Conceptualizing Clients in Dialectical Behavior Therapy

This is a 2.0 hour session.

The affects of the powerful and damaging actions of an invalidating environment are often left out when considering the diagnostic presentation of the human beings we serve. The invalidating environment is of particular consequence for people of color. Residing in a society in which the dominant culture is white results in unspoken, agreed upon rules, hierarchies and biases harming to people of color. Multiple systems, including mental health, are heavily developed and influenced by the dominant culture, providing minimal insight into individual experience. Curiosity about intersectionality can create an opportunity for healing via developing a framework from which to begin to locate and experience the space our client inhabits. Dialectical Behavior Therapy is informed by dialectical philosophy, biosocial development of behavior and behaviorism, which also guide conceptualization, treatment planning and treatment intervention. The role of the invalidating environment at large will be explored for its implications in shaping behavior.

Presented by:

Theresa specializes in empowering adults challenged by emotion dysregulation, suicide, self-harm, and gender-identity concerns to build a life worth living. She graduated with her Masters of Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University in 2008 and has worked in a variety of settings including homes in the community, prisons, and treatment foster care with individuals of various ages and in various stages of transition. Believing whole-heartedly in the union of compassion, acceptance, and change, Theresa was intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in 2013 and became a Linehan board certified DBT clinician in 2017. In 2016 she co-presented Embodiment with the Dysregulated Client via Dialectical Behavior Therapy at the NASW conference. In addition to clinical expertise, Theresa is experienced in providing clinical oversight and training to the DBT team. She brings a ferocious commitment to the healing of clients by encouraging acceptance of mind, body, and self.

Jennifer received her Master’s Degree in Counseling in 2007 and is an Independently Licensed Clinician. She completed the 10 Day Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Intensive Training in 2009. As a lifelong resident, Jennifer has been dedicated to serving the Albuquerque community and has worked in various levels of care including: Outpatient, intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Residential Treatment, Treatment Foster Care, Transitional Living, Drug Court/Juvenile Probation, Juvenile Correctional Facilities and has been part of an Integrated Care Clinic. Jennifer also has specialized training in Motivational Interviewing, Moral Reconation Therapy, Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), Matrix Model for Substance Abuse as a key supervisor, Seven Challenges, Medication Assisted Treatment and DBT for Substance Use Disorders. Jennifer has tremendous experience working with adolescents and young adults and is proud to be a catalyst in their journey towards change and healing.

2.0 CEU's

NASW Member- $40
Non-Member- $60