How to apply DBT when working with offenders

College of Forensic Psychologists presents:
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy in forensic settings:
How to apply DBT when working with offenders
Workshop presented by:
Dr Ana Micsunescu
Dr Sarah Wheatley
Dr Aleksandra Belofastov
Friday 29 August 2014
Treacy Centre, 126 The Avenue, Parkville VIC
9 am to 4.30pm
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) has proven efficacy in addressing the treatment needs of
individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, and a number of core principles have been developed
underpinning the implementation of DBT. Forensic settings, however, present unique challenges in
applying DBT principles with complex clients. This workshop aims to provide an overview of DBT and
examples of the application of DBT principles to borderline presentations amongst male and female
offenders. The workshop also aims to provide the opportunity for attendees to practice skills in
applying DBT principles, work through case studies and brainstorm strategies to overcome obstacles
in implementing DBT principles with offenders.
Dr Ana Micsunescu will provide a brief overview of DBT, including theoretical and empirical
underpinnings of the therapy, an explanation of the DBT model, principles and strategies that guide
therapy, and the structure and application of the program with complex clients. Dr Sarah Wheatley’s
presentation will discuss emotional dysregulation amongst male offenders and how this is
demonstrated in a custodial setting. She will also discuss the RUSH program and how DBT principles
can be applied to borderline presentations amongst male offenders. Dr Aleksandra Belofastov will
describe the elements of a group-based therapy that integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
with DBT skills-based training for female offenders with BPD traits, and provide a critical appraisal of
its effectiveness. The final part of the workshop will provide the opportunity for skills practice applying
DBT principles through case studies and role plays, and to seek suggestions from skilled practitioners
in overcoming obstacles that may present when attempting to utilise DBT with offenders.
SPEAKERS:
Dr Ana Micsunescu, DPsych Clinical (with clinical health psychology specialisation). Ana received her
undergraduate degree from Swinburne University and her doctoral degree from Monash University. She
commenced her doctoral studies in 2005, and specialised in clinical health psychology until 2011 at Southern
Health and Eastern Health hospitals in the Hospital Admissions Risk Programs. She commenced her DBT
training at a private Centre in Melbourne specialising in the treatment of BPD, within a complete DBT program.
Ana has been intensively trained in DBT by Dr Marsha Linehan and associated trainers and consultants at
BehavioralTech, Seattle, since 2012 and is in the process of accreditation for specialisation in DBT. Ana
currently works in a DBT outpatient day program, and provides inpatient BPD and DBT groups, at a private
mental health hospital in Melbourne. She facilitates DBT pre-commitment, skills training and graduate groups,
individual sessions and is on a DBT consultation team. She has also developed, and is the primary facilitator for,
the DBT for Family and Friends program.
Dr Sarah Wheatley, DPsych Forensic. Sarah completed a doctoral degree in Forensic Psychology in 2007 at
Deakin University. Since that time she has worked primarily at Marngoneet Correctional Centre in a variety of
roles. Marngoneet is a medium security prison for males, focusing primarily on offence-specific treatment. From
2007 to 2012, she worked in the Psychological Well Being Unit, providing individual counseling to prisoners with
a variety of mental health issues. She also facilitated the Real Understanding of Self-Help program (RUSH),
which is a DBT-based program for males demonstrating symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder. Since
2013, she has been acting as the Senior Clinician in the violent offender treatment neighbourhood. In providing
offence-specific intervention to violent offenders, this team incorporates aspects of mindfulness, Acceptance and
Commitment Therapy, and attachment theory to address risk factors for violence.
Dr Aleksandra Belofastov, DPsych Clinical (with forensic specialisation). Aleksandra has a Doctoral
degree in Clinical Psychology with a Forensic specialisation. She has worked in forensic mental health settings
both in the UK and Australia, and has specialised training in the treatment of trauma and personality disorder.
Her clinical and research interests concern the treatment of mental health issues, including personality disorder
and suicidality, within custodial settings. Aleksandra currently works as the Senior Psychologist for the Marrmak
Programme (Forensicare), which is based at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre (Victoria’s women’s prison).
Marrmak provides both inpatient and outpatient (i.e., mainstream) services for women with a broad range of
mental health issues. A core aspect of the therapeutic programs delivered as part of the outpatient service is a
group-based therapy that integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with DBT skills-based training
for women with BPD traits.
REGISTRATION: If you wish to attend, please register by Monday 25 August
Date:
Friday 29 August 2014
Time:
9am to 4.30pm (lunch, morning and afternoon tea provided)
Cost:
$80 APS Forensic College members
$90 Non-college APS members
$100 Non-APS members
$65 Students
Enquiries:
Venue: Treacy Centre, 146 The Avenue, Parkville VIC
Email us at [email protected]
Online Registration: http://www.psychology.org.au/Events/EventView.aspx?EventID=14789
Alternative Registration (credit card ONLY, email completed form to [email protected]):
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