DBT Basics

About the Course

DBT Basics is a comprehensive, introductory-level training designed for clinicians and allied professionals interested in learning the foundational principles of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), with a focus on its application in child and adolescent populations. This course serves as a precursor to the advanced DBT-C workshop, equipping participants with essential DBT skills needed to engage in effective treatment planning and delivery.

Learning Approach & Format:

Delivered in an asynchronous on-demand format on the CTC LMS, DBT Basics includes:

• Engaging video lectures led by Dr. Perepletchikova.
• Knowledge assessments with immediate feedback through the Learning Management System.
• Six role-play exercises with debriefs to practice behavioural skills.
• Four “half-day” sessions offered over a 60-day period, with the option to extend access.
• Participants gain hands-on exposure to DBT strategies, from assessment and pre-treatment planning to skills training and crisis management, ensuring foundational competence in applying DBT concepts. Training Schedule
• Note: “Days” refer to the original live training schedule, should you wish to organize your time similarly. However, there are no daily time requirements. This is only meant as a planning guide.

Why Choose DBT Basics?

• Evidence-based foundation: Learn the theoretical underpinnings, methods, and assumptions of DBT.
• Child-focused application: Tailored for clinicians working with children and adolescents.
• Prepares for advanced training: Serves as the ideal stepping stone to DBT-C.
• Accessible and flexible: On-demand format allows learners to progress at their own pace.
• Broad applicability: Equips professionals supporting DBT teams, peer programs, and caregiver interventions.

Course Content

Participants will explore:

• Core DBT principles, strategies, and stylistic approaches.
• The biosocial model of borderline personality disorder and emotional dysregulation.
• DBT treatment structure, hierarchy, and stage-based interventions.
• Individual session elements, skills training modules, problem-solving strategies, and validation techniques.
• Risk assessment and management, including responses to suicidal and self-injurious behaviour.
• Application of contingency management and strategies for generalizing skills across settings.
• Key similarities and distinctions between standard DBT and DBT-C.

Learning Objectives

• By the end of DBT Basics, participants will be able to:
• Identify empirical support, assumptions, and limitations of the standard DBT model.
• Understand and apply DBT principles, strategies, and the dialectical worldview.
• Explain the biosocial model and stages of treatment for emotional dysregulation.
• Describe comprehensive treatment functions, session structures, and skills training modules.
• Conduct behavioural analyses, teach clients to generalize skills, and implement validation and contingency strategies.
• Assess acute and long-term risk, prepare responses to suicidal behaviour, and recognize the differences between standard DBT and DBT-C.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites.