Adolescence can be a tumultuous time for both teens and their families. The challenges of this life stage, including mood swings, identity exploration, and navigating peer pressure, can create significant stress for everyone involved. Fortunately, there are evidence-based approaches that can help adolescents and their families build the skills needed to thrive during these turbulent years. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is one such approach, and it's gaining popularity among families seeking support and coping strategies.There are many benefits of multi-family adolescent DBT groups and virtual groups open the door for even more families to have access to this treatment.

The Power of Adolescent DBT Groups

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach initially developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, its effectiveness in addressing emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness skills has led to its adaptation for adolescents struggling with various mental health challenges.

DBT groups for adolescents are particularly powerful because they offer a unique combination of individual therapy and group support. Adolescents participating in DBT groups can learn and practice skills that help them navigate the ups and downs of life while also receiving validation and support from their peers. Additionally, parents and caregivers benefit from these groups as they learn how to communicate more effectively with their teens and create a harmonious family environment.

Multi-family DBT groups take this approach to the next level by bringing together several families, allowing participants to interact with others who are facing similar challenges. These groups create a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation, fostering a supportive network of individuals who understand what each other is going through.

Traditionally, multi-family DBT groups have been conducted in person, but we have been running virtual groups since the pandemic started.  Virtual multi-family DBT groups offers numerous advantages:

1. Accessibility: Virtual groups eliminate geographical barriers, making it possible for families from diverse locations to access the same high-quality treatment. This can be especially beneficial for families in rural areas or those with transportation limitations.

2. Convenience: Virtual groups are convenient for families with busy schedules. They can participate from the comfort of their own homes, reducing the time and effort required for travel.

3. Safety: Virtual groups provide a safe and controlled environment, which can be particularly important for adolescents who may feel uncomfortable sharing in-person or for families concerned about health risks.

4. Continuity: Even when in-person groups reach capacity, virtual groups can continue to provide support to new families without the constraints of physical space.