As humans, we experience a range of emotions on a daily basis. While some emotions are enjoyable, it is common for people to get stuck focusing on the emotions that are unpleasant or challenging to experience. Also, when we feel emotions strongly it is difficult, in the moment, to be able to shift to a more helpful way of relating to one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a skills-based therapy that teaches people how to use practical skills when feeling strong and tricky emotions. DBT is based on the following four core modules:
Mindfulness is a skill that helps individuals notice and learn how to make space for difficult thoughts, emotions, and sensations. It also teaches people how to shift from fighting with and focusing on one’s unpleasant thoughts and feelings, to learning how to gently return the mind to the present moment.
This component of DBT focuses on providing useful techniques to help individuals self-soothe in times when one’s emotions are very strong. Techniques such as Urge Surfing, Opposite Action, and Pace Breathing are examples of skills to help re-regulate one’s emotions.
Learning how to relate to intense emotions when they arise is a highly valuable skill. This module provides techniques to help individuals learn how to experience and make room for difficult emotions and also learn how to relate to them in a more helpful way instead of being controlled by them.
We live in a social world. However, navigating the wide range of interpersonal situations can be challenging. This module builds one’s ability and confidence in how to effectively handle challenging interpersonal situations.
In addition, the concept of Radical Acceptance, is another skill that is taught and practiced throughout the above modules. Radical acceptance helps people learn how to validate and normalize how they are feeling in a nonjudgmental way. While the Wise Mind, is a technique that helps people learn how to access and trust their inner ability to make helpful and healthy decisions.
This 8-week group, teaches group members the DBT principles and skills in an engaging and collaborative manner. Two group sessions will be dedicated to each of the four modules (i.e., Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness). The group format consists of learning and practicing the skills in session, along with group discussion and practical ways to work on using the skills during the week. The group facilitator is Janelle Alabiso, MA. For more information regarding Janelle’s background, training, and clinical experiences please click here.
For additional questions and/or to enroll your child in the group please contact Kim at: kimberly.glazier.leonte@cvhorizons.com or 978-270-8925.
Age Range: 13 – 18 year olds
Duration: 60 minutes
Cost: $30 per session