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Course Description

Hours: 12

*It is highly recommended that participants take the DBT Assessment and Case Conceptualization course prior to DBT Individual Therapy as key strategies taught and practiced in the Assessment and Case Conceptualization course will not be reviewed in depth here


In DBT, individual therapy is one of the four modes of treatment delivery. Its primary functions are to maintain and improve client motivation and commitment to treatment, individualize change strategies to specific client’s case conceptualization, and effectively respond to suicidal crises and therapy interfering behaviours -- all while maintaining a strong therapeutic alliance. Individual therapy requires the therapist to be adept at applying the principles of acceptance and change in a balanced way to maintain an effective rhythm and flow of the session. Additionally, understanding how to prioritize targets within the session, balance client and therapy needs in the session, and effectively assign home practices.

At the end of this Professional Development course you will be able to:

  • Effectively use DBT commitment to develop and strengthen client motivation and commitment.
  • Structure individual therapy sessions.
  • Collaboratively identify and prioritize session agenda using the Diary Card.
  • Understand and implement dialectical strategies to respond to client behaviour throughout sessions.
  • Apply change strategies to variables identified from the diary card/behaviour change analysis or apply change strategies to behaviour displayed within the therapy session itself.  
  • Understand how to use data to refine case conceptualization and assign meaningful between session practice.

Notes

Time Zone: All listed class times are held in ET (Ontario, Canada)

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

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Section Title
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Individual Therapy
Type
Remote
Days
M, T
Time
9:00AM to 4:00PM
Dates
Mar 30, 2026 to Mar 31, 2026
Schedule and Location
Total Hours
12.0
Delivery Options
Remote  
Course Fee(s)
Registration Fee non-credit $400.00
Potential Discount(s)
Section Notes

Time Zone: All remote courses are ET (Ontario, Canada).

Instructor: Elisha Van Harte, MSW, RSW

Location: This Professional Development course is being held remotely through Zoom. 

Website: wlu.ca/fswpd

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