A look at DBT: And how it could help your teen (and family)

You might have heard the term "DBT" floating around in conversations about youth mental health, but what exactly is it?

DBT stands for Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and it’s a type of therapy that helps teens learn how to manage big emotions, cope with stress, and build healthier relationships. Originally designed for adults, DBT has been adapted to connect with young people, and it’s especially helpful for those who feel overwhelmed by their emotions or who might struggle with things like anxiety, depression, self-harm, or intense mood swings.

The therapy teaches five key skill areas:

• Mindfulness – being present and aware in the moment (instead of stuck in your head)

• Distress tolerance – handling tough situations without making things worse

• Emotion regulation – understanding and managing strong feelings

• Walking the middle path - used to help families find common ground, combining validation with firm boundaries

• Interpersonal effectiveness – communicating clearly and setting healthy boundaries

What makes DBT unique is that it’s practical and skills-focused, and often delivered in group settings alongside individual therapy. There’s also a strong focus on validation (accepting where your child is at emotionally) while also helping them learn new ways to move forward - like the word dialectical, which means finding a balance between two seemingly opposite ideas - two things can be true at the same time.

Many parents find that DBT doesn’t just help their child, it also gives the whole family new tools for communication and support.

If you’re interested in learning more, let us know. We offer DBT for teens and families.