Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s never too early to start taking care of it. Adolescence can be a challenging time. Teens are navigating the transition from childhood to adulthood and life can feel chaotic. When teens need the help of mental health treatment programs, there’s a wide range of therapies and services that can make a difference, and one of the most effective therapies we offer is dialectical behavior therapy. Our adolescent dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) services support teens in developing the skills they need to manage their mental health and reach their full potential.
At Crown Adolescent Health, we understand the unique needs of adolescents, and we know how to integrate DBT into our client-centered treatment plans. We focus on helping teens create positive changes in their lives and developing skills for managing difficult emotions. If you’re ready to learn more about our therapy services and how DBT can help your teen, call 888.557.1552 or reach out online today.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical behavior therapy is a type of psychotherapy that was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder. Since then, it has been used in the treatment of other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. DBT is based on the idea that the most effective way to bring about positive change in a person is through the acceptance of their current state while simultaneously encouraging them to strive toward growth and self-improvement.
There are four tenets of DBT:
- Mindfulness
- Distress tolerance
- Emotion regulation
- Interpersonal effectiveness
Mindfulness refers to the ability to be fully present in the moment without judgment. Distress tolerance focuses on coping with and tolerating distressful situations. Emotion regulation involves identifying and managing intense emotions. Finally, interpersonal effectiveness involves improving communication and relationship skills.
What to Expect in Adolescent Dialectical Behavior Therapy Sessions
In adolescent dialectical behavior therapy sessions, the therapist will work with the adolescent to develop coping mechanisms using the four tenets of DBT. Sessions may involve role-playing, group therapy, and individual therapy. DBT is a skills-based therapy, so adolescents will learn practical skills they can use in their daily life to manage their mental health.
During sessions, your teen might be asked to practice mindfulness, identify triggers for their difficult emotions, and use the skills they’ve learned in order to manage them. The therapist will provide guidance and support to help adolescents learn healthy ways of managing their emotions and behaviors.
DBT can be used in both individual and group therapy settings. Group therapy allows teens to connect with their peers and practice the skills they’ve learned in a safe, supportive environment.
Benefits of DBT
As part of a well-rounded treatment plan, dialectical behavior therapy sessions can help teens develop the tools they need to get through any challenges that they may face. Since DBT is a skills-based therapy, clients can apply the skills they learn in their everyday lives. Distress tolerance can help teens navigate stressful situations like finals. Emotion regulation can help teens manage difficult emotions like anger and anxiety in a healthy way. Interpersonal effectiveness can help them improve their communication with family, friends, and teachers.
DBT can help teens develop the self-awareness they need to make positive changes in their lives and achieve their goals. With DBT, teens can learn how to regulate their emotions, manage stress, and connect with others in healthier ways.
Reach Out to the Crown Adolescent Health Team Today
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, the team at Crown Adolescent Health is here to help. Our adolescent mental health treatment programs, including our dialectical behavior therapy services in Quincy, MA, are designed to provide teens with the tools they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
Call 888.557.1552 or reach out to our team online today to get started.