Althoughdialectical behavioral therapy(DBT) was initially developed to treat suicidal thoughts in those living with borderline personality disorder (BPD), today it’s also used for several other mental health conditions — many of which are prevalent among teenagers.DBT can be beneficial in treating self-harm, suicidal thoughts and behavior, substance use disorder, depression, and some types of disordered eating, among other conditions. Thistype of therapyis effective for some people who have intense reactions to certain emotional situations. Thus, working to find emotional balance is a critical component of DBT treatment.DBT therapy for teens can address the emotional and behavioral issues that are common in this age group.Recent researchfound that an estimated 1 out of every 5 teens have symptoms of anxiety or depression. Teens today are under incredible stress and often face high-stakes issues that can be challenging to navigate on their own.Teaching coping skills to manageteen mental healthis essential, and DBT for teenagers can be a lifeline. Keep reading to learn more about how and why dialectical behavioral therapy can be a valuabletype of therapy for teens.Teen TherapySpecialized online therapy for ages 13-17Learn more

Althoughdialectical behavioral therapy(DBT) was initially developed to treat suicidal thoughts in those living with borderline personality disorder (BPD), today it’s also used for several other mental health conditions — many of which are prevalent among teenagers.

DBT can be beneficial in treating self-harm, suicidal thoughts and behavior, substance use disorder, depression, and some types of disordered eating, among other conditions. Thistype of therapyis effective for some people who have intense reactions to certain emotional situations. Thus, working to find emotional balance is a critical component of DBT treatment.

DBT therapy for teens can address the emotional and behavioral issues that are common in this age group.Recent researchfound that an estimated 1 out of every 5 teens have symptoms of anxiety or depression. Teens today are under incredible stress and often face high-stakes issues that can be challenging to navigate on their own.

Teaching coping skills to manageteen mental healthis essential, and DBT for teenagers can be a lifeline. Keep reading to learn more about how and why dialectical behavioral therapy can be a valuabletype of therapy for teens.

Teen TherapySpecialized online therapy for ages 13-17Learn more

Teen Therapy

Specialized online therapy for ages 13-17

What is DBT & How Does it Work for Teens?DBT therapy for teens is atype of cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) — also known as talk therapy. It teaches teens to dive into emotional chaos, use problem-solving, and find acceptance when dealing with crises.DBT is particularly productive for teenagers who find it hard to see multiple perspectives and rely on an all-or-nothing way of thinking.DBT for teenagerscan treat conditions like:Anxiety: DBT skills help teens learn to manage and overcome fear and anxious feelings. It provides coping skills foranxiety in teens.Depression: DBT teaches resilience techniques that helpteens deal with depression.Borderline personality disorder (BPD): BPD involves intense emotions that feel impossible to manage. When you partake inDBT for borderline personality disorder, you’ll discover tools for emotional regulation and distress tolerance, which are common symptoms of BPD.Disordered eating: Eating disorders are about more than food — they’re about control and body image, too.Studies suggestthat DBT can effectively treat disordered eating. For example, mindfulness exercises that DBT teaches can help teens regain a healthy relationship with food without engaging in self-harming behavior.Suicidal thinking: By addressing underlying issues and providing immediate coping mechanisms, DBT canhelp teens with suicidal thoughts.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): With an emphasis on emotional regulation and control, DBT can be a beneficial addition to ADHD treatment plans.

What is DBT & How Does it Work for Teens?

DBT therapy for teens is atype of cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) — also known as talk therapy. It teaches teens to dive into emotional chaos, use problem-solving, and find acceptance when dealing with crises.

DBT is particularly productive for teenagers who find it hard to see multiple perspectives and rely on an all-or-nothing way of thinking.

DBT for teenagerscan treat conditions like:

Benefits of DBT for TeensDBT therapy for teens can be a game-changer, andseveral studiesshow positive outcomes in behavioral and other problems. The skills and strategies taught become a toolkit full of coping mechanisms that last throughout the teen years and into adulthood.DBT helps teens develop healthy social skills, learn emotional regulation, and use crisis management tools to cultivate and nurture healthy, rewarding relationships with peers, teachers, and family members.Benefits ofDBT for teenscan reduce:Self-harm tendenciesAngerDepressive symptomsDays of in-patient hospitalizationAlcohol and drug use or abuse“DBT can be very effective for teens as it encompasses skills that help them navigate the intense feelings and challenges that can arise within themselves and others. DBT provides a framework to address negative thought patterns, regulate emotions, and shift behaviors. Given the skills within DBT, it can be very effective with a wide variety of concerns teens grapple with at this stage of life, for example, eating disorders, depression, self-harm, and ADHD, along with many other concerns.”–Talkspace therapist Jill Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH

Benefits of DBT for Teens

DBT therapy for teens can be a game-changer, andseveral studiesshow positive outcomes in behavioral and other problems. The skills and strategies taught become a toolkit full of coping mechanisms that last throughout the teen years and into adulthood.

DBT helps teens develop healthy social skills, learn emotional regulation, and use crisis management tools to cultivate and nurture healthy, rewarding relationships with peers, teachers, and family members.

Benefits ofDBT for teenscan reduce:

“DBT can be very effective for teens as it encompasses skills that help them navigate the intense feelings and challenges that can arise within themselves and others. DBT provides a framework to address negative thought patterns, regulate emotions, and shift behaviors. Given the skills within DBT, it can be very effective with a wide variety of concerns teens grapple with at this stage of life, for example, eating disorders, depression, self-harm, and ADHD, along with many other concerns.”

Core Components of DBT Adapted for Teens

Understanding the core components of DBT will help determine whether it might be a valuable option for treatment. This highly specialized form of therapy uses mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal tolerance to achieve the ultimate goal of finding acceptance.

