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What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

teen talking to therapist in a dialectical behavior therapy session

Understanding the definition of dialectical behavior therapy is vital to know if your teen is struggling with a serious mental health disorder. Knowing the different types of therapies your teen may participate in can help you understand what your teen will experience during their therapy sessions. A dialectical behavior therapy program involves several strategies to give patients coping skills to cope with any troubling thoughts that lead to self-harm or suicidal tendencies.

At Imagine Seattle, we aid teen boys and girls aged 12-17 who struggle with depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders. We employ various behavioral therapies, such as dialectical behavior therapy, along with medication management to give your teen the best chances of recovery. Teens develop the skills they need to cope with their new feelings and emotions in a healthy way instead of turning to drugs and alcohol for relief. If you are concerned for your teen’s mental health, contact Imagine Seattle online or call 888.346.0473 today to speak with our caring staff about our dialectical behavior therapy program.

What Is DBT?

The definition of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavior therapy that was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorders.

Over time, it was discovered that DBT could help with several types of mental health disorders, such as:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Bipolar disorders
  • Borderline personality disorder
  • Eating disorders
  • Major depressive disorders
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

DBT focuses on core mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness strategies to help patients accept their thoughts and emotions for what they are. Patients will participate in group and individual therapies to develop coping skills to improve their physical and mental health.

At Imagine Seattle, our certified behavioral therapists are well-versed in the techniques of DBT and other behavioral therapies that can benefit your teen’s development. Your teen’s therapist will develop an effective program that includes various forms of therapy based on their current mental health.

How DBT Can Help Your Teen

The DBT definition can only tell you so much about how DBT can help with your teen’s mental health. As soon as therapy begins, your teen will soon start to feel the benefits as they learn how to cope with their thoughts and emotions in a healthy way.

Other ways that DBT for mental health can benefit your teen’s development include:

  • Therapists will work with teens to develop trust and a rapport to promote open and honest communication.
  • During one-on-one therapy, therapists will guide teen’s toward understanding their thoughts and emotions and that it is normal to feel this way. They develop coping skills specific to their needs to improve their behavior.
  • During group therapy, teens practice their new skills under the watchful eye of therapists. If any concerning behavior appears, they make a note of it to discuss during private therapy.
  • Teens work on their communication and relationship skills and form strong bonds with their peers. These relationships can benefit them now and in the future.
  • Teens and their families will work together to rebuild any broken trust or relationships. Family therapy also provides a safe space for parents and siblings to vent and learn how they can benefit your teen’s development and education.

Choose Imagine Seattle as Your Resource for DBT for Mental Health

At Imagine Seattle, we provide effective support for teens whose education and development are affected by depression or other mental health disorders. Upon arriving at our welcoming treatment facility, our staff will go over any questions you have about the definition of dialectical behavior therapy or other therapies that your child may participate in. To give your teen the coping skills they need to thrive, call 888.346.0473 today or fill out our online form to help them live their best life possible.