Impulsive and Self-Harming Adolescents:  A Dialectical Behavior Approach

Location:  Billerica, MA - Courtyard by Marriott, Billerica

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, is a cognitive-behavioral treatment program for clients with symptoms of borderline personality disorder. It is a structured program with specific targets and strategies, which aid practitioners and clients to focus upon building skills to manage intense emotions, interpersonal relationships, and impulsivity. This treatment program has been adapted to work with other populations/settings including adolescents and families, inpatient treatment, as well as individuals with eating disorders. This workshop will briefly review the DBT treatment structure and foundation, and focus on DBT's application with adolescents who engage in impulsive and self-harming behavior (DBT-A).

DBT-A is the application of DBT to adolescents and families. Significant emphasis in this workshop will be placed upon teaching skills to the adolescent population. The management of difficult therapy interfering behavior as well as skills groups' challenges will be integrated into the discussion. The presenter will model ways to say "difficult things" in a DBT frame. Participants will be able to:

• Understand the basic theoretical underpinnings of DBT
• Understand the basic structure of a DBT program and its application to the an adolescent population
• Gain facility with the skills taught in DBT - A
• Examine the specific dialectical dilemmas which impact the treatment of adolescents
• Improve effectiveness in addressing difficult therapy interfering behavior

This workshop is geared toward mental health professionals of any setting, including educators who wish to learn the skill sets that DBT teaches. Workshop format includes lecture, discussion, and case examples.

Instructor:

Laurie Brodeur, Psy.D., is currently working as a Psychologist for a public school in New Hampshire and has a private practice. She has extensive experience working with individuals and families who have anxiety disorders as well as more complicated personality disorders. Trained by Dr. Marsha Linehan more than a decade ago, Dr. Brodeur, as part of a statewide team, initiated DBT treatment programs throughout New Hampshire, and provided training and consultation. She is an engaging presenter who has a knack for transforming complex information into practical, hands-on material.