSD during DBT has historically been the exception rather than the norm. The DBT PE protocol, an adapted version of Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy, was developed specifically to provide a structured method of treating PTSD within DBT. In this workshop, the rationale and empirical support for integrating DBT PE into DBT will be described. The use of Stage 1 DBT to help clients achieve safety and stability, as well as the criteria for determining readiness to begin Stage 2 DBT PE, will be reviewed. Key tasks of the initial sessions of DBT PE will be explained, including orienting to the treatment rationale, selecting target traumas, and providing psychoeducation. Finally, the core procedures of DBT PE will be described, including how in vivo exposure, imaginal exposure, and processing are used to treat PTSD.

This training event is being cohosted with our colleagues DBT Training Australia.

Learning Objectives

As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the rationale for integrating PTSD treatment into DBT.
2. Review research findings evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
3. Explain the criteria for determining readiness to start DBT PE.
4. Understand the rationale for using DBT PE to treat PTSD.
5. Explain the core procedures of DBT PE.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is intended for mental health professionals who are familiar with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Recommended Reading

Harned, M. S. (2022). Treating Trauma in Dialectical Behavior Therapy: The DBT Prolonged Exposure Protocol (DBT PE). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Are you a healthcare student?

We are offering a 20% discount for a limited number of students enrolled in a mental health related qualification with an Australian University or similar tertiary healthcare program in Australia. If you are eligible, please contact us with a photo copy of your student ID and we’ll provide a student discount code for your registration. 

Trainer

Melanie Harned, PhD, ABPP is a Psychologist and Coordinator of the DBT Program at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System as well as an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington. Dr. Harned has previously worked as the Research Director of Dr. Marsha Linehan’s Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics at the University of Washington (2006-2018), Director of Research and Development for Behavioral Tech, LLC (2014-2017), and Director of Behavioral Tech Research, Inc. (2013-2016). Dr. Harned’s research focuses on the development and evaluation of the DBT Prolonged Exposure protocol for PTSD as well as methods of disseminating and implementing this and other evidence-based treatments into clinical practice. She regularly provides training and consultation nationally and internationally in DBT and DBT PE and has published extensively on these treatments. She is a certified DBT therapist, a certified PE therapist and supervisor, is board certified in Behavioral and Cognitive therapy, and is licensed as a psychologist in the state of Washington.

1. A registration is for one person. To successfully manage the event, we expect only one person to join the webinar as part of your registration.
2. You agree not to record the meeting in any way. You agree not to distribute materials to other persons without prior agreement.
3. Registrations are confirmed only when payment is received. Payment must be made before the training. By registering you accept liability for the costs of the training.
4. Cancellations must be notified to us by email (or the website contact form) with full identifying information.
5. Cancellations received more than seven days before the event will receive a refund of the fees paid less an administration charge of $50+GST (for each event).
6. Refunds cannot be given after that date. Refunds will not be available until after the event.
7. A colleague may be substituted for no extra charge if we are notified at least two business days before the training event.
8. 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.
9. Online statements of attendance can be downloaded by all participants from this page. Printed certificates of attendance are not available for this event.