0502 - DBT: Advanced Case Conceptualization
Course Description
Hours: 12
Case conceptualization is the behavioural framework behind the entire DBT treatment. It is, at its core, how therapists think about DBT and their clients before they “do” DBT. This Professional Development course is designed for therapists who are already engaging in DBT and have practiced conceptualizing their cases from a DBT lens. Through case-based learning (clinical examples) and experiential learning (role-play and exercises) participants will walk through each step of case conceptualization including behaviour chain analysis, hypothesis generation and identification of secondary treatment targets. The course is designed to increase therapists’ skills in both thinking and doing DBT through the lens of conceptualization. Participants will have the opportunity to present their case conceptualizations to other participants and to the trainer. By the end of the workshop, each participant will have a written case conceptualization for one of their DBT clients.
Learner Outcomes
By the end of this Professional Development course participants will be able to:- Formulate a DBT Individual therapy case from pre-treatment through Stage 2.
- Identify biosocial theory in a client.
- Formulate Life Worth Living Goals for a client and translate to behaviourally defined problems.
- Create a DBT Stage 1 primary target hierarchy for the client.
- Identify controlling variables for target behaviours through DBT chain and missing links analyses and generate effective hypotheses.
- Create a solution plan using contingency management, cognitive modification, exposure and skill strategies.
- Develop a meaningful set of outcomes to track whether behaviour is changing.
Notes
For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:
Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-5128
Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.
Website: wlu.ca/fswpd
Prerequisites
This course is open to anyone who has completed the DBT certificate or an approved equivalent. For information on approved equivalents, email fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca.Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Advanced Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) : Advanced DBT
This course has already taken place for the current academic year (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025).
The 2025/2026 Faculty of Social Work Professional Development course dates will be posted on this website on July 3, 2025.