Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Teens

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) helps teens learn how to handle intense emotions and improve their relationships. It’s a type of behavior-focused therapy that teaches ways to manage strong feelings and tough situations.

The skills learned in DBT can make handling the ups and downs of life a little easier and help teens better manage all the feelings that come up in the process.

What Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy Do?

DBT focuses on helping someone accept their experiences and the need for change. As with other kinds of therapy, it's different for everyone.

But generally, dialectical behavior therapy focuses on four key things:

• Being mindful: This means noticing and accepting all experiences, including thoughts and feelings.
• Managing emotions: DBT teaches someone how to understand and respond to difficult emotions.
• Tolerating distress: DBT can help teens cope with highly intense experiences that can be normal parts of life.
• Getting along with others: Dialectical behavior therapy also teaches skills for better communication and relationships. By learning how to ask for what they want in ways that are assertive but not aggressive, a person can better handle conflicts and build strong connections with others.

Who Can Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Help?

Teens who have intense emotions, engage in self-harm, or have other lethal or risky behaviors often benefit from DBT. Two core concepts of dialectical behavior therapy are to provide support and validation and to teach skills that let people make changes toward a happier, healthier life.

DBT skills are taught in both one-on-one and multifamily group therapy sessions, which can be virtual or in-person. Between sessions, phone coaching is also available to teens and parents.

The skills taught are meant to be used in daily life. Over time, using them helps people feel more in control of their emotions, and their relationships with others improve.

How Can I Find Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for My Teen?

If your teen struggles with intense emotions or seems very distressed, talk to their doctor. They can refer you to a behavioral health provider trained in dialectical behavior therapy.

Learning to be mindful, manage their emotions, deal with stress, and get along with others can help your teen make positive changes and feel more balanced.