Intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Training
General Information
Presenter: Charles Swenson, M.D. & Kathryn Patrick, LCSW
Dates: Part 1: January 8-12, 2023 Part 2: July 9-13, 2023
Fee Full 10 Day Intensive: $3300. Early Bird discount (until November 10th) $3150. (Additional discount for groups of 3 or more).
Fee for Part 2 (July 9-13) $1750. (Additional discount for groups of 3 or more).
Venue: Online Webinar

Includes full technical support, handouts, and CE credits. The training will be recorded. All participants will have access to recordings for 8 weeks.
Intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Training
Description
The Comprehensive Ten-Day Workshop in DBT is a ten-day intensive training experience designed for those who have already attended introductory DBT workshops, DBT seminars, and/or have studied the treatment manuals. It is intended for DBT teams, and individual members of DBT teams, who are invested in implementing and practicing DBT with rigor and with a high level of adherence to the manual. This is an excellent preparation for those who wish to become certified as DBT therapists.
DBT is a treatment that is delivered to a group of patients by a clinical team. In this training participants will learn how to build, maintain, strengthen, and function effectively in the context of a DBT Consultation Team. Entire teams or members of teams not yet with intensive training in DBT, are encouraged to attend together. However, individuals who are in DBT teams, or who anticipate being in DBT teams, are also encouraged to apply. For the purposes of the workshop, these individual practitioners will be placed together in training “teams” for purposes of discussion, practice, and to remain consistent with applying DBT in a team context.
The workshop is conducted in two five-day sessions, Part 1 and Part 2, separated by 6 months. During Part 1 the instructors will teach theory, structuring, and practice of DBT in depth, using lectures, videotapes, role-play demonstrations, and participant exercises and deliberate practices. During the interval between Parts 1 and 2, participants will complete practice assignments and a multiple-choice exam to consolidate their knowledge bases; to design, begin to implement, or strengthen their DBT programs, to conceptualize cases in DBT terms, and to engage in the use of DBT skills and treatment strategies. During the six-month interval, the instructors will interact with individuals and teams to help with program development, case questions, and assistance with the homework assignment as needed. During Part 2 teams and individuals will present their work and receive consultation on their programs and cases. At this point the principles and details of adapting DBT to specific populations and treatment contexts will also be addressed. Part 2 will involve further teaching and demonstration of DBT strategies, with multiple opportunities for participants to practice the treatment with feedback.
This is a comprehensive and intensive training. Over the course of 6 months participants are expected to learn to implement and practice DBT with good fidelity to the model. As such, each participant should ensure that he/she is fully committed to the expectations of the training prior to coming. This includes not only attending the entire training sequence, and paying for the full ten days, but also participating in an engaged and willing manner. The instructors will model this fully engaged, fully committed stance in teaching and coaching.
Instructors

Charlie Swenson, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at University of Massachusetts Medical School, attended Harvard College and Yale Medical School. He trained in psychiatry at Yale University and trained in psychoanalysis in New Haven, Connecticut. He directed long term inpatient and day treatment programs for individuals with borderline disorders from 1982 to 1996 for New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center in New York, including the development of a DBT inpatient program. He moved to Massachusetts in 1996 and accepted a faculty position at University of Massachusetts Medical School. He served as the Medical Director and Senior Psychiatrist of the Department of Mental Health in Western Massachusetts from 1997 to 2010. Since 1993 Dr. Swenson has conducted DBT, supervised DBT, implemented DBT, written about the topic, and trained thousands of others in DBT. He has been in private practice throughout his career, seeing adults, families, and adolescents in treatment. He has published more than twenty articles and chapters about DBT and the treatment of borderline disorders, and in 2016 published a book, DBT Principles in Action: Change, Acceptance, and Dialectics (Guilford Press).
Charlie lives in Northampton, Massachusetts, has a wife, Meredith Gould, who is a clinical psychologist, two boys, ages 23 and 27, and two dogs. In his private practice he teaches skills training groups and integrates skills into individual therapy. He has posted more than 80 1-hour podcasts about the uses of DBT to face life’s adversities. It is called To Hell and Back and can be found where podcasts are found and on his website, www.charlieswenson.com

Kathryn Patrick Butts, LCSW, DBT-LBC received her MSW at the University of Wisconsin and has dedicated her clinical career to learning, practicing, and teaching Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She was trained by and received direct clinical supervision from DBT expert, Dr. Linda Dimeff, while working as a clinician, then trainer and clinic manager at the Portland DBT Institute in Portland, OR. Since 2010 she has been training, consulting, and supervising clinicians in the practice of DBT, as well as other evidence-based practices. She has served as a clinical supervisor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington where she has supervised graduate students completing a DBT practicum at treatment developer Dr. Marsha Linehan’s lab (the Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics). She has also assisted DBT expert Dr. Kelly Koerner with online therapist training and continuing education courses through the PracticeGround and the Evidence-Based Practice Institute. Since moving back to her home state of Colorado in 2015, Kathryn has run a private clinical and consultation practice, leads a DBT consultation team, and teaches as an adjunct instructor at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. Kathryn is certified as a clinician by the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification.
Intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Training
Objectives
- • Specify the clinical populations that are targeted in DBT
- • Explain the research findings supporting DBT as an evidence-based treatment for disorders of emotional dys-regulation;
- • Articulate the three paradigms of DBT—behaviorism, Zen/mindfulness, and dialectics—and the principles associated with each;
- • Explain how the DBT therapist reframes the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder as five categories of problematic behaviors;
- • Teach the way in which DBT’s bio-social theory accounts for the causation and maintenance of problematic borderline behavioral patterns;
- • Convert the patient’s list of problem behaviors into a prioritized list of treatment targets that sets the agenda for the overall treatment;
- • Demonstrate how the therapist reviews a diary card (self-monitoring tool) with the patient, noting the active treatment targets, and sets a prioritized treatment agenda for each session
- • List the five functions of comprehensive DBT treatment, the various treatment modes that subserve those functions, and how these are modified in adaptations of DBT to different clinical
- • List the assumptions about patients and about therapy that inform the DBT therapist
- • Articulate and explain the definition, the functions, the targets, and the strategies of validation in DBT
- • Practice the six levels of validation in work with patients
- • List the steps in problem solving in DBT and describe how they flow from one to another;
- • List and explain the four procedures for changing behaviors used in DBT
- • Demonstrate the practice of commitment strategies in DBT to secure a stronger commitment from the patient
- • Explain and demonstrate the use of informal exposure procedures in DBT
- • Describe how to change behaviors through reinforcement, shaping, extinction and punishment in DBT sessions and groups
- • Demonstrate the use of a behavioral chain analysis to assess the controlling variables of a problem behavior in a session
- • Describe what is meant by dialectics, and dialectical thinking, in DBT
- • List the dialectical strategies and provide examples of each one
- • Describe the two communication styles used in DBT and the context for the use of each one
- • Explain how the DBT team and therapist utilize the case management strategies for interacting with individuals in the patient’s network
- • Apply DBT’s suicide crisis protocol with a suicidal patient;
- • Demonstrate the use of DBT’s telephone coaching strategies
- • Describe the nature, format, and strategies for participating in a DBT consultation team
- • Describe the essential features of mindfulness practices in DBT and how they are used by the therapist in consultation team, skills training group, and individual therapy sessions
- • Teach the four modules of skills in DBT (mindfulness, distress tolerance emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness).
Application Deadline: January 6, 2023, or until all training spaces are filled, whichever comes first.
Notification of Acceptance: Applicants will be notified, via email, of acceptance when registration is complete, and payment is received.
Refund/Cancellation Policy: Tuition/registration payments are refundable (minus $50) until December 1, 2022. Cancellations after this date are non-refundable. In this situation, we will attempt to find someone to take your slot (based on our waiting list).
Course level: Introductory
Level of clinician: Introductory
Accessibility: Conference is handicap accessible. If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification
CE Information
Continuing Education Credit is granted through Nefesh International for the following professions: Psychologists, Social workers, Mental Health Counselors, and LMFTs. It is the participant’s responsibility to check with their individual state boards to verify CE requirements for their state.
