Foster Care Training

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) has often been utilized to help those that struggle with intense experiences of emotion dysregulation. Yet, when one thinks of psychosis, an experience that can greatly disrupt one’s ability to engage in emotional regulation, DBT is not commonly thought of as an effective strategy to improve outcomes for system involved youth. By examining the four modules of DBT (distress tolerance, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness), we will learn how DBT-informed concepts and principles can be applied to benefit system involved youth with Psychotic Spectrum Disorders. There will be an emphasis on introducing skill building strategies derived from DBT, rather than a strict adherence to DBT treatment protocol that is customary for DBT programs. This interactive two-part presentation will introduce you to DBT skills adapted for psychotic experiences through discussion, case examples, and practical tools.