Dialectical Behavior Therapy-Informed Interventions for Psychosis
Overview
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) has often been utilized to help those who struggle with intense experiences of emotion dysregulation. Yet, when one thinks of psychosis, an experience that can greatly disrupt a person’s ability to engage in emotional regulation, DBT is not commonly thought of as a therapeutic intervention. By examining the four modules of DBT (distress tolerance, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness), we will learn why DBT-informed concepts and principles can benefit clients with psychotic spectrum disorders, and how to apply these concepts and principles in practice. There will be an emphasis on skill-building interventions 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 participants to DBT skills adapted for psychotic experiences through discussion, case examples, and practical tools. Anytime session recorded on March 13 & 14, 2025.
Learning objectives
- Explain the foundational theory of DBT, an evidence-based psychological treatment for emotion regulation problems
- Describe the prevalence of emotion dysregulation and trauma amongst people with Psychotic Spectrum Disorders
- Apply DBT-informed skills and interventions to people with Psychotic Spectrum Disorders
- Utilize person-centered, non-pathologizing language to describe psychotic experiences
- Explain DBT’s style of radical genuineness, validation, and irreverence and how they build stronger relationships with clients