Applications of Dialectical Behavior
Therapy (DBT) for non-DBT Therapists
Instructed by Rupa Puri Zimmermann, Ph.D.
2CE In-person presentation with dinner provided.
Thursday, November 9th
6:00-9:00 PM In-person, Dinner will be provided - Zoom option available
Lafayette Library, 3491 Mount Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, CA 94549
Fees CCPA Member $55, Non-Member $65, Student $25 (limit 45 in-person attendees) via Zoom $45
Contact Alissa Scanlin for any accommodations regarding food restrictions or access issues. 925-200-7666
Workshop Description
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive behavioral treatment that was originally developed over 25 years ago to treat chronically suicidal individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality disorder. Through its evolution, DBT is now used to treat anxiety, depression, shame, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse relapse prevention, anger, eating disorders, and interpersonal problems. DBT offers powerful strategies for therapists to effectively assist a wide variety of clients in managing emotions, improving relationships, and coping with distress. This presentation will focus on acceptance principles, specifically mindfulness and distress tolerance, which are the behavioral translation of Zen practice. Additionally, this presentation will demonstrate the application of the DBT change skills, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. This two-hour seminar, designed for non-DBT trained therapists, provides a concise yet insightful introduction to fundamental concepts and practical applications of DBT.
Presenter: Rupa Puri Zimmermann, Ph.D.
Dr. Zimmermann is a licensed clinical psychologist. She established her private practice in Walnut Creek in 2016. She earned her master’s degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2004 and her Ph.D. in Clinical and Community Psychology from George Washington University in 2009. She completed an internship and a two-year post-doctoral fellowship in child and adolescent psychology at Brown University in 2011. Prior to private practice, she worked in a variety of clinical settings including inpatient units and outpatient behavioral health clinics, therapeutic schools and served as an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University. She has an extensive research background focusing on the treatment of mood disorders and suicide prevention. Additionally, Dr. Zimmermann served on the board of the non-profit organization 2020 Mom for three years to help close gaps in maternal mental health care on both a state and national level. She has expertise in evidence-based treatments including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and DBT with Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and she completed the Postpartum Support International certificate training. She specializes in treating individuals dealing with anxiety, mood disorders, BPD/emotional dysregulation, and trauma. She enjoys parent coaching, consultation and family therapy. As a therapist of color Dr. Zimmermann is committed to providing culturally sensitive care to BIPOC clients.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
- List 3 characteristics that are used to the distinguish between CBT and DBT.
- Identify the four skill modules of DBT and the primary goal of each module.
- Describe one commonly used Mindfulness Technique.
- Describe one technique used to help clients build skills in each of the following areas:
emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
California Psychological Association (CPA) is co-sponsoring with Contra Costa County Psychological Association. CPA is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists CPA maintains responsibility for this program and its contents. Important Notice: Those who attend the workshop and complete the CPA evaluation form will receive 2.0 continuing education credits. Please note that APA CE rules require that we give credit only to those who attend the entire workshop. Those arriving more than 15 minutes after the start time or leaving before the workshop is completed will not receive CE credits.