Treatment of Suicidal Behaviors with Dialectical Behavior Therapy

2 Hours | 2 CEs

This on-demand professional training program on the Treatment of Suicidal Behaviors with Dialectical Behavior Therapy is presented by Janice Kuo, PhD.

This program offers a primer on the key theoretical underpinnings of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and how it relates to the conceptualization and treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and suicidal behaviors. DBT, developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, is an evidence-based approach that has been proven effective for individuals with BPD and high suicide risk. According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA Psychiatry, 2015), individuals with BPD who received DBT had half the risk of attempting suicide compared to those who received other types of therapy. This data demonstrates the impact of DBT in treating suicidality and BPD.

The program not only outlines the DBT's theoretical underpinnings but also shares powerful case studies. These case studies illustrate the transformative impact of DBT on patients' lives, highlighting the efficacy of techniques such as chain analysis in understanding and preventing suicidal behaviors. Participants explore the role of emotional dysregulation, a core feature of BPD, and learn how DBT can effectively manage this.

Participants learn how to implement a DBT chain analysis to assess the occurrence of suicidal behaviors and apply suicide risk management and crisis strategies to target suicidal behaviors. DBT Chain analysis - a critical technique used to decipher and manage suicidal behaviors. This tool enables the identification of precipitating factors and understanding of the chain of events leading to suicidality. Further training emphasizes crisis strategies and suicide risk management, vital skills for any practitioner dealing with high-risk clients.

The program is designed for a broad range of practitioners, from clinical psychology students to seasoned clinicians. It is especially beneficial for those working in mental health settings with individuals at risk for suicide.