Adolescent
DBT Program
At DBT Virtual we work with adolescents and their families. Our DBT therapists are trained to support adolescents (ages 12-18) who are struggling with emotional, behavioural and interpersonal difficulties. DBT can support adolescents in multiple domains, including improving emotion regulation, depression, self-harm, suicidal behaviours and more. In DBT, adolescents can learn a wide range of coping skills for dealing with strong emotions, self-defeating thoughts and interpersonal struggles.
Individual
Therapy
Family
Therapy
Parent Therapy & Coaching
DBT Skills
Training
What to expect in DBT
About DBT Therapy
In DBT you will:
🔹 Complete weekly diary cards aimed at providing a summary of your emotions, urges and behaviours - a process known to increase motivation for change.
🔹 Begin to understand yourself better by exploring specific emotional, mental and behavioural patterns in order to discover how to anticipate them and cope more effectively.
🔹 Learn and practice coping skills that improve the way you experience, manage and express difficult emotions so that they begin to interfere less with your life.
🔹 Work collaboratively with your therapist to eliminate any barriers to your participation and motivation in therapy, to ensure successful progress in your therapy goals.
Core Components of DBT
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
Using your diary card you will prioritize problematic patterns (behaviours, thoughts and emotions) while your therapist helps you understand their antecedents and consequences. Your therapist will also help you apply coping skills to specific challenges that interfere with your wellbeing and overall quality of life.
PHONE COACHING
Skills coaching calls are intended to help adolescents and caregivers apply coping skills outside of your therapy sessions. Coaching calls are meant to be brief and skills-focused, providing you with in-the-moment support. Phone coaching is encouraged during moments of emotional distress or when you're anticipating a difficult situation.
SKILLS TRAINING
Offered individually, as a family or in a group setting, skills training is designed to teach adolescents and their caregivers effective, practical coping strategies to replace unhealthy, problematic behaviours. You will learn skills aimed at managing emotional and interpersonal difficulties. All members are expected to complete weekly homework tasks that help them solidify their skills practice.
DBT Skills for Adolescents
Mindfulness
Skills that enhance present moment focus, reduce judgmental thoughts, increase self-compassion and create greater discernment when making decisions.
Distress Tolerance
Skills that help to reduce intense emotions and accept the reality during distressing moments, so that you can get through overwhelming situations by tolerating the distress rather than avoiding it.
Emotion Regulation
Skills that increase your capacity to acknowledge and accept your emotions, reduce unpleasant emotions (i.e. anxiety, anger, shame) and increase the frequency of pleasant ones.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Skills that improve relationships, communication and interactions with others, while enhancing your ability to navigate challenging interpersonal situations.
Walking the Middle Path
Skills that allow the adolescent and parent to understand and see each other's perspective and work together to find a middle ground.