Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for the Queer Community

This course will focus on the usage of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) with the Queer community in addressing mental health concerns. The Queer community experiences a large amount of discrimination, both on a micro and macro lens that leads to ongoing stressors. These stressors and environmental factors lead to a higher prevalence rate of mental illness within the Queer community. DBT, an evidence-based psychotherapy, has been shown to be beneficial for overall mental health, addressing self-injurious behaviors, emotional challenges, Major Depressive Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. This course will address how to apply and use DBT with clients from the LGBTQIA2S+ community in an affirming and validating way.

This course will cover Minority Stress Theory, and Biosocial Theory as well as review and introduce skills from the 4 core modules of DBT, mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and effective communication.