DBT Therapy That Creates Real-Life Change for Teens

Key Components of DBT for Teens at Sunrise

At Sunrise, our key components of DBT for teens involve mindfulness practices for emotional regulation, distress tolerance strategies, emotional regulation techniques, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. These components aim to equip teens with the necessary tools to manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and develop healthy coping mechanisms when faced with mental health conditions and previous trauma.

Mindfulness Practices for Emotional Regulation

Engaging in mindfulness practices can be transformative for teenagers navigating intense emotions. We teach teens techniques like deep breathing or body scans to promote self-awareness and calm. These practices teach teens to observe their thoughts and feelings without being consumed by them, fostering resilience and promoting the use of healthy coping skills.

Distress Tolerance Strategies for Crisis Situations

DBT equips adolescents with distress tolerance strategies for crisis situations in challenging times. By incorporating techniques like self-soothing and distraction, teens learn to handle distressing situations healthily. Distress tolerance, or the ability to tolerate and cope with stressful situations, can help teens manage stress and prevent impulsive reactions, fostering resilience in times of crisis.

Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation is a vital skill in DBT therapy, empowering teens to navigate intense emotions effectively. By learning to identify, understand, and manage their feelings, teenagers can respond to challenging situations comfortably. Through emotional regulation techniques taught in DBT therapy, such as mindfulness training to slow down emotional reactivity, the Sunrise team helps teens build coping skills and overcome mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, ultimately leading to a healthier way of handling strong emotions.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Interpersonal effectiveness in DBT therapy equips teens with valuable skills to navigate relationships effectively. We help teens focus on assertiveness, setting boundaries, and communication strategies to improve interactions with others. Teens can foster healthier connections by learning interpersonal skills needed to express needs and opinions while maintaining self-respect and relationships.

DBT Skills Training

Learning DBT skills helps provide teens with the tools to navigate life’s challenges effectively. Here are some of the DBT skills that Sunrise teaches teens during residential treatment:

1. ACCEPTS: Activities, Contributing, Comparisons, Emotions, Push Away, Thoughts, Sensation
2. IMPROVE: Imagery, Meaning, Prayer, Relaxation, One thing in the moment, Vacation, Encouragement​
3. Opposite Action: Engaging in behavior opposite to the action urge of the emotion when the emotion does not fit the facts​
4. ABC PLEASE: Accumulating positive experiences, Building mastery, Coping ahead, and maintaining physical health through balanced eating, avoiding mood-altering substances, balanced sleep, and exercise​
5. DEARMAN: Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear confident, Negotiate​
6. GIVE: Gentle, Interested, Validate, Easy manner​
7. FAST: Fair, (no) Apologies, Stick to values, Truthful​
8. THINK: Think about the situation from the other person’s perspective, Have empathy, Interpretations of the other person’s behavior, Notice positive actions, Kindness in response​
9. RADICAL ACCEPTANCE: You can choose to stay miserable about the situation, or you can choose to accept it and move forward.
10. MIDDLE PATH: Using the middle ground of effective behavior to solve the problem.

Examples of DBT Therapy for Teens at Sunrise

At Sunrise, teens undergoing DBT therapy engage in various activities tailored to enhance emotional regulation, such as mindfulness exercises and distress tolerance strategies. They participate in group DBT sessions to practice DBT skills such as interpersonal effectiveness skills and receive individual therapy to address specific challenges. During treatment at Sunrise’s DBT residential center, teens will participate in various skills, including DBT skills training focusing on a specific skill. For teens in our program, this can look like:

Types of DBT Therapy and Treatment at Sunrise

At Sunrise, we offer individual, group, and residential DBT therapy and treatment to help each teen overcome life and mental challenges.

Individual DBT Therapy

At Sunrise, individual DBT therapy offers personalized support tailored to your teen’s needs. Through one-on-one sessions, our DBT therapist helps teens develop essential coping skills and emotional regulation strategies.

Group DBT Therapy

Group DBT therapy at Sunrise offers a supportive environment where teens learn essential skills under the guidance of trained DBT professionals. Group DBT therapy fosters a sense of community and belonging among teens and adolescents by encouraging interaction and peer support, helping them overcome difficult mental health challenges.

Residential DBT Treatment

Residential DBT treatment at Sunrise provides a supportive environment for teens to immerse themselves in intensive live-in treatment. Away from everyday stressors, teens receive round-the-clock care and structured DBT sessions with therapists and DBT specialists in a healing, nurturing environment.

What’s a Day Like at a Sunrise Residential DBT Treatment Center?

Most days at Sunrise are structured in the same way. On weekdays, your teen will head off to school in the mornings and return to campus for therapy in the afternoon. Young people enrolled in the Sunrise DBT program will participate in various daily activities including dance, off campus activities, going to the local community center, yoga, and eating nutritious meals that will help them heal mental health conditions. In the evenings, we set aside a block of time for homework and a block of time for play. Teens can also use diary cards to write down thoughts about their DBT skills experience or group sessions. Then, it’s time to wind down and get ready for bed.

Weekends allow time for more adventure. Your son, daughter, or LGBTQ+ youth can spend time off campus with her peers and staff. This may be an evening in the city or an afternoon hiking the red rocks. View our in-depth schedule here.

How is Sunrise’s Residential DBT Therapy Different?

Many treatment centers incorporate aspects of DBT into their programs and provide group therapy to learn the skills of DBT. Some treatment centers, such as Sunrise, fully integrate the practices of DBT among every member of its staff at every level. This means they won’t just learn the skills in a group setting. Still, they will also have access to individual therapy and other forms of support to ensure that they are receiving suitable DBT therapy for their needs.

DBT Therapy FAQ

How Long Does DBT Therapy Take to Show Results for Teens?

DBT therapy for teens typically shows results within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the adolescent. Consistent practice of DBT skills and active participation in therapy sessions can help teens during residential treatment overcome mental health challenges.

What’s the Difference Between DBT and CBT?

DBT focuses on acceptance and change, emphasizing validation and problem-solving techniques. CBT aims to change negative patterns by challenging distorted thoughts and behaviors. While both DBT and CBT address mental health, DBT targets emotional regulation specifically, while CBT tackles broader cognitive distortions.

How Long is DBT Therapy at Sunrise?

DBT therapy at Sunrise varies in duration based on a teen or adolescents’ needs, typically lasting from several months to a year. The personalized treatment plans focus on progress and skill mastery, ensuring long-term success for teens.

How Can Parents Support Teens during DBT Therapy at Sunrise?

By attending family therapy sessions, parents can learn about DBT skills to support their teens effectively. Encourage open communication, validate feelings, and practice DBT techniques to create a supportive environment at home.

How Does DBT Differ from Other Therapies for Teens?

DBT stands out because it focuses on acceptance, mindfulness, and interpersonal skills. Unlike traditional therapies, DBT emphasizes emotional regulation and coping mechanisms for teens.