Understanding mindfulness and present moment awareness

Mindfulness is about being in the moment.Research suggestsit can have a positive impact on symptoms of BPD and other mental health conditions.

Mindfulness is a skill that helps teens avoid dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. When mastered, mindfulness promotes calm and clarity. It makes it easier to focus on things that matter and can be controlled, so teens can stop wasting time and energy.

Teens can use DBT and mindfulness to practice:

Distress tolerance skills for emotional crises

Distress tolerance skills are powerful coping strategies teens can use when navigating crisis mode and trying to overcome challenges. Managing emotional pain in healthy ways can be difficult — especially for teens who rely on destructive, unhealthy, or unhelpful habits — so distress tolerance can be crucial in managing difficult times.

Teens learn distress tolerance skills like:

Emotion regulation to manage intense feelings

Emotion regulation teaches teens to manage intense feelings. They’ll learn to recognize emotions, understand where they come from, and decide how to respond rather than using an impulsive reaction.

Interpersonal effectiveness for healthier relationships

Relationships are often complex and confusing — especially during the teen years — so learning to navigate them in healthy ways is important. DBT therapy for teens can be pivotal in helping young people foster deep bonds that result in productive and mutually rewarding relationships.

Walking the middle path: balancing acceptance and change

Balance and acceptance are skills all teens should master. Finding that equilibrium is easier when a teenager has the coping skills and tools to help them make sense of their world. DBT can effectively help teenagers learn to accept difficult emotions and work to change their behaviors.

Find a Teen Therapist Specializing in DBTDialectical behavioral therapy is an evidence-based form of therapy that helps teens manage their emotions and find success in relationships. It’s not always an easy road, but with the proper guidance and resources, teens can access powerful coping tools so they can overcome virtually anything they’re struggling with. DBT therapy for teens teaches teenagers to identify and accept how they think and feel so they can make positive life changes.Talkspace is an online therapy platform that simplifies the therapy process, with convenient, affordable sessions that are easy for teens to fit into their busy lives. Talkspace mental health providers are skilled, experienced, and qualified to use DBT for teens seeking help.If you’re interested in learning more aboutonline therapy for teens, reach out to Talkspace today to get started. If you’re a teen living in New York City, you may qualify forfree online therapy through Talkspace.

Find a Teen Therapist Specializing in DBT

Dialectical behavioral therapy is an evidence-based form of therapy that helps teens manage their emotions and find success in relationships. It’s not always an easy road, but with the proper guidance and resources, teens can access powerful coping tools so they can overcome virtually anything they’re struggling with. DBT therapy for teens teaches teenagers to identify and accept how they think and feel so they can make positive life changes.

Talkspace is an online therapy platform that simplifies the therapy process, with convenient, affordable sessions that are easy for teens to fit into their busy lives. Talkspace mental health providers are skilled, experienced, and qualified to use DBT for teens seeking help.

If you’re interested in learning more aboutonline therapy for teens, reach out to Talkspace today to get started. If you’re a teen living in New York City, you may qualify forfree online therapy through Talkspace.

Sources:1. Roughly 1 in 5 adolescents report experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression. KFF. February 6, 2024. Accessed March 15, 2024.https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/press-release/roughly-1-in-5-adolescents-report-experiencing-symptoms-of-anxiety-or-depression.2. Wisniewski L, Ben-Porath DD. Dialectical behavior therapy and eating disorders: The use of contingency management procedures to manage dialectical dilemmas. American Journal of Psychotherapy. 2015;69(2):129-140. doi:10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2015.69.2.129.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26160619/. Accessed March 15, 2024.3. Pardo ES, Rivas AF, Barnier PO, et al. A qualitative research of adolescents with behavioral problems about their experience in a dialectical behavior therapy skills training group. BMC Psychiatry. 2020;20(1). doi:10.1186/s12888-020-02649-2.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7238612/. Accessed March 15, 2024.4. Eeles J, Walker D. Mindfulness as taught in dialectical behaviour therapy: A scoping review. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy. 2022;29(6):1843-1853. doi:10.1002/cpp.2764.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10084181/. Accessed March 15, 2024.5. Russo MA, Santarelli DM, O’Rourke D. The physiological effects of slow breathing in the healthy human. Breathe. 2017;13(4):298-309. doi:10.1183/20734735.009817.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5709795/. Accessed March 15, 2024.

Sources:

  1. Roughly 1 in 5 adolescents report experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression. KFF. February 6, 2024. Accessed March 15, 2024.https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/press-release/roughly-1-in-5-adolescents-report-experiencing-symptoms-of-anxiety-or-depression.

  2. Wisniewski L, Ben-Porath DD. Dialectical behavior therapy and eating disorders: The use of contingency management procedures to manage dialectical dilemmas. American Journal of Psychotherapy. 2015;69(2):129-140. doi:10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2015.69.2.129.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26160619/. Accessed March 15, 2024.

  3. Pardo ES, Rivas AF, Barnier PO, et al. A qualitative research of adolescents with behavioral problems about their experience in a dialectical behavior therapy skills training group. BMC Psychiatry. 2020;20(1). doi:10.1186/s12888-020-02649-2.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7238612/. Accessed March 15, 2024.

  4. Eeles J, Walker D. Mindfulness as taught in dialectical behaviour therapy: A scoping review. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy. 2022;29(6):1843-1853. doi:10.1002/cpp.2764.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10084181/. Accessed March 15, 2024.

  5. Russo MA, Santarelli DM, O’Rourke D. The physiological effects of slow breathing in the healthy human. Breathe. 2017;13(4):298-309. doi:10.1183/20734735.009817.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5709795/. Accessed March 15, 2024.

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