By Natalie Kraft MA, LPC, LCADC, ACS
You feel like you’ve tried it all, but you just can’t get through to your teenager. You’re caught in a vicious cycle of arguments and struggling to understand one another. You seem to constantly worry about their well-being. If this sounds like your family, you’re not alone. According to a Pew Research survey, over 55% of parents report being concerned about their teenager’s mental health.
Navigating the emotional turbulence of adolescence can be challenging for teens, their parents, and the whole family unit. When the usual coping mechanisms and traditional parenting techniques fall short, it’s crucial to find an effective therapeutic intervention. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is just that.
About DBT for Adolescents
Originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan for adults with intense emotional dysregulation, DBT combines techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Mindfulness practices, communication skills, and a focus on regulating the nervous system. Recognizing the unique developmental needs of adolescence, clinicians such as Alec Miller and Jill Rathus have worked to further adapt DBT for adolescents. This adaptation incorporates family involvement with the focus of building skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness; not just for the teen, but their caregiver(s) as well.
Identifying If DBT Is the Right Treatment for Your Teen
I like to say that DBT skills are really “life skills” and are beneficial for anyone to learn, regardless of circumstance. However, DBT may be particularly beneficial for teens exhibiting any of the following:
- Persistent Emotional Dysregulation: Frequent mood swings, intense anger, or chronic depressive symptoms.
- Impulsive or Risky Behaviors: Substance use, fighting, or self-injury.
- Interpersonal Difficulties: Challenges in maintaining relationships, rejection sensitivity, or fear of abandonment.
- Suicidal Ideation or Actions: Any indication of suicidal thoughts or previous attempts of such.
Some things to consider:
Will your teen do well with online therapy, or would they do better with in-person? Would outpatient level care be sufficient or would a higher level such as partial care be required first? Will you as a parent be able to commit to your role in DBT treatment? You’ll want to review your and your teen’s specific situation and needs with a credentialed program.
The Role of Parents in DBT for Teens
As indicated above, parental involvement is a cornerstone of DBT for adolescents. Parents/Caregivers often participate in multifamily-group skills training. Other times, private, single-family skills sessions are implemented instead. While the former can provide peer support and cost effectiveness, the latter can provide further privacy as well as to allow a family to go in-depth with the skills and to learn at their own pace. Either way, participating in Skills Training equips caregivers with the same tools their teens are learning. This collaborative approach fosters a supportive home environment, reinforces skill application, and enhances communication between parents and teens as families can begin to “speak the same language.”
Final Thoughts
Deciding on the right therapeutic approach for your teen is a significant step toward their well-being. Multiple studies have shown the effectiveness of DBT for adolescents. From reducing self-harm and suicidal ideation to improving overall emotional regulation and mood, DBT offers a structured, evidence-based framework that addresses the complex emotional and behavioral challenges adolescents may face. By actively engaging in the therapeutic process alongside your teen, you can play a pivotal role in their journey toward emotional resilience and healthier relationships.
Is your teen struggling emotionally?
Sage Sea DBT specializes in DBT programs that involve and support families. Call us today for your free consultation and find out how we can help your family navigate these challenges together.
609-373-2378
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