Adolescent Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was originally designed for adults with Borderline Personality Disorder. In recent years, DBT has emerged as a front line treatment for multi-problem adolescents. DBT for adolescents specifically targets behaviors of emotion dysregulation including self-harm, eating disorders, substance abuse and aggression. Dialectical Behavior Therapy is the treatment of choice for suicidal adolescents.

DBT for adolescents targets the behaviors that interfere with quality of life and teaches clients new skills to cope with stressors and engage more effectively in relationships. Dialectical Behavior Therapy strategically blends behavior therapy (change orientation) with validation (acceptance orientation) and focuses on helping clients build a valued life.

Comprehensive DBT for Adolescents

Our comprehensive DBT for adolescents program includes weekly individual therapy, weekly group skills training, phone coaching between sessions and a 14 week parent skills training course. All of our DBT therapists participate in a weekly consultation team meeting to enhance skills and maintain effectiveness as providers.

At DBT California, we understand that being a parent can be a significant challenge. This is especially true when you are parenting a child with difficulties regulating emotions. Our Parent Skills Training Program, teaches parents how to more effectively address behavior, change it, and develop a more rewarding and meaningful relationship with their adolescent. Parents of adolescents in our DBT program are asked to participate in a 14-week course focused on:

DBT Skills
Relational Mindfulness
Behavior Management
Validation
Proactive Parenting

If more support and coaching is needed after beginning skills training, parents can receive in the moment phone coaching for specific, live situations. Additionally, if parents are struggling with their child, and their children are not currently ready to be in our program, they are welcome to come and join this group. Our parent skills training course is currently available in our Newport Beach and Beverly Hills/Mid-Wilshire offices.

DBT California’s Comprehensive DBT Program

Being a participant in DBT California’s comprehensive DBT for adults program involves:

ASSESSMENT

Assessment & Pre-Treatment
Several sessions of assessment and “pre-treatment” where both the therapist and person receiving treatment agree on the goals and targets of treatment and agree to do DBT together.

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

Therapy
Weekly individual therapy focused on decreasing dysfunctional and dysregulated behavior, improving emotional regulation, and increasing self-validation.

GROUP SKILLS TRAINING

Weekly Group Skills Training
Weekly group skills training which teaches:

• mindfulness skills
• middle path skills
• emotion regulation skills
• interpersonal effectiveness skills
• tolerating emotional distress skills

SKILLS COACHING

Between-Session Skills Coaching
Between-session skills coaching to help participants learn to use their skills in the situations where they need them most, not just in the office.

PARENT SKILLS TRAINING

Skills Training
Teaches parents skills to more effectively address behavior, change it, and develop a more rewarding and meaningful relationship with their adolescent. Parents are able to receive skills coaching between sessions, if necessary, and participate in a 14-week course focused on:

• DBT Skills
• Relational Mindfulness
• Behavior Management
• Validation
• Proactive Parenting

ONGOING CONSULTATION

Ongoing Consultation
In addition, DBT therapists meet weekly to discuss cases and to provide the supervision, training, and support required to be effective therapists.