MED-DBT: Dialectical Philosophy in MED-DBT

1 CE hour; $45

Overview.

MED-DBT Module 4 is an hour-long workshop that provides an overview of the role of dialectics within Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) broadly; and specifically in MED-DBT.

The workshop emphasizes the foundational principle of synthesizing opposing perspectives to promote behavioral and emotional change. It reviews core dialectical strategies, including balancing acceptance and change, identifying and resolving polarities, and fostering flexible thinking in therapists and patients alike.

The workshop then extends these concepts to MED-DBT, highlighting how dialectical principles are adapted to address the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and behavioral factors in eating disorders and related conditions. Particular attention is given to integrating metabolic and nutritional rehabilitation and body image/weight concerns with standard DBT modes, illustrating how dialectics guide treatment planning, patient engagement, and the resolution of treatment-interfering behaviors in this specialized context.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this workshop, the attendee should be able to:

Define the concept of dialectics as it is used within Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Describe the role of balancing acceptance and change in promoting behavioral and emotional regulation.
Identify common forms of polarized thinking and explain how dialectical strategies can be used to address them in clinical practice.
Explain how dialectical principles are applied within Multidiagnostic Eating Disorders DBT (MED-DBT) to address the complexity and heterogeneity of eating disorder presentation

APA approved for CE hours — CEBT is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CEBT maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Instructor Credentials

Lucene Wisniewski, Ph.D., FAED, is a recognized clinician, trainer, researcher, and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychological Sciences at Case Western Reserve University, who has taught over 150 workshops on Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavior Therapies internationally and has over 40 publications in peer reviewed journals and invited book chapters. She specializes in complex, co-morbid eating disorders, and is the Owner and Chief Clinical Officer of the Center for Evidence Based Treatment serving clients across the United States and Wisniewski Psychology Services, PLLC in New York.

Center for Evidence Based Treatment, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7697. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Center for Evidence Based Treatment, LLC, is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Anita Federici, PhD, CPsych, FAED, is a Clinical Psychologist and the Owner of The Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation. She serves an Adjunct Faculty position at York University and is a distinguished Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED).

Wisniewski and Federici have co-authored a book on MED-DBT that is scheduled for 2025 release by Guilford Press.

Courageous Conversations in Evidence Based Treatment