Psychology Alternative Learning Experience

I am currently a doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program and a graduate research assistant in the Mood and Behavior Lab at Fordham where I conduct research on intra- and interpersonal risk and protective factors for suicide and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). I am particularly interested in the mechanisms that underlie the onset and maintenance of these maladaptive behaviors and ways of enhancing resilience in at-risk populations. In addition to my research, I am also a psychology extern at the Brooklyn VA, where I provide individual and group psychotherapy to Veterans, many of whom have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). My previous clinical externships also enabled me to work with patients with persistent and severe mental illness, including individuals with co-occurring substance use and personality disorders. These clinical experiences have collectively reinforced my commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care that is grounded in theory and informed by scientific research. Specifically, I am eager to expand my knowledge and training in evidence-based treatments that a) integrate research and practice, b) have widespread applicability across settings and populations, and most importantly, c) work well among high-risk patients (e.g., suicidal, self-injuring). Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a sought-after contemporary approach consisting of multiple components and interventions. It is highly effective with patients suffering from a broad range of psychiatric disorders, including chronically suicidal patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, substance dependence, PTSD, depression, and eating disorders.

Despite its popularity and applicability, receiving specialized training in DBT continues to be challenging given the shortage of trained therapists and clinics that provide a full DBT program (consisting of individual therapy, skills training groups, telephone-based coaching, and DBT consultation team). Further, given the intensity and complexity of a standard DBT program, graduate students would ideally learn the treatment through graduate-level course(s) taught by a licensed therapist or psychologist. Unfortunately, such a course has not been offered at Fordham during the last five years of my graduate studies and opportunities to learn DBT at externship placements are both rare and highly competitive.

As I begin planning and preparing for the internship application process next year, I hope to meaningfully expand on my competencies in various clinical modalities and therapeutic approaches. Further, I strongly believe that my training and subsequent application of DBT techniques in my clinical work would not only enhance my professional development, but also lead to positive outcomes in my patients who are likely to benefit from mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills taught in DBT. Indeed, my work with Veterans has shown me the overwhelming effects of trauma on their ability to maintain healthy relationships, process painful memories, and cope with intense negative emotions.

The SSG Alternative Learning Experience funding will be vital in helping me cover the tuition cost of an 8-week intensive DBT online course ($599.99), which offers eight weekly modules on DBT theoretical foundation, treatment framework and structure, skills training, consultation, and strategies to manage self-injury and suicidal behavior. Further, the course includes videos, in-session demonstrations, tests, materials, downloadable worksheets, and an interactive message board for mental health professionals. Participants receive a certificate of completion and 31 continuing education credits needed to become a Certified DBT Professional. The course is taught by Lane Pederson, PsyD., LP, DBTC, an international expert and author on DBT. The course was recommended to me by a fellow graduate student at Fordham who completed the course.

Comparable online courses in DBT cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. For example, Psychwire.com offers a “DBT Foundations” (16-weeks) online course for $950 per person, while a “DBT Intensive Plus” (16-months) online course is $2,650 per person. Further, a weekly “Live Online DBT Skills Class” (DBTPath) offers a 9-month course for $111/month. I believe that the course I selected is one of the least expensive and provides permanent access to the resources and therapy modules. In sum, the SSG Alternative Learning Experience funding would be instrumental in helping me achieve my clinical and professional goal of learning DBT and becoming a more knowledgeable, well-rounded, and marketable professional.