Overview

The purpose of this workshop is to overview DBT-PTSD developed by Martin Bohus and colleagues.  DBT-PTSD is a specialised treatment designed for individuals with PTSD resulting from complex trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect. It integrates Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) principles with trauma-focused techniques to address emotional dysregulation, self-destructive behaviours, and fragmented self-concepts often associated with complex PTSD.

Key Features of this treatment  include:

• Phase-Based Approach: Includes stabilisation and skill-building, trauma processing, and integration to foster recovery.
• DBT Skills Integration: Focuses on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to prepare for and manage trauma work.
• Trauma-Specific Interventions: Incorporates exposure therapy, cognitive restructuring, and self-compassion techniques to reduce PTSD symptoms and promote healing.

The goals of DBT-PTSD are to:

• Reduce PTSD symptoms like flashbacks and avoidance.
• Address maladaptive coping behaviours, including self-harm or dissociation.
• Promote emotional resilience, self-compassion, and a meaningful life beyond trauma.

Validated through research, DBT-PTSD is particularly effective for individuals with severe trauma histories or comorbid conditions, offering a structured and compassionate path to recovery. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this event, participants should be able to:

• Understand What DBT-PTSD Is - Participants will learn the basics of DBT-PTSD, including who it is designed for, its main goals, and how it differs from other trauma treatments.
• Learn the Steps of DBT-PTSD Treatment - Participants will explore the three main stages of DBT-PTSD: stabilisation and skill-building, trauma processing, and building a meaningful life after trauma.
• Practice Stabilisation Techniques - Participants will practice key skills, like mindfulness and distress tolerance, that help clients feel safe and ready for trauma work.
• Learn How to Conduct Exposure in DBT-PTSD - Participants will be introduced to the way exposure is used in DBT-PTSD, including helping clients face and reprocess traumatic memories in a safe and structured way.
• Start Applying DBT-PTSD Techniques - Participants will discuss how they can begin using elements of DBT-PTSD in their practice and identify next steps for further training and development.

Presenter(s)

Dr. Sarah Swannell

About the presenter(s)

Dr. Sarah Swannell is a clinical psychologist dedicated to helping individuals build rich, meaningful lives. She specialises in working with adults experiencing emotional dysregulation and related challenges, such as impulsivity, self-destructive behaviours, and addictions, with a particular focus on borderline personality disorder, complex PTSD, and dissociative disorders. Sarah has over 15 years of clinical experience across private practice, community mental health, and inpatient psychiatric settings. She previously coordinated the outpatient DBT Program at The Prince Charles Hospital (Brisbane) from 2013 to 2021. She now runs a private practice and facilitates DBT skills groups through Willow Oak Psychology, adhering to Marsha Linehan’s DBT framework. Academically accomplished, Sarah holds a PhD, a Master of Clinical Psychology, and advanced training in DBT and EMDR. She is also affiliated with The University of Queensland as a Lecturer and actively contributes to the Brisbane North Borderline Personality Disorder Mental Health Professionals’ Network. Sarah integrates evidence-based therapies, including DBT, Schema Therapy, EMDR, and Ego State Therapy, within a trauma-informed approach. Her work is heavily informed by the theory of structural dissociation and the neurobiology of attachment, with a focus on addressing not only cognitive patterns but also the somatic experiences of trauma.

Notes

Please arrive by 8:45am on the morning of the event to sign in and be seated for a 9am start.

Please note that morning and afternoon tea as well as lunch are provided and are included in registration cost.

Target Audience

This activity is aimed at psychologists and health professionals.

CPD

It is up to attendees to assess and determine how learning from this event aligns with the requirements of their learning plan. The providers accordingly do not make any representation that the event counts towards attendees’ CPD learning requirements. If an attendee determines themselves that the learning they complete aligns to their learning plan, then they can decide to count those hours towards their CPD requirements for the registration cycle.

The information in this presentation has been prepared in good faith and for educational purposes only. Therefore, the information is general in nature and should not be relied upon in the treatment of any condition and you should seek your own independent professional and/or legal advice concerning any specific issue. The APS accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or decisions relating to the information. The content should not be reproduced without permission or unless permitted by law.

If you are experiencing registration difficulties please contact APS Events Support.