DBT: A Tool That Can Enhance Group Therapy with Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation, and Interpersonal Skills

by Amy DiLaura, CHC Marketing Manager

You may already be familiar with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a form of talk therapy that research shows to be highly effective for people who experience emotions very intensely. DBT is typically employed through individual therapy sessions combined with group sessions where clients can continue to develop and practice their DBT skills.

These skills groups lead to improved outcomes for teens in several ways:

Creating a Sense of Belonging and Support

Shared experiences: Teenagers sometimes feel isolated or misunderstood when dealing with emotional and behavioral issues. Skills groups provide a space where they can connect with peers who are experiencing similar challenges, reducing feelings of isolation, and fostering a sense of belonging.

 Peer support: A group setting allows teens to offer and receive support from one another. This peer interaction can be incredibly validating and empowering, and helps them to see they’re not alone in their struggles.

Learning By Watching Others

Modeling and imitation: Being among peers who are also practicing DBT skills can be a powerful motivator. In a group setting, teenagers can learn by watching others navigate similar challenges, which reinforces their understanding and application of the skills.

Feedback and reinforcement: In a group setting, teens can provide immediate feedback and reinforcement to their peers. This collaborative environment helps reinforce positive behaviors and correct misunderstandings.

Polishing Interpersonal Skills

Real-life practice: Skills groups offer a safe environment for teenagers to practice their DBT techniques. Through role-playing and group discussions, teens can develop their communication, assertiveness, and conflict resolution skills in real time.

Diverse perspectives: Interacting with a diverse group of peers exposes teenagers to different viewpoints and coping strategies. This can broaden their understanding and help them develop more flexible and adaptive responses to social situations.

“DBT skills groups guide individuals to identify and take steps to build their individually, self-defined, life worth living.”-Patrice Cristostomo

Strengthening Coping Skills

Shared coping strategies: In skills groups, teens can share coping strategies that work for them. This collective wisdom can help their peers discover new ways to manage their emotions and behaviors.

Distinct Skills Groups for Different Ages and Stages

Children’s Health Council facilitates therapeutic DBT skills groups to give teenagers an environment where they can interact with their peers as they practice their DBT skills. These groups are a great setting for teens to get comfortable with their new skills before they use them in the real world.

Dr. Patrice Crisostomo is a licensed child clinical psychologist and Clinical Services Program Manager at CHC. She specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, and their caregivers. She leads DBT skills groups for adolescents.

“I’ve witnessed teens becoming empowered to handle challenges and effectively plan ways to cope with stressors they anticipate coming up,” she says. “The focus on skills-building within a small group setting, co-led by licensed clinicians who practice DBT skills themselves, allows for a safe, supportive, yet structured environment for teens to expand their tolerance for distress.”

CHC leads three DBT skills groups: a high school group for teenagers; an applied skills group for teenagers who have already received DBT skills training and want a group to support them in these skills to real-life situations; and a multi-family middle school group for teens along with their parents. Each group meets weekly for eight weeks.: a high school group for teenagers; an applied skills group for teenagers who have already received DBT skills training and want a group to support them in applying these skills to real-life situations; and a multi-family middle school group for teens along with their parents. Each group meets weekly.

By participating in DBT skills groups, teenagers can develop the tools and confidence needed to navigate their emotional and behavioral challenges, leading to increased resilience and improved mental health and overall well-being. CHC’s goal is to support our teens in every way we can; for many teenagers, DBT skills groups are a great way to take their skills to the next level.

Crisostomo says, “We enhance teenagers’ strategies to build daily practices to reduce vulnerability to intense emotions, and help them foster effective, meaningful relationships with peers and family members. DBT skills groups guide individuals to identify and take steps to build their individually, self-defined, life worth living.”

To learn more, visit us online or reach out to our care team to see how we can help support your teenager.

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Dr. Patrice Crisostomo is passionate about working with children, adolescents, parents and families. She has extensive experience conducting comprehensive psychological assessments and providing evidence-based treatments for youth and families.

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