Why DBT Might Be Right for Your Teen

“I’m really worried, they’re just not seeming ok and I don’t know what to do about it.” 

 

If you’re the parent of a teen and any of this feels familiar, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Adolescence is a deeply tumultuous period, characterized by significant physical, emotional, and social changes. For many teens, this transitional phase brings about intense emotions, impulsivity, interpersonal struggles, pushback against caretakers, and even self-harming behaviors. If your teen is facing such challenges, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) could be a lifeline. Let's explore DBT and why it might be the ideal therapeutic approach for your teenager. 

 

 

Originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan for adults with borderline personality disorder, which is characterized by intense and overwhelming inner feelings and outward behavior, DBT is a cognitive-behavioral approach that emphasizes the psychosocial aspects of living. It’s about not only understanding the inner experiences we’re having, but also practicing real skills to show up in the world in a different way. Since its creation, DBT has been adapted and found effective for a wide range of issues, including self-harm, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, and mood disorders, especially among adolescents. DBT focuses on teaching patients skills to manage painful emotions, decrease conflicts in  relationships, and live a more mindful, balanced life. The therapy combines traditional cognitive-behavioral techniques with Eastern mindfulness practices. 

 

 

1. Mindfulness: The core idea is to be present in the current moment, fully experiencing one's emotions and senses without judgment. For teens, many of whom experience a harsh inner voice and a psychological term known as “the imaginary audience,” the feeling that everyone is watching and judging what you do, this nonjudgmental framing can mean a better understanding of themselves and control over intense feelings. 

  

2. Distress Tolerance: Instead of escaping from painful emotions, patients learn to accept and tolerate distress. Techniques like self-soothing can be particularly beneficial for teens prone to impulsivity or self-harm. 

 

3. Interpersonal Effectiveness: This focuses on assertiveness training and techniques for maintaining self-respect in interactions. For adolescents struggling with peer relationships, these skills can be transformative.  

  

4. Emotion Regulation: Patients learn to identify and label emotions, decrease emotional intensity, and increase positive emotions. For teens, who often grapple with mood swings, this can be some of the most outwardly apparent and life-enhancing changes that DBT can foster. 

 

 

1. Tailored for Intense Emotions: As anyone with a teen (or who has been one) can attest, adolescence is inherently emotional. DBT directly addresses this intensity, normalizing the experience of it and teaching teens how to manage their overwhelming feelings without resorting to harmful behaviors. 

 

2. Skills-Based Approach: Adolescence is a time of natural learning. Teens are already spending significant time each day building skills for their future and are primed to do so in their emotional lives as well. DBT is not just about talk therapy; it provides concrete skills that can be practiced daily. When paired with their natural desire for autonomy and independence, these tools empower teens, giving them a sense of control and agency over their emotions and actions. 

 

3. Holistic Treatment: DBT's combination of cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness approaches addresses both the thinking and the emotional aspects of distress, ensuring a well-rounded intervention. It takes the fullness of teens’ experience into account and recognizes their inner turmoil without dismissing them, or condoning self or other-harming behavior. 

 

4. Validation and Challenge: Related to the point above, a crucial aspect of DBT is its balance of validation and challenge. Therapists validate the patient's feelings, ensuring they feel heard and understood, but also challenge unhealthy behaviors or thought patterns. This can be particularly effective for teens, who often need both understanding and boundaries. 

 

5. Proven Efficacy: Multiple studies have shown that DBT can be especially effective for self-harming adolescents and those with suicidal ideation. If your teen exhibits these behaviors, DBT can be a vital intervention. 

 

6. Group Learning: At its most effective, DBT involves group sessions where patients learn skills together. For teenagers, this can be deeply beneficial as they see peers facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of community and understanding. 

 

 

While DBT can be transformative, it's essential to ensure it's the right fit:

 

Commitment and Openness to Skills: DBT requires dedication. There are often weekly  individual and group sessions, and practicing skills daily is crucial. Your support will be pivotal in  fostering the environment to maintain their practice. Ensure both you and your teen are ready  for the commitment. 

 

Finding a Trained Therapist: While DBT might be incorporated into some clinicians' practices, not all therapists are actually trained in DBT, so it's crucial to find one who is. Many Lifeologie counselors specialize in DBT. You can check our list of therapists to find the right fit for you or your teen. 

 

DBT offers a structured, skills-based approach that can be particularly beneficial for teens struggling with intense emotions, interpersonal conflicts, impulsivity, or self-harm. With its dual focus on acceptance and change, DBT empowers adolescents to navigate their challenges with  resilience and self-awareness. 

 

If you believe DBT might be right for your teen, consult with one of our teen specialists to discuss the potential benefits and ensure it's the best path forward. Remember, every teen deserves the tools to thrive, and DBT might just be the toolkit your adolescent needs