Dialectical Behavior Therapy-Informed Interventions for Psychosis Part 1

DMH UCLA Public Mental Health Partnership

Presented by Maggie Mullen, LCSW. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) has often been utilized to help those who struggle with intense experiences of emotion dysregulation. Yet, when one thinks of psychosis, an experience that can greatly disrupt a person’s ability to engage in emotional regulation, DBT is not commonly thought of as a therapeutic intervention. By examining the four modules of DBT (distress tolerance, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness), we will learn why DBT-informed concepts and principles can benefit clients with Psychotic Spectrum Disorders and how to apply these concepts and principles in practice. There will be an emphasis on skill-building interventions derived from DBT, rather than a strict adherence to DBT treatment protocol that is customary for DBT programs. This interactive two-part presentation will introduce participants to DBT skills adapted for psychotic experiences through discussion, case examples, and practical tools. Recorded on October 27, 2022.