NEFESH International, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0116.
NEFESH International 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-0046
NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for Mental Health Counselor #MHC-0082
NEFESH International 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-0048.
This program is co-sponsored by NEFESH International and Neuhoff Psychological Consulting . NEFESH International is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. NEFESH International, maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Satisfactory Completion:
Participants must have paid the tuition fee, signed in/logged in and out each day, attended the entire workshop/webinar, and completed an evaluation to receive a certificate. Failure to log in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates are available electronically after satisfactory course completion. A link will be provided for those who have completed the training.
References:
Mazza, J.J., Dexter-Mazza, E.T., Miller, A.L., Rathus, J.H., & Murphy, H.E. (2016). DBT Skills in Schools. Y.: Guilford Press.
Miller, A.L., Rathus, J.H., & Linehan, M.M. (2007). Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Suicidal Adolescents. NY: Guilford Press
Rathus, J.H. & Miller, A.L. (2014). DBT Skills Training Manual for Adolescents. Y.: Guilford Press.
Swales, M.A. (2019). Oxford Handbook of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. London: Oxford Library of Psychology
Swenson, CR (2016). DBT Principles in Action: Acceptance, Change, and Dialectics. NY: Guilford Press
Dimeff, L.A., Harned, M.S., Woodcock, E.A., Skutch, J.M., Koerner, K., & Linehan, M.M (2015). Investigating bang for your training buck: a randomized controlled trial comparing three methods of training clinicians in two core strategies of dialectical behavior therapy. Behavior Therapy 6(3):283–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2015.01.001.
Sinnaeve, R., Van den Bosch, L.M., & Vansteelandt. K (2018). Effectiveness of step-down versus outpatient dialectical behaviour therapy for patients with severe levels of borderline personality disorder: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Borderline Personal Disorder & Emotion Dysregulation. 1(1):5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40479-018-0089-5.
Wilks, C.R., Lungu, A. Ang, S.Y., Matsumiya, B., Yin, Q., & Linehan, M.M. (2018). A randomized controlled trial of an internet delivered dialectical behavior therapy skills training for suicidal and heavy episodic drinkers. Journal of Affective Disorders, 232:219–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2018.02.053.
Linehan, M.M. (2015). DBT Skills Training Manual. New York: Guilford Press.
Linehan, M.M. (2015). DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets. New York: Guilford Press.
Swenson, C.R. (2016). DBT Principles in Action: Acceptance, Change, and Dialectics. New York: Guilford Press.
Intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Training
Schedule
PART I: | |
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Sunday, January 8, 2023 | NOTE: Times listed below are ALL EASTERN STANDARD TIME (EST). Please adjust this schedule to your local time: Foundations of DBT Rationale, Origins & Development of DBT
11:20-12:30 Research Evidence
|
Monday, January 9, 2023 | 10:00-11:10 Mindfulness Practice
11:20-12:30 Structuring the Treatment 12:30-1:20 Break 1:20-2:30 Treatment Strategies: Problem-Solving 2:30-2:40 Break 2:40-3:50 Participant Questions 3:50-4:00 Break 4:00-5:00 Treatment Strategies: Problem-Solving
5:10-6:20 Distress Tolerance Skills |
Tuesday, January 10, 2023 | 10:00-11:10 Mindfulness Practice 11:10-11:20 Break 11:20-12:30 Commitment Strategies Demonstrations 12:30-1:20 Break 1:20-2:30 Treatment Strategies: Change Procedures, Contingencies 2:30-2:40 Break 2:40-3:50 Participant Questions 3:50-4:00 Break 4:00-5:00 Treatment Strategies: Change Procedures, Skills Training and Cognitive Modification 5:00-5:10 Break 5:10-6:20 Emotion Regulation Skills |
