Overview:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is one of evidence-based and effective approaches for treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and it continues to gain strong empirical support across diverse clinical settings. This intensive 5-hour training, led by expert DBT trainer Diane Bigler, offers clinicians an opportunity to strengthen their understanding and application of DBT principles in the treatment of BPD.
The webinar begins with a review of the most recent research on DBT and BPD, followed by an in-depth look at core DBT treatment targets and how to prioritize and sequence interventions. Attendees will explore the four DBT skills modules—Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness—and learn how to apply them effectively across various clinical scenarios. Emphasis will also be placed on the therapeutic relationship, validation strategies, and balancing acceptance with change in session.
Throughout the training, participants will engage with case examples, discussion, and practical exercises that reinforce DBT concepts and help translate them into clinical action. By the end of the program, clinicians will be equipped with a clear framework and actionable skills to implement DBT with clients diagnosed with BPD in individual or group settings.
Objectives:
Describe the theoretical foundations and core principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Identify the four core skills (Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness) and make use of interventions for targeted problems.
Construct methods of evaluating clients with BPD to design appropriate DBT treatment strategies.
Apply the DBT treatment hierarchy to prioritize clinical targets in working with clients who exhibit high-risk behaviors.
Demonstrate how to use validation strategies in session to increase client engagement and emotional safety.
Differentiate when to apply distress tolerance versus emotion regulation skills in the therapeutic process
This recorded webinar is delivered in a structured lecture format with integrated clinical examples, case discussion, and application-based exercises. Instruction includes review of DBT skills, treatment hierarchy, and validation techniques supported by peer-reviewed research.
Limitations:
While this course is grounded in evidence-based practices, it does not offer comprehensive training in all aspects of DBT or substitute for formal certification. Participants are encouraged to seek additional supervision, training, and review of the broader research literature to ensure full competency. Treatment outcomes may vary depending on client complexity, comorbidities, and setting.
Commercial Disclosure:
The presenter, Diane Bigler, MSW, LCSW, LSCSW, received an royalties from E Care Behavioral Health Institute for the development and delivery of this recorded webinar. There are no other relevant financial relationships or commercial interests to disclose.
Power point presentation will be posted soon.
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Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Diane Bigler is a highly respected and accomplished Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. With a diverse background that includes clinical positions as an outpatient and in-home therapist, clinical supervisor, and administrative positions such as Program Director and Coordinator, Diane has a wealth of experience and expertise. In addition to her clinical work, Diane is an Adjunct Professor of Social Work at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, where she serves as a Field Liaison and Field Instructor. She is passionate about supporting the development of new clinicians and has a reputation for providing top-notch professional development opportunities. Diane is also a well-regarded trainer, both locally and nationally, on a wide range of mental health and workplace development topics. She has worked with both clinicians and corporations to provide training and support in areas such as communication, conflict resolution, and stress management. Her unique blend of clinical expertise and workplace development knowledge makes her a sought-after trainer in the field.
National Approvals
eCare BHI, as the accredited and approved sponsor, maintains responsibility for all the programs and must abide by each board’s continuing education guidelines.

Professional Counselors — The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
E Care Behavioral Health Institute has been approved by NBCC as an approved Continuing Education Provider. ACEP No. 6703. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC are clearly identified. E care Behavioral Health Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Addiction Professionals — NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)
E Care Behavioral Health Institute is officially on file with NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) as an Approved Education Provider. They are formally known as NAADAC Provider #139138. Please note that E care Behavioral Health Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.

Social Workers — Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
E Care Behavioral Health Institute, #1706, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. E Care Behavioral Health Institute maintains responsibility for this course.  ACE provider approval period: 06-03-2020 – 06-03-2026.Â

Psychologists — American Psychological Association (APA)
E Care Behavioral Health Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. E Care Behavioral Health Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

CE Broker
CE Broker is a continuing education tracking system in which licensees track their compliance and report their completed CE hours credit (CE Broker Tracking #50-33336)
State Approvals
States that Accept ASWB-ACE Approved Providers |
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Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut |
Delaware | District Of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois |
Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland |
Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska |
Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio |
Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee |
Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin |
Wyoming |
States that Accepts NBCC Approved Courses:Â |
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Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut |
Delaware | District Of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Indiana |
Iowa | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Missouri | New Hampshire | New Jersey |
New Mexico | Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota |
Tennessee | Texas | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | Wisconsin |
- Nevada CPC’s and MFT’s accept ASWB-approved training
- North Dakota Board Of Counselor Examiners LAPC and LAPCS accept ASWB approved training
- Rhode Island Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists MHC’s accept ASWB approved training
- Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council LPC and LPCS accept ASWB approved training
- Utah Division of Professional Licensing – CMHC’s accept ASWB approved training
- Washington State Department of Mental Health MHC’s accept ASWB approved training
- Wisconsin Council on Mental Health LPCS accepts ASWB-approved training
States that Accept NAADAC Approved Providers |
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Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | Delaware | Hawaii | Indiana |
Kentucky | Maine | Massachusetts | Minnesota | Montana | Nevada | New Jersey |
New Jersey | New Mexico | North Carolina | North Dakota | Oregon | Rhode Island | Tennessee |
Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
States that Accept APA Approved Providers |
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Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Delaware | District Of Columbia |
Florida | Georgia | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas |
Kentucky | Louisiana | Maryland | Massachusetts | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri |
Montana | Nebraska | New Jersey | New Mexico | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma |
Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | Tennessee | Utah | Vermont | Virginia |
Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming |