DBT: The Basics (Foundational Training Part 1)

September 8, 2025

Cohort 1: September 8, 15, 29 and October 6, 2025

Cohort 2: January 12, 19, 26 and February 2, 2026

Mondays 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (ET)

Online via Zoom

Facilitated by: Dr. Shelley McMain, C.Psych.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is designed to help people with multiple disorders learn to effectively cope with painful emotions and increase behavioral control. This course will introduce you to the DBT model, its fundamental principles and core treatment strategies. Treating clients with multiple problems can be difficult and you’ll learn to keep your clients positively engaged and working toward their long-term goals. Through lectures, multimedia, role-play and discussion, you’ll emerge better equipped in your clinical work to effectively and compassionately respond to your clients.

AT THE CONCLUSION OF THIS COURSE, YOU’LL BE ABLE TO:

– Explain the biosocial theory behind Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
– Structure treatment according to level of severity and prioritize treatment targets.
– Enhance motivation and commitment to treatment goals.
– Identify different ways of expressing validation.
– Coach clients through obstacles that arise during treatment.
– Registrants will retain access to the course material and recordings of all classes for 30 days after the course concludes. All registrants will be able to download core content (PPT or PDF) and view recordings of classes. Class recordings cannot be downloaded.

INSTRUCTOR:

Dr. Shelley McMain, C. Psych., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, Head of the Borderline Personality Disorder Clinic and a Clinician Scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and Co-Founder of the Centre for MindBody Health in Toronto. She is a clinician, educator and researcher and a Certified DBT Practitioner. Dr. McMain is recognized as a leader in DBT in Canada and internationally. She conducts research in DBT, personality disorders, emotion regulation, suicide and self-harm, substance abuse, and psychotherapy process and outcomes. She has delivered 300+ conferences, colloquia, grand rounds, and trainings, and is widely recognized for her excellence in DBT training. Read Shelley’s full bio here: https://www.cmbh.ca/about/dr-shelley-mcmain/

DETAILS AT A GLANCE:

Registration Options:
– E-Transfer: $575 CAD+HST (no additional Eventbrite fees applicable)
– Eventbrite: $575 CAD+HST (Eventbrite fees applicable)

Delivery: Online via Zoom. This course has a live online component which will be recorded for review.
Audience: Multi-disciplinary mental health professionals interested in treating complex PTSD using evidence-based principles and procedures. Basic knowledge of DBT is recommended.

CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) CREDITS:

OPA: Approved for 8 CE credits for psychological practitioners.
OAMHP: Approved for 8 CE credits for mental health professionals.
MDPAC: Approved for 8 hours of MDPAC Group CE credits and 1 hour of MDPAC CCI credits (automatically calculated when MDPAC member submits Group CE hours).

CANCELLATION POLICY: We will allow refunds that are requested 7 days prior to the event start date. Attendees can request a refund through Eventbrite.

CMBH reserves the right to cancel workshops due to unforeseen circumstances.

PREREQUISITE(S)/ RECOMMENDATIONS: Registrants should have foundational concepts of mental health through disciplines such as nursing, psychiatry, psychology, social work, etc.

CERTIFICATE(S): This course is applicable to the following CMBH Certificate – Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

REGISTER HERE: https://www.cmbh.ca/cmbh-professional-trainings/dbt-training-with-dr-shelley-mcmain/