DBT: Foundation and Framework

DBT: Foundation and Framework
Friday, June 19, 2026-1:00 PM-5:00 PM
Elizabeth Korchari, LMHC, DBTC

This four-hour virtual training provides clinicians with a comprehensive overview of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an evidence-based treatment originally developed by Marsha Linehan for individuals with chronic emotion dysregulation and high-risk behaviors, and now widely applied across diverse clinical populations and treatment settings. Participants will be introduced to the theoretical foundations of DBT, including the biosocial theory of emotion dysregulation and the core dialectical philosophy that underpins the model.

The training will review the essential structure and components of comprehensive DBT, including individual therapy, skills training groups, phone coaching, and the consultation team, as well as the roles and responsibilities of DBT providers within each mode of treatment. Participants will gain an understanding of how DBT balances acceptance and change strategies, and how this balance supports client engagement, motivation, and behavioral change.

In addition, the training will provide an overview of the four core DBT skills modules: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. Participants will learn the purpose and function of each module, how the modules fit together within the overall treatment framework, and how DBT skills support clients in improving emotional stability, behavioral control, and relationship effectiveness.

This training is designed as a foundational overview and orientation to the DBT model. While participants will become familiar with the structure, rationale, and function of the four skills modules, detailed instruction on specific skills and implementation strategies will be covered in subsequent, more advanced trainings. This overview training prepares clinicians to understand the DBT framework, determine its applicability within their clinical setting, and pursue further training in DBT skills implementation.

The training will be delivered live via a virtual platform and will include didactic instruction, clinical examples, and opportunities for participant reflection and discussion
 

Following this training the participants will understand:

1. Participants will be able to describe the theoretical foundations of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, including the biosocial theory and the role of dialectics in treatment.
2. Participants will be able to identify and explain the structure and components of comprehensive DBT, including individual therapy, skills training, phone coaching, and the consultation team.
3. Participants will be able to summarize the purpose and function of the four DBT skills modules—Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness—and their role in supporting emotional and behavioral regulation.

Elizabeth Korchari is a DBT-Linehan Board certified therapist. She is the founder and owner of Lotus and Lion: Counseling and Wellness, where she currently practices. Ms. Plante is the former Director of DBT & Trauma Services at Open Sky Community Services. During her more than twenty years at Open Sky, Elizabeth had many roles. She co-ran an adolescent DBT residential treatment program, facilitating individual therapy, groups, and family therapy. She worked with special populations, including those with intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities as well as juvenile offenders. She oversaw implementation of DBT and trauma services throughout the agency including training, supervision, consultation as well as oversight of the Trauma Response Team.

Elizabeth has developed and facilitated DBT trainings in multiple settings and has led consultation teams within the agency and the community. Elizabeth has experience in providing DBT consultation and training for the Department of Youth Services, school systems, and other non-profit agencies.?

Elizabeth received her master’s degree in clinical psychology from Assumption University with concentrations in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Children and Families and was also awarded a certificate in CBT through the Aaron T. Beck Institute in Cognitive Studies.

Elizabeth received her intensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy under Charlie Swenson and advanced intensive training under Marsha Linehan, the developer of DBT.? She is also trained in multiple trauma modalities including CBT for PTSD and Prolonged Exposure for PTSD. Elizabeth is also a trained Level One Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Teacher through Brown University.