DBT Group for Adolescents

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Group dates to be determined. 

Why Dialectical Behavioural Therapy?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a gold standard, evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy developed by Marsha M. Linehan.

DBT is an effective treatment for people who have difficulty controlling their emotions and behaviors.

 • DBT aims to replace problem behaviors with skillful behaviors.

 • DBT skills help people experience a range of emotions without necessarily acting on those emotions.

 • DBT skills help teens navigate relationships in their environment (family/school/ peers).

DBT is commonly used to treat suicidal behaviours and other severe and complex mental health disorders including: emotion dysregulation, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, substance dependence, depression and anxiety-related issues.

Group Format

Dragonfly offers five DBT modules which run on an ongoing basis. You can choose to attend one, some, or all of the modules, and can enter at the start of any module throughout the year.

The positive outcomes in DBT are based on the model of weekly skill building groups that correspond with weekly individual sessions that help to integrate these skills into the youth’s own life. A requirement of the DBT group is that each participant attend weekly individual sessions corresponding with the weekly group. If the participant already has a therapist who can provide these weekly sessions please call Dragonfly to discuss.

Modules

1. Mindfulness Skills 
For individuals who are not always aware of what they are feeling, why they get upset, or what their goals are, and/or having trouble staying focused.

2. Emotion Regulation Skills 
For individuals experiencing fast, intense mood changes with little control and/or steady negative state, and mood-dependent behaviours.

3. Distress Tolerance Skills 
For individuals who act without thinking it all through or those who escape or avoid emotional experiences.

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness 
For individuals who experience a pattern of difficulty keeping relationships steady, getting what you want, keeping self-respect; loneliness.

5. Walking the Middle Path Skills 
For youth and families experiencing challenges with extreme thinking, feeling, and acting; where there is an absence of flexibility; difficulty navigating family conflict, or effectively influencing others’ behaviours.

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