Wednsday, January 11, 2023 | 10:00-11:10 Mindfulness Practice 11:10-11:20 Break 11:20-12:30 Validation Demonstration & Practice 12:30-1:20 Break 1:20-2:30 Treatment Strategies: Dialectical 2:30-2:40 Break 2:40-3:50 Participant Questions 3:50-4:00 Break 4:00-5:00 How to Teach DBT Group Skills Training 5:00-5:10 Break 5:10-6:20 Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills |
Thursday, January 12, 2023 | 10:00-11:10 Mindfulness Practice 11:10-11:20 Break 11:20-12:30 Suicide Crisis Protocol Demonstration 12:30-1:20 Break 1:20-2:30 DBT Consultation Team 2:30-2:40 Break 2:40-3:50 Participant Questions 3:50-4:00 Break 4:00-5:00 How to Conceptualize a Case in DBT 5:00-5:10 Break 5:10-6:20 Question/Answer |
Part II: Sunday, July 9, 2023 | |
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8:30 – 10:15 a.m. | Orientation to Part 2Mindfulness PracticeDBT’s Suicide Protocol: Review & DemonstrateCommitment Strategies: Review & Demonstrate |
10:15 – 10:30 a.m. | Break |
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Review of Practice Assignments & Exam from Part 1 |
11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Orientation to case and program presentations |
12:00 – 12:45 p.m. | Lunch |
12:45 – 2:00 p.m. | Comprehensive Case Presentation #1 |
2:00 – 2:45 p.m. | Behavioral Analysis: Review & Demonstrate |
2:45 – 3:00 p.m. | Break |
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Review of Practice Assignments & Exam from Part 1 |
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Practice Strategies Q/A |
Monday, July 10, 2023 | |
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8:30 – 10:00 a.m. | Mindfulness Practice Behavioral Analysis: Advanced Teaching |
10:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Break |
10:15 – 10:45 a.m. | Program Presentation |
10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. | Comprehensive Case Presentation |
12:00 – 12:45 p.m. | Lunch |
12:45 – 1:15 p.m. | Program Presentation |
1:15 – 1:45 p.m. | Short Case Format |
1:45 – 2:45 p.m. | Case Conceptualization in DBT |
2:45 – 3:00 p.m. | Break |
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Skills Training Review |
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Practice Strategies |
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 | |
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8:30 – 10:15 a.m. | Mindfulness Practice Validation Strategies: Demonstration & Review Treating In-session Dysfunctional Behaviors |
10:15 – 10:30 a.m. | Break |
10:30 – 11:00 a.m. | Program Presentation |
11:00 a.m.-12 p.m. | Two Short Case Formats |
12:00 – 12:45 p.m. | Lunch |
12:45 – 2:00 p.m. | Comprehensive Case Presentation #3 |
2:00 – 2:45 p.m. | DBT Adapted for Substance Use Disorders (DBT-SUDs) |
2:45 – 3:00 p.m. | Break |
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | DBT-SUDs (continued) Skills Training Review (2) |
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Practice Strategies |
Wednesday July 12, 2023 | |
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8:30 – 10:15 a.m. | Mindfulness Practice Phone Coaching: Demonstration & Discussion Dialectical Strategies: Review & Demonstration |
10:15 – 10:30 a.m. | Break |
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Comprehensive Case Format #4 |
11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Program presentation |
12:00 – 12:45 p.m. | Lunch |
12:45 – 1:45 p.m. | Two Short case formats |
1:45 – 2:45 p.m. | DBT Adapted for Adolescents and Families (DBT-A) |
2:45 – 3:00 p.m. | Break |
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | DBT-A (continued) |
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Practice Strategies |
Thursday July 13, 2023 | |
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8:30 – 10:15 a.m. | Mindfulness Practice Using Contingencies in DBT Q/A |
10:15 – 10:30 a.m. | Break |
10:30 – 11:300 a.m. | Program Presentation |
11:00 a.m.-12 p.m. | Comprehensive Case Presentation #5 |
12:00 – 12:45 p.m. | Lunch |
12:45 – 2:00 p.m. | How to Continue to Learn and Practice DBT |
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Question/Answer Closing |