Get weekly notifications for new group therapy session times.
Are you interested in joining an online group therapy session? Subscribe and receive weekly updates for new group therapy session times at Grouport.
.png)
Learn DBT Skills In A Group
Weekly sessions are available. Grouport offers therapist-led dialectical behavior therapy skills groups online. The first 12 weeks covers fundamental DBT skills.
Learn more
Adolescence is a critical developmental phase filled with emotional turbulence, identity exploration, and social challenges. These factors can make this stage particularly difficult for teens dealing with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, or emotional dysregulation. Group therapy rooted in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides a structured and effective approach to addressing these challenges. Here's how to design and implement an adolescent group therapy curriculum utilizing DBT.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, is an evidence-based cognitive-behavioral treatment designed to help individuals manage intense emotions and develop healthier ways to cope. DBT is especially effective for individuals with emotional dysregulation and has shown significant success in treating adolescents. The core pillars of DBT include:
1. Mindfulness: Developing present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance.
2. Distress Tolerance: Building skills to manage crises without engaging in harmful behaviors.
3. Emotional Regulation: Understanding and managing intense emotions.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Navigating relationships while maintaining self-respect and setting boundaries.
Adolescents often feel isolated in their struggles, and group therapy offers a supportive environment where they can relate to peers facing similar issues. It fosters connection, reduces stigma, and provides real-time opportunities to practice DBT skills in a social context. Moreover, the group setting encourages accountability and shared learning.
Designing a DBT-Based Adolescent Group Therapy Curriculum
- Session Frequency: Weekly 60 minute sessions on an ongoing basis.
- Group Size: 6-10 adolescents to balance individual attention and group dynamics.
-Facilitators: One licensed DBT therapists to lead the group, ensuring a consistent approach.
- Establish group norms and a safe, non-judgmental space.
- Teach mindfulness basics such as observing, describing, and participating.
- Practice guided meditations and grounding exercises.
- Introduce crisis survival strategies, including the “STOP” skill (Stop, Take a step back, Observe, Proceed mindfully).
- Teach self-soothing techniques using the five senses.
- Practice pros and cons analysis for high-risk situations.
- Explore the function of emotions and how they affect behavior.
- Teach skills like opposite action and checking the facts to reduce emotional vulnerability.
- Develop personalized emotion regulation plans.
- Focus on assertiveness, setting boundaries, and maintaining healthy relationships.
- Practice role-playing scenarios to apply DEAR MAN skills (Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear confident, Negotiate).
- Emphasize balancing self-respect with interpersonal goals.
-Dive deeper into the methodology and practical applications that make DBT so effective
-Establish better, stronger boundaries
-Create, grow & maintain healthier interpersonal relationships
-Develop consistent emotional regulation
-Discover renewed hope & peace for the future
Engaging activities make the curriculum more relatable and effective for adolescents:
- Role-Plays: Simulating real-life scenarios to practice interpersonal skills.
- Emotion Charades: Helping teens recognize and name emotions.
- Art and Journaling: Encouraging creative expression and mindfulness.
- Group Challenges: Building teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Incorporating parents or guardians in the process can significantly enhance outcomes:
- Provide psychoeducation sessions on DBT principles.
- Offer skills training for families to reinforce strategies at home.
- Maintain open communication about progress while respecting adolescent confidentiality.
Evaluating the impact of the group therapy program is essential. Success metrics might include:
- Improved emotional regulation, measured through self-report surveys and therapist assessments.
- Reduced instances of self-harm or other risky behaviors.
- Enhanced social skills and relationships as observed by facilitators and parents.
- Participant feedback on the program’s relevance and helpfulness.
Adolescent group therapy grounded in DBT offers a powerful tool to help young people navigate life’s challenges. By equipping teens with practical skills for managing emotions, tolerating distress, and fostering healthy relationships, a well-structured DBT curriculum can promote resilience and long-term mental health. For therapists and mental health professionals, implementing such a program is both a meaningful and impactful way to support adolescents on their journey to emotional well-being.
Grouport Therapy provides online group therapy, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, intensive outpatient program, teen therapy, and a DBT-Self Guided Program. All our sessions are therapist-led, held virtually, and meet over video chat at the same time each week.All our sessions are therapist-led and are held virtually and meet over video chat at the same time each week. For group therapy, we have groups on many topics including Dialectical Behavior Therapy "DBT", Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Anxiety & Depression, Trauma & PTSD, Anger Management, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Relationship Issues, Divorce, Narcissistic Abuse, Self-Compassion, Grief & Loss, Parenting, Substance Abuse, Supporting A Loved one with BPD, among others. Each group is led by a licensed therapist that typically has over a decade of experience treating a wide range of specialties, and the group meets at the same time each week for an hour with the same members and therapist.
As reported by our members, 70% experienced significant progress within 8 weeks, including reduced anxiety & depression symptoms.
Our care coordinators can help assist you to craft the perfect treatment plan for you that's tailored to your needs. We provide speedy matches to quality care, and also provide the flexibility to switch your therapist or group at anytime ensuring that you're always meeting with the right therapist fit at a time that's convenient for your schedule. Whatever type of therapy you’re seeking, Grouport offers a range of options to suit your schedule and preferences. Explore our programs to find the support you need.
We offer DBT group therapy online to improve emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, & interpersonal skills. Get effective and affordable treatment.
Space is limited, so reserve your seat today.
