DBT for Teens & Young Adults
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment designed specifically for people whose emotions feel overwhelming and whose usual coping strategies aren't working.
What DBT Helps With
DBT was originally developed to help people with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder but has proven remarkably effective for teens and young adults struggling with:
Emotional dysregulation and intense mood swings
Self-harm and suicidal ideation
Anxiety disorders and OCD
PTSD and trauma responses
Difficulty maintaining relationships
Impulsive or risky behaviors
How DBT Works
DBT teaches four core skill sets:
Mindfulness: Being present and aware without judgment
Distress Tolerance: Getting through crises without making things worse
Emotion Regulation: Understanding and managing intense feelings
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Navigating relationships while maintaining self-respect
Your teen learns these skills in a weekly group setting, then practices applying them in individual therapy and real-life situations. Phone coaching between sessions provides support when they need it most.
The Dialectical Philosophy
DBT is built on a core principle: two seemingly opposite things can both be true at the same time. You can want to change and accept yourself as you are. You can validate someone's feelings and still set boundaries. This "both/and" thinking replaces the "all or nothing" patterns that often trap people in emotional extremes.