Overview
Summary
This 2-day live 'virtual' workshop aims to upskill practising mental health professionals in the use of use of Adapted Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Coping Skills for Cognitively Impaired Clients with Challenging/Offending Behaviours.
Course Overview
Originally designed by Dr Marsha Linehan (1993) for people diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, the use of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) has been expanded to a range of clinical populations, including those with substance abuse difficulties, individuals experiencing depression with comorbid personality disorders, and offenders. There is growing evidence for using DBT with individuals with cognitive impairment (e.g., Intellectual Disability, acquired brain injury, severe mental illness, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder). DBT essentially utilises a behavioural approach to treatment, making it more appealing and potentially effective given the proven effectiveness of behavioural interventions for this population. Addressing psychological distress with the assistance of DBT based skills is thought to better equip individuals in managing their psychological distress and make relevant behavioural shifts. DBT can also be considered a strengths-based model and is consistent with psychoeducational and habilitative practice.
What is this course for?
This two-day online training workshop is suitable for mental health professionals (e.g., psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, counsellors, nurses, etc.) who work with complex clients (adults and adolescents) with cognitive impairment who exhibit challenging/offending behaviours (e.g., aggressive/violent behaviours, problematic sexual behaviours, criminal behaviours, etc.).
PROGRAM:
DAY 1: Thurs 21st August 2025 (9-5pm AEST)
- Introduction to Adapted DBT for ID
- Introduction and application of Mindfulness (states of mind, including 'risky mind', wise mind and mindfulness exercises)
- Introduction and application of Distress Tolerance and Emotion Regulation
- Introduction and application of Chain analysis
- Introduction and application of Interpersonal Effectiveness
DAY 2: Friday 22nd August 2025 (9-5pm AEST)
- An overview of Adapted DBT for ID visual supports/handouts
- Introduction to and application of dialectical thinking
- Validation Strategies exercises and Balance Treatment Strategies
- The concept of the Risky Mind and its application to DBT - Risky Mind-Wise Mind Check In
- Understanding and preventing burn-out and using self-care
BONUS MATERIAL
- Adapted DBT manual: Developed by Dr Joseph Allan Sakdalan (2020) this manualised program was designed for use of Adapted Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Coping Skills for Cognitively Impaired Clients with Challenging/Offending Behaviours (can be applied to other ID populations)
- Adapted DBT Manual - supplementary handouts: 'Done for you' handouts for clients that are simplified and easy/easier to read and understand including visual supports.
- Breakout rooms! This 2-day live virtual workshop provides lots of opportunities for reflection and skills-based practice in virtual 'break-out rooms' for 'real' interaction and engagement with your peers
For more information and to register:
Adapted DBT for Intellectual Disability
Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge and skills in using DBT reconceptualisation and skills in working with cognitively impaired individuals with challenging/offending behaviours.
- Learn skills and techniques in the use of DBT coping skills with individuals with challenging/offending behaviours.
- Introduce the adapted DBT coping skills group program, which can be utilised as a part of individual and/or group-based treatment.
- Learn how to incorporate DBT reconceptualisation and skills in developing the client’s risk and behaviour management plans.
Presenter(s)
Dr Joseph Allan Sakdalan
About the presenter(s)
Dr Sakdalan (BSc, MA, MPH, MD, MScForPsych, PhD CPsych
FCCP, FCCN) is an NZ and AHPRA registered clinical psychologist and clinical
neuropsychologist who has over 25 years of clinical experience with complex clients with mental health issues, cognitive problems, intellectual disability and developmental disorders, and challenging/offending behaviours. He and his colleagues pioneered the adapted DBT coping skills program for clients with intellectual disabilities with challenging/offending behaviours. In addition, he has developed a suite of offence-related and offence-specific treatment group-based programs (e.g. sexual offending, family violence, general offending, treatment readiness, substance abuse) for forensic and correctional services. Dr Sakdalan
has written book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles. He has run training workshops locally and internationally.