Learn and Earn Over Lunch Series

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The Learn and Earn over Lunch series is an opportunity to earn free NBCC approved continuing education credits from outstanding trainers, while you eat lunch! Join us online (via Zoom) from noon to 1:00pm Pacific Time every month on the second Wednesday.

In addition, feel free to take a look at our other training offerings as well as employment opportunities at PDBTI!

Loneliness is a Behavior: How to Target Loneliness with Your Clients

Loneliness is a frequent problem raised in sessions for clients of all ages. It can plague people who spend a lot of time alone as well as those who are more surrounded by friends and family. It is often a “critical link” in a person’s pathway to high-risk behaviors, such as suicidal ideation or NSSI. But how do you help your clients who struggle with this when making more social connections is not enough?  

This lunch and learn training will discuss how to conceptualize loneliness with clients in ways that allow them to change their relationship with being alone. We will discuss how to incorporate DBT skills into your work to target loneliness that go beyond problem-solving. We will also discuss more difficult to treat loneliness that is often expressed as “existential loneliness” that clients report they have felt their whole lives.  

Learning Objectives  
By the conclusion of this event, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and behaviorally conceptualize the experience of loneliness
2. Identify at least 3 functions for the experience of loneliness 
3. Identify and utilize five interventions to help clients better manage their loneliness

Instructor | Dr. Stefanie Sugar is a clinical psychologist with a background in child-school psychology. She is the Executive Director and Founder of Behavioral Psych Studio, a group therapy practice that specializes in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other evidence-based practices. She has expertise in DBT for adults, children, teens, couples and families. She is trained in DBT-C, DBT-A, DBT-PE, and DBT for high-conflict couples and families. Additionally, Dr. Sugar has expertise in ERP for OCD and anxiety disorders as well as CPT for PTSD. She is also trained in several treatments for parents of children who are struggling with anxiety, behavioral issues, and/or mood disorders. Specifically, she is trained in Parent Management Training (PMT) as well as Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE). 

FREE CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT

Participants who attend an event in this series will earn one free continuing education credit, NBCC approved.

Portland DBT Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6326. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Portland DBT Institute is solely is responsible for all aspects of the programs.