Getting Started in DBT, Part One:
Theory, Structure, The Mindfulness and Distress Tolerance Skills
Friday, November 30, 2012
9:00AM to 4:00PM
Jennifer Eaton, M.S.
This training is the first in a 3-part series that provides a thorough training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Participants may attend any individual training or may register for all 3 and receive a $50 discount.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), one of the leading examples of an evidence-based practice, was originally developed as an outpatient model. More recently, DBT has been applied in diverse settings such as inpatient hospitals, community-based group homes, public schools, and outreach treatment settings. DBT has also been shown to be effective with a wide range of clinical presentations including people who are in persistent emotional distress, have chronically unstable relationships, and present with recurrent self-injury and/or suicidal behavior. DBT has been used to treat high performing, but-distressed students, seriously disturbed adolescents and people with persistent mental illness and/or developmental disabilities.
This presentation will provide an overview of the theory and structure of DBT and how it can be applied within these very diverse populations. Participants will also develop an in-depth understanding of the Core Mindfulness and Distress Tolerance skills. Numerous practical examples of these skills will be demonstrated.
Participants who have an understanding of behavior therapy or CBT appear to have the easiest time, learning and mastering DBT. Books to consider reading prior to the training but not required are: “Skills Training Manual for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder” by Marsha Linehan and “Don’t Shoot the Dog” by Karen Pryor.
Following this training, participants will understand:
- Developing and implementing a DBT skills training group
- The basic components of DBT, the biosocial theory and who may benefit from the treatment
- The theory and application of the The Core Mindfulness skills
- The theory and application of the Distress Tolerance skills
About The Presenter
Jennifer Eaton, M.S., LMHC, is the Director of Dialectical Behavior Therapy Services for The Bridge of Central Massachusetts, Inc. She supervises multiple DBT projects including residential and outreach DBT programs that serve emotionally disturbed adolescents and young adults, mentally ill adults, adult women with physical disabilities and traumatic brain injury, and adults with developmental disabilities. Ms. Eaton has extensive experience providing DBT treatment in individual therapy and as a skills group leader.
Ms. Eaton, holds a masters degree in clinical psychology. In addition, she was intensively trained in DBT by Dr. Charles Swenson and completed Advanced Intensive Training under Dr. Marsha Linehan, the developer of DBT. Ms. Eaton has presented numerous times at the annual ISITDBT Conference, and at various local and national conferences.
Ms. Eaton has consulted and trained staff and administrators at the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services, the New York State Office of Mental Retardation, the Alabama Mentoring Network, The Denver Health Systems and at numerous public school and outpatient clinics.