This past month Psychologists, Dr. Rachel L. Hutt, Ph.D., and Dr. Rebecca B. Skolnick, Ph.D., gave a lecture for SVA’s MPS Art Therapy Department on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). The students in the program specially requested this lecture. Dr. Hutt and Dr. Skolnick’s talk introduced the graduate students to the principles of CBT and DBT. The lecture first looked at CBT, which is an evidence-based, collaborative, short- term treatment that focuses on working in the present and is tailored to meet the specific needs of the client. The students got a chance to learn the history of CBT and DBT, which have roots in philosophy, academia, and science. A case example was given to demonstrate the CBT practice of cognitive case conceptualization, which includes looking at relevant childhood data, core beliefs, conditional assumptions/beliefs/rules, and compensatory strategies. The students were also given an overview of cognitive therapy techniques and behavioral interventions and strategies.

After the overview of CBT, the lecture moved into DBT, which is a form of CBT developed by Marsha M. Linehan, Ph.D.. DBT is an evidence-based, collaborative, structured treatment for chronic suicidal and parasuicidal behavior that is based on the principles of dialectical philosophy, acceptance and change, and building a life worth living. DBT is especially effective for people who have difficulty with emotional and behavioral regulation, and it aims to replace harmful behaviors with skillful behaviors. In the lecture, the students were presented with research findings on DBT, such as that it leads to fewer episodes of parasuicidal behaviors. The students also were given an overview of the treatment components of DBT and the different skills modules that are taught in groups, which are emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, walking the middle path, and core mindfulness. The presentation then moved into biosocial theory and the impact that emotional vulnerabilities and invalidating environments can have on one another and an individual. The students were also introduced to the concept of DBT assumptions about clients and therapy and the therapeutic approach of dialectics. This lecture was an excellent opportunity for the graduate students at SVA to learn about these popular evidence-based treatments and start thinking about ways to incorporate the principles and techniques into their art therapy practices.

Thank you so much to Dr. Rachel L. Hutt, Ph.D., and Dr. Rebecca B. Skolnick, Ph.D.!

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