Multifamily adolescent DBT group
Teens and their parents or caregivers attend together and learn the same DBT skills side by side, so the whole family shares a common language for difficult moments.
- Part of
- DBT Program
- Who it's for
- Adolescents and their parents or caregivers
- Ages
- Teens 13–17, with at least one parent or caregiver
- Joining
- At the start of each module
- When
- We'll share current days and times during your free phone consultation.
Who it's for
Families with a teen who struggles with intense emotions, conflict at home, impulsive behavior or self-harm, and who want to work on it together.
Each week, the teen and at least one parent or caregiver attend. Your teen doesn't need to be in DBT already to join.
Why families attend together
When parents and teens learn the same skills at the same time, they can remind and coach each other at home, instead of one person trying to change alone.
- Teens learn skills for handling strong emotions and getting through hard moments.
- Parents learn to validate their teen's feelings and to respond in ways that calm things down rather than escalate them.
- Families practice new ways to talk through disagreements, together, in session.
Many families find that arguments become shorter and less frequent, and that home feels calmer.
What a session is like
Each session follows the same predictable structure: a short mindfulness exercise, a review of how practice went during the week, then a new skill to learn and try out.
It works much like a class. The focus is on learning skills teens can use right away, not on discussing personal history, and no one is asked to share more than they're comfortable with.
Between sessions, teens practice the week's skill with a short assignment, so the skills carry over into everyday life.
What you'll learn
Families complete four modules of about 12 weeks each. Mindfulness is taught throughout.
- Mindfulness
Noticing thoughts, feelings and urges without being ruled by them. It's the foundation for every other skill.
- Distress tolerance
Getting through a crisis without making it worse, such as quickly calming your body when emotions spike, and accepting what can't be changed.
- Emotion regulation
Understanding what you feel and why, lowering your vulnerability to intense emotions, and changing emotions that don't fit the situation.
- Interpersonal effectiveness
Asking for what you need and saying no, while keeping relationships and self-respect intact.
- Walking the middle path
Skills for families: validating each other, finding middle ground in common parent–teen dilemmas, and encouraging the behavior you want to see more of.
How to join
- Free phone consultation
We'll talk about what's been going on and whether this group is a good fit.
- Orientation
Your family meets with us to learn how the group works, set goals and ask any questions.
- Join at the start of a module
New members join together as a new module begins. If one is already underway, we'll let you know when the next one starts.
Common questions
Who needs to attend?
The teen and at least one parent or caregiver attend every session. When more than one caregiver can come, it's easier to stay consistent at home.
Does my teen need to be in DBT already?
No. Families can start with this group.
Will we have to talk about our family's conflicts in front of others?
No. Families practice skills using everyday examples and share only what they're comfortable sharing.
When can I join?
New members join at the start of a module, so everyone learns each set of skills from the beginning. If a module is already underway, we'll let you know when the next one begins.
How much does it cost?
Fees are discussed during your free phone consultation. We are an out-of-network practice and provide superbills so you can seek reimbursement from your insurer. Fees and insurance
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Is this group right for you?
Start with a free phone consultation. We'll talk through whether this group fits and when the next one begins.