Understanding the erratic behavior of your troubled teen can be a hard task. As a parent, it is probably hard to comprehend as why a growing kid would behave a certain way, and no matter the amount of advice and guidance you offer, sometimes professional assistance is more than important. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps a patient in accepting his condition and adopting better ways for distress tolerance and emotion control. The purpose of DBT for teens is to encourage acceptance of behavior and adopting changes accordingly to improve quality of life and the thought process.
Is DBT right for my teenaged kid?
Well, it really depends on many factors, including the current state of the child. A qualified and experienced therapist will be able to do the required assessment, and based on the basic understanding, the treatment plan will be discussed. Initially, DBT was developed for those with borderline personality disorder and suicidal behavior. Now, it is the go-to treatment for a variety of conditions, including integrated dual disorder, eating disorder, substance abuse, anxiety, depression and PTSD. Your child may have one or more of mental health issues, but the good news is DBT can help, and in most cases, it has been helpful.
Understanding the basics
Dialectical behavior therapy focuses on change and acceptance. The teenager will be asked to be aware of his current condition, accept what is feeling, and furthermore, exercises and assignments will help in improving his behavioral skills. Dialectical behavior therapy involves personal therapy with the DBT therapist, besides group sessions. In between the sessions, phone coaching is also offered, and a team of experts will also monitor the child’s health and overall wellbeing. This is a comprehensive approach in cognitive behavioral therapy, and done right, the results can be amazing. Typically, at least two sessions are recommended per week, but some kids may need three or more.
With Dialectical behavior therapy and other forms of counseling, your teen child will recover and get back to his usual self in a short time. Also, you need to focus on ensuring that the kid has a safe and happy environment at home, and in general, the therapist will also coach the parents, so that they have a fair idea of how to handle the kids better. Check online now to find more on Dialectical behavior therapy for teens and seek help!
