Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Hosted by

Katie Magrino

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides an opportunity to gain the skills necessary for identifying, experiencing and regulating emotions, in order to interact more effectively with ourselves and others. In this skills training group, discussions focus on managing emotions, learning to be more effective in relationships, and learning techniques for tolerating distress. The overall approach to therapy is called "dialectical" because it seeks balance between opposites--such as acceptance and change, validation and challenge, rigidity and flexibility. Underlying DBT is the practice of "mindfulness." Drawn from the Zen tradition of meditation, mindfulness is about attending to the moment, without judgment or impulsivity.