New! 2026

DBT in Clinical Practice: Balancing Acceptance, Change, and Ethical Care

Developed by Glenn Marks, Ph.D., Daniel Constanz, MS, LMFT

Course content available in audio, transcripts, and video.

This course is included in the For the Clinically Curious Podcast Subscription

Originally developed to treat individuals with chronic suicidal ideation and borderline personality disorder, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is now used to address a broader range of complex clinical concerns, including emotional dysregulation, self-harm, trauma-related symptoms, anxiety, and relationship difficulties.

In this podcast, Dr. Glenn Marks interviews Daniel Constanz, LMFT, about the principles underlying DBT and how clinicians can apply its core concepts in their everyday practice. The conversation explores the meaning of dialectical and how Dr. Marsha Linehan’s approach balances acceptance of clients as they are with the need for meaningful change through the development of specific skills.

How can mental health professionals incorporate DBT principles into their work safely and ethically? This discussion offers practical guidance on using DBT-informed strategies, expanding clinical skills, recognizing the limits of one’s training, and determining when referral to a specialized DBT program or center is appropriate.

Educational Objectives

This course will teach the participant to

Identify the core principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Describe practical DBT interventions and their application to emotional dysregulation and maladaptive behaviors
Recognize clinical and ethical considerations for treatment implementation, including when referral to a comprehensive DBT program is warranted

Syllabus

Introduction to DBT: Foundations and Core Principles
- History and development of DBT
- Dialectic of acceptance and change
- Mindfulness, validation, and behavioral change
Comprehensive DBT versus DBT-Informed Care
- Comprehensive DBT - Individual therapy, skills training, phone coaching, and consultation teams
- Applications and limitations of DBT-informed practice
Core DBT Skills
- Mindfulness
- Distress tolerance
- Emotion regulation
- Interpersonal effectiveness
Clinical Applications and Therapeutic Challenges
- Applying DBT to emotional dysregulation, self-harm, suicidality, and other clinical concerns
- Balancing acceptance and change when therapy feels stuck
- Incorporating family involvement and supporting skills generalization
Ethical Considerations, Treatment Fidelity, and Clinical Decision-Making
- Appropriate training, consultation, and scope of practice
- Common pitfalls when teaching or adapting DBT skills
- Recognizing when referral to a comprehensive DBT program is indicated

PDBT101_1N

October 27, 2026

Educational Objectives

This course will teach the participant to

Identify the core principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Describe practical DBT interventions and their application to emotional dysregulation and maladaptive behaviors
Recognize clinical and ethical considerations for treatment implementation, including when referral to a comprehensive DBT program is warranted

Syllabus

Introduction to DBT: Foundations and Core Principles
- History and development of DBT
- Dialectic of acceptance and change
- Mindfulness, validation, and behavioral change
Comprehensive DBT versus DBT-Informed Care
- Comprehensive DBT - Individual therapy, skills training, phone coaching, and consultation teams
- Applications and limitations of DBT-informed practice
Core DBT Skills
- Mindfulness
- Distress tolerance
- Emotion regulation
- Interpersonal effectiveness
Clinical Applications and Therapeutic Challenges
- Applying DBT to emotional dysregulation, self-harm, suicidality, and other clinical concerns
- Balancing acceptance and change when therapy feels stuck
- Incorporating family involvement and supporting skills generalization
Ethical Considerations, Treatment Fidelity, and Clinical Decision-Making
- Appropriate training, consultation, and scope of practice
- Common pitfalls when teaching or adapting DBT skills
- Recognizing when referral to a comprehensive DBT program is indicated