Nurturing Emotional Wellness Through Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Expressive Arts
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach that centers around cultivating emotional regulation, healthy coping strategies, and robust relationship skills. The term "dialectical" includes the balance between acceptance and change. Acceptance fosters understanding, while change may introduce unforeseen pressures or resistance. Recognizing both aspects allows individuals to embrace situations or people as they are while equipping them with skills to alleviate suffering and anxiety. This holistic approach results in a reduction of self-destructive behaviors such as poor impulse control and dysfunctional beliefs, including low self-image.
In the journey of learning and applying DBT skills, participants learn skills based on mindfulness, acceptance, and the modification of emotional responses. These skills acknowledge the inherent challenges of regulating emotions and behaviors, emphasizing the acquisition of adaptive strategies for managing distressing emotions. To enhance this educational based class, our DBT skills building group goes beyond conventional methods by incorporating expressive therapies like music and art. By integrating these creative arts, we aim to provide a comprehensive mind-body experience that reinforces mindfulness skills. It's important to note that no prior experience in the arts is necessary to benefit from this innovative and "out of the box" class experience.
Our DBT skills building group is designed for teens ages 13-18 seeking a cost-effective way to enhance their ability to cope with intense emotions, anxiety, depression, and/or relationship struggles. During the weekly hour-long sessions, participants will delve into the four core DBT skills: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance, and enhance their learning through hands-on experiences.
Our DBT group starts again February 7. We welcome teens that attend our practice and those that don’t. You do not need to be seeing an individual counselor to attend our group. To join this transformative group, individuals must complete an orientation intake session before starting the group. Visit our registration page to sign up for the intake, and embark on a path of learning new skills, practicing in a supportive environment, and experiencing fulfillment in life!