DBT for Teens: What It Is and How It Works

DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) for teenagers is an intensive, evidence-based, structured therapy designed to help troubled teens learn how to handle their intense emotions and conflicts effectively. It is particularly effective in treating emotional instability and reducing severe behavioral symptoms such as self-harm and attempted suicide.

How does DBT for teens work?

DBT for teenagers consists of two components combining elements of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques.

The mindfulness component focuses on helping teens understand and accept their difficult feelings. On the other hand, the cognitive behavioral therapy component focuses on teaching them how to differentiate between what is real and what they perceive in their minds and equipping them with skills and techniques for changing dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors.

What are the benefits of DBT for teens?

DBT for teens focuses on four skills that help teenagers address and change unhealthy, ineffective behaviors. Mastering these areas enables them to understand better and manage their emotions; develop a positive image and greater self-esteem; and be equipped with healthier, more constructive coping mechanisms that enhance their ability to navigate challenges, make better choices, and reduce their inclination toward engaging in impulsive, harmful behaviors.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness teaches teenagers to be grounded in the present rather than worry about the future or the past. It increases self-awareness, reduces impulsivity, and improves concentration.

Teens learn how to be fully present in the moment, understand and recognize signs of unregulated feelings coming on, and be able to identify and label these emotions without judging them. Instead of trying to avoid or escape painful feelings, they allow them to happen and learn to observe and accept their thoughts and emotions without acting on them.

Distress tolerance

Distress tolerance skills target impulsivity by helping teens become less reactive when experiencing difficult emotions, teaching them to think before they act, and equipping them to respond in healthier ways during stressful situations.

They are taught to recognize what is out of their control, accept that painful feelings will pass, tolerate distress and crises without resorting to impulsive or destructive behaviors, and how to navigate strong emotions without getting swept away by them or reacting in a way that makes problems worse.

Emotional regulation

Emotional regulation skills help teens understand, manage, and regulate their emotions without being overwhelmed by them. To do this, teens are taught how to identify triggers as they happen and observe, acknowledge, and accept the ensuing feelings without judging them.

They also learn how to identify and label painful emotions, what led to them, and whether they fit the facts of the situation and seem appropriate to the trigger. Emotional regulation skills also include techniques for self-soothing and taking time to think before acting rather than impulsively doing something that would lead to regrets by acting inappropriately or destructively.

Interpersonal effectiveness

Interpersonal effectiveness skills involve understanding how behavior affects relationships and what it takes to build and maintain healthy ones.

Teens learn abilities such as how to communicate effectively, set boundaries, validate others, respect alternate points of view, be empathetic and kind, resolve conflict and differences of opinion in healthy ways, and advocate for themselves while accepting that things won’t always go their way.

If you have questions about this article on DBT for teens or would like to set up a risk-free appointment to meet with one of the faith-based counselors at our location, please give us a call.