DBT Skills Groups for Teens: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Parenting a teenager is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be a challenging one. Adolescence is a time of great change, and it's not uncommon for teens to struggle with intense emotions and difficult behaviors. At Sanctuary Counseling, we have worked with many parents who are concerned about their teen's well-being and looking for ways to help. That's why we developed our Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills groups for teens. These groups can provide your teen with the tools they need to manage their emotions, improve their relationships, and live a fulfilling life.
What is DBT?
DBT is a comprehensive treatment approach that was originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the 1980s to help individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Over the years, it has been adapted for use with a wide range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. DBT consists of several components, including individual therapy, skills groups, and phone coaching. In a skills group, teens learn a set of core skills that help them manage their emotions, tolerate distress, improve interpersonal relationships, and increase mindfulness.
DBT skills groups are typically led by a trained therapist and meet weekly for several months. In each session, teens learn and practice specific skills related to one of the four modules of DBT: emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. The skills are taught through a combination of didactic teaching, group discussion, and experiential exercises.
Why DBT skills groups for teens?
Many teens struggle with emotional regulation and impulsivity, which can lead to a range of problems such as self-harm, substance abuse, and difficulties in school or relationships. DBT skills groups can be an effective way to help teens learn the skills necessary to manage these challenges and improve their overall well-being.
Research has shown that DBT can be an effective treatment for a range of mental health challenges in teens. A recent meta-analysis of studies on DBT with teens found that it was associated with significant improvements in a variety of outcomes, including reduced suicidal ideation, decreased depression and anxiety symptoms, and improved interpersonal relationships. Another study found that DBT skills groups were associated with significant improvements in emotion regulation and self-efficacy in adolescents with emotional dysregulation.
DBT skills groups teach teens to:
Manage their emotions: Teens learn specific skills to identify, label, and regulate their emotions, as well as to identify the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their emotional states.
Improve interpersonal relationships: Teens learn skills to communicate effectively, assert their needs, set boundaries, and manage conflicts in their relationships.
Increase mindfulness: Mindfulness is a key component of DBT, and teens learn to be more present in the moment, non-judgmental, and accepting of their experiences.
Tolerate distress: Teens learn skills to manage intense emotions and distressing situations without engaging in harmful behaviors or making the situation worse.
DBT skills groups are often recommended for teens who are struggling with a range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and borderline personality disorder. They can also be helpful for teens who are experiencing difficulties in their relationships or at school.
What can parents expect from DBT skills groups for their teen?
If you're considering DBT skills groups for your teen, you might be wondering what to expect. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
DBT skills groups are typically structured and focused on specific skills. Your teen will learn practical skills that they can use in their daily life to manage their emotions and improve their relationships.
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The skills learned in DBT skills groups require practice and dedication. Your teen will need to actively work on applying the skills in their life outside of group sessions. As a parent, you can provide support and encouragement for your teen as they work on implementing these skills.
DBT skills groups are often part of a larger treatment plan. Your teen may also receive individual therapy, medication management, or other treatments as part of their overall care plan.
DBT skills groups are designed to be a safe and supportive environment for teens. Your teen will have the opportunity to connect with peers who are going through similar struggles and receive support from a trained therapist.
It's important to note that DBT skills groups may not be the right fit for every teen. Talk to your teen's therapist or mental health provider to determine if DBT skills groups are an appropriate treatment option.
In summary, DBT skills groups for teens can be an effective way to help your teen manage their emotions, improve their relationships, and live a fulfilling life. These groups teach practical skills that can be used in daily life and have been shown to be effective in improving a range of mental health challenges in teens. If you're considering DBT skills groups for your teen, talk to their therapist or mental health provider to determine if it's an appropriate treatment option. With the right support and dedication, your teen can learn the skills they need to thrive.
Linehan, M. M., Comtois, K. A., Murray, A. M., Brown, M. Z., Gallop, R. J., Heard, H. L., ... & Lindenboim, N. (2006). Two-year randomized controlled trial and follow-up of dialectical behavior therapy vs therapy by experts for suicidal behaviors and borderline personality disorder. Archives of general psychiatry, 63(7), 757-766.
Miller, A. L., Rathus, J. H., & Linehan, M. M. (2007). Dialectical behavior therapy with suicidal adolescents. Guilford Press.
Rathus, J. H., & Miller, A. L. (2002). Dialectical behavior therapy adapted for suicidal adolescents. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 32(2), 146-157.
Fruzzetti, A. E., Shenk, C., & Hoffman, P. D. (2005). Family interaction and the development of borderline personality disorder: A transactional model. Development and psychopathology, 17(04), 1007-1030.
Swenson, C. R., Torrey, J., & Dykeman, M. (2009). Adolescent attitudes toward treatment and perceived therapeutic alliance during individual and family therapy for multi-problem behavior: Which matter more?. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 17(4), 203-215.