Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT): Skills for Crisis Intervention

Presented by the Ontario Association of Social Workers  (OASW) 

Workshop Description

Navigating the chaos of a crisis while staying grounded is a significant challenge for practitioners who intervene in such situations. This full-day workshop is designed specifically for those who find themselves amid crisis intervention, offering tools and strategies to best support individuals in distress.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an empirically supported therapeutic modality that belongs to the third wave of cognitive behavioral therapies. Originally developed to assist individuals experiencing intense emotional distress and suicidal urges, DBT offers a set of skills that can be invaluable in any crisis.

In this workshop, participants will receive a comprehensive overview of DBT and explore its applications through an anti-oppressive lens. The focus will be on how to use DBT skills to enhance emotional and cognitive regulation, maintain a mindful and non-judgmental stance, and build rapport and trust quickly with individuals in crisis.

Participants will be introduced to the four core pillars of DBT, and each pillar will be explored through practical examples and exercises, with a focus on how these skills can be applied within a crisis scenario. This workshop is interactive, and participants are encouraged to bring their own case examples for discussion. There will be opportunities for group discussion, role-playing, and skills practice ensuring that participants leave with a deep understanding of how to implement DBT in their work.

Pre-Requisite

For anyone new to Dialectical Behaviourhal Therapy the prerequisite for this course is the webinar titled ‘Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT): Tools for Crisis Intervention’ on September 9, 2024. Those who already have a foundation of the ideas that shape DBT would be suited to participate in this full-day workshop.

Required readings:

Shea, L.-M. (2021). The Courage to Be: Using DBT Skills to Choose Who to Be in Uncertainty. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 61(2), 260-274. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022167820950887

or

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0022167820950887

Crisis to Calm: 4 DBT skills with Dr. Johnson

Therapy in a Nutshell

https://youtu.be/wAucb7X13Ew?si=SCP4v9ZwQMis1KCW

Workshop Instructor 

Having always valued knowledge and education, Laval Martin switched from studying astrophysics to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in social work, from Toronto Metropolitan University and University of Toronto, and a post-graduate certificate in instructing adults from George Brown College.  

Providing counselling since 2006 and training since 2010, Laval began delivering psychotherapy in 2015. He has delivered over 100 workshops on topics ranging from resilience and burnout prevention, DBT, CBT, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, trauma, debriefing, mindfulness, and many more.  

Laval delivers individual and group supervision and consultation. Laval has practiced self-defense since 2001, focusing on de-escalating conflict. He is an instructor with Senshido and Safe International. Laval is an avid chess player and has hosted a monthly meetup group, called Luna and Sophia, since 2014.

October 1, 2024  |   10:00 am - 4:00 pm ET

Cost 

• OASW Members: $199 + HST
• Non-members: $299 + HST