DBT Therapy For Adolescents in Round Rock Texas
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) is an evidence-based treatment for teens and young adults that can help reduce symptoms of emotional dysregulation, self-harming behavior, and suicidal ideation. Additionally, it promotes better interpersonal functioning, coping skills, and mental health.
Adolescence can learn to manage their emotions better through positive experiences and avoid extremes in emotion regulation. Furthermore, it helps them recognize and address conflicts with other people more constructively.
This type of therapy is recommended for adolescents exhibiting signs of emotional and behavioral problems such as depression, anxiety, anger, bipolar disorder, drug abuse, eating disorders, PTSD and suicide ideation.
Adolescents enrolled in DBT training typically receive 12 sessions. During this time, they attend weekly individual therapy and group skills instruction with their parents.
Each teen will receive handouts, homework assignments, and weekly activities to practice their new skills. Furthermore, each teen is assigned a therapist who follows DBT standards and guidelines.
The initial phase of teen DBT involves a 30-minute intake session with the teen’s parent(s). Here, both therapist and parents can discuss the adolescent’s current level of functioning, any at-risk symptoms, as well as group appropriateness.
Once the initial 30-minute intake is completed, the adolescent will attend a weekly skills group for two hours with their parent(s). Here they can learn and practice DBT skills alongside other adolescents and their parents.
They will then return to their therapist for an hour-long individual DBT session to apply the skills learned in the skills group. This is also a chance for them to ask questions and receive feedback about progress made during skills group.
DBT for adolescents also emphasizes the mental and physical wellbeing of teens and their families. This involves teaching them healthy eating habits, adequate sleep patterns, medication taking and abstaining from drugs/alcohol usage. Furthermore, it teaches them communication with family members and other important figures in their lives.
Adolescent DBT adds five skills that are not typically included in adult DBT: Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Distress Tolerance, Mindfulness and Walking the Middle Path. These can be especially beneficial for teenagers whose extreme all-or-nothing thinking patterns often shape their behaviors and outlook on life.
Those specializing in DBT for adolescents will also receive training on other skills to enhance their support of the adolescent, such as validation, empathy and problem-solving.
These skills help adolescents focus on reaching goals rather than worrying about the consequences of their behaviors. Furthermore, they enable them to remain optimistic even when change is slow or challenging.
Adolescents who experience difficulty managing situations are encouraged to reach out for therapy and receive prompt, caring responses. This provides the adolescent with a sense of validation, understanding, and respect.
