Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy with Teens and Adolescents: Built in Interventions (3 HR) Syllabus

I. Foundations of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Understand the origin and development of DBT by Marsha Linehan
• Explore the balance between acceptance and change as core therapeutic goals
• Identify DBT’s roots in behavioral therapy and person-centered validation
• Define the six levels of validation used in DBT with clients and families
• Recognize DBT as part of the third wave of psychotherapies

II. Core Components and Structure of DBT

• Review the four primary components: individual therapy, group therapy, phone coaching, and consultation team
• Examine the four treatment targets: life-threatening behaviors, therapy-interfering behaviors, quality-of-life behaviors, and skills acquisition
• Understand the four treatment stages from crisis survival to living a meaningful life
• Explore session structure and skills taught in DBT group and individual therapy

III. Skills Modules in DBT

• Mindfulness: enhance awareness and connect to the wise mind
• Emotional Regulation: promote emotional consistency and clarity
• Interpersonal Effectiveness: improve communication and relationship management
• Distress Tolerance: increase capacity to handle intense emotions without escalation
• Middle Path: address family dynamics and dialectics in adolescent treatment

IV. Application of DBT with Adolescents

• Identify key differences between adolescent and adult DBT protocols
• Explore the development of DBT for adolescents by Rathus and Miller
• Teach dialectics, validation, biosocial theