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Introduction to Dialectical Behavior Therapy

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January 30, 2026, 8:30am - 12:30pm CST
Virtual via Zoom
Fee: $15 full members; $60 partial members & non-members
Continuing Education Hours: 4.0
Register

Course Description

DBT is an evidence-based psychotherapy that has been proven effective with a multitude of behavioral health challenges, including borderline personality disorder, suicidality and self-harm, mood disorders, and substance use.  The Introduction to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is the first of the offering of the DBT virtual workshops. The Intro. to DBT workshop will focus on and discuss an introduction and orientation to the basic concepts in DBT, the structure and components of DBT, dialectics and dialectal strategies, acceptance/validation vs. change strategies, stages of treatment and treatment planning and diary card development.

Learning Objectives: 

  • Describe the biosocial theory and the transactional relationship between biology and the invalidating environment
  • Identify at least three different levels of validation
  • Describe the concept of dialectics
  • Explain the hierarchy of target behaviors

About the Trainer

Lesley Baird Chapin, Psy.D.

Lesley Baird Chapin, Psy.D.

Lesley Baird Chapin, Psy.D. is the Vice President of the Pauquette Center for Psychological Services and the Dialectical Behavior Therapy trainer for the Department of Corrections.  Dr. Chapin received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Denver in 2009.  She completed her internship at CMC-Randolph Behavioral Health in Charlotte, North Carolina, and her post-doctoral supervision with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. She has practiced DBT and clinical psychology in inpatient, outpatient, and residential, correctional and forensic settings with adolescents, adults, and families since 2006 and has specific training and experience applying DBT with individuals who have experienced trauma.  Dr. Chapin is a board certified DBT clinician, certified by the Linehan Board of Certification, the only certification body sanctioned by the creator of the treatment.  Dr. Chapin has been providing DBT training for mental health professionals, medical professionals, and support professionals since 2014.