Introduction to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

This continuing education training for therapists offers a comprehensive and culturally responsive introduction to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), a structured, evidence-based approach developed to support individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation, self-destructive behaviors, and chronic interpersonal difficulties. Grounded in dialectical philosophy, the course begins by unpacking the foundational theory of DBT—highlighting the balance between acceptance and change, the biosocial model of emotion dysregulation, and the therapeutic stance that distinguishes DBT from other modalities.

In addition, the course will explore key DBT interventions and skills including mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Special attention will be given to therapist strategies such as validation, chain analysis, and the use of diary cards and behavioral targets within individual and group therapy contexts.

Finally, the course will center culturally sensitive adaptations of DBT to support diverse clients. Therapists will learn to apply DBT principles through a culturally competent lens, integrating clients' lived experiences, social contexts, and identity factors—including race, culture, faith, language, and trauma histories—into effective and affirming treatment.

This 2-hour introductory continuing education webinar is designed to help mental health professionals:

1. Articulate the core philosophical and theoretical foundations of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), including its biosocial model and dialectical worldview.
2. Implement essential DBT interventions and teach core skills across the four DBT modules with fidelity and clinical flexibility.
3. Apply culturally responsive adaptations of DBT skills and strategies that honor clients’ intersecting identities and address systemic and contextual factors affecting mental health.

Statement of program material's accuracy, utility, and risks: This course is grounded in the standard Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) model developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan and integrates up-to-date, peer-reviewed research on the application of DBT in diverse clinical settings. While DBT is one of the most empirically supported treatments for borderline personality disorder and emotion dysregulation, its utility can extend to other diagnoses when applied thoughtfully. However, limitations include the high level of structure and time commitment DBT typically requires, which may not be feasible or appropriate for all clients or settings. Additionally, while cultural adaptations are emphasized, there remains a risk of oversimplifying or misapplying these tools without a deeper commitment to cultural humility, ongoing self-reflection, and systemic awareness.

Declaration identifying any potential conflict of interest and/or commercial support: No conflict of interest indicated.

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact GoodTherapy here.

How the Web Conference Works

Before the scheduled event, all registered attendees will be sent a reminder email from GoodTherapy with specific instructions on how to log in to the webinar, as well as links to optional handout materials if applicable.

To attend the event, registered attendees will log in to the Microsoft Teams web conference center using a computer or device with internet access and/or call into the teleconference line on a phone. Attendees will be able to submit questions during the webinar via text chat in the Microsoft Teams web conference center and will be able to see the live streaming video and/or document sharing. 

At the conclusion of this event, participants will receive an email with information about how to request a CE certificate in your GoodTherapy Account. To confirm attendance, participants must enter the start code and end code announced at the beginning and end of the live presentation. Participants will also be prompted to complete an online survey evaluating the event. Participants will need to complete this online survey within six days after the event. Once completed, participants will be able to download a copy of their CE certificate right away by logging in to their GoodTherapy account.

For additional information about this event or our CE grievance procedures, please contact us here.

Continuing Education (CE) Information

2 CE contact hours will be provided by GoodTherapy for attending this web conference in its entirety. 

GoodTherapy is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org, provider #1352, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/30/2025 – 3/30/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 2 continuing education credits.

GoodTherapy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0395. GoodTherapy, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0022 and for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0031.

To receive CE credit hours for an archived event, you will need to complete a survey as well as a 12 or 15-question exam, verifying that you listened to or watched the event in its entirety. Archived CE events generally are considered "homestudy" by licensing boards.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Just want CE credits? Sign up for a monthly or annual CE Subscription with GoodTherapy to get unlimited access to our CE Program, including this event, other live CE web conferences, and hundreds of hours of homestudy courses.

Mental health professionals who are not members can attend this live web conference for $30.95 or access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

If the event is canceled by GoodTherapy, registrants who purchased the event will be notified and the charge for the event will be refunded

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact us.

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