CONCEPT Continuing & Professional Studies, Palo Alto University

This self-paced training program on Behavioral Principles in DBT is part of our Certification training and is presented by Michele Galietta, Ph.D.

This program covers the principles of balancing change and acceptance strategies in DBT and discusses applying these strategies and principles with patients. The importance of artfully and compassionately weaving together validation and change when working with individuals with pervasive emotion dysregulation is discussed. As the “B” in DBT stands for “behavioral,” this program teaches foundational behavioral techniques. In addition, participants learn how to assess situations and target behaviors to figure out how to help patients solve their problems adaptively and reach their life goals. Therapeutic strategies (e.g., reinforcement, extinction, shaping) are reviewed, and examples are provided related to mental health and beyond. Lastly, adaptions to standard DBT established to facilitate a therapeutic milieu are discussed. Clinical examples and role-play demonstrations are utilized to facilitate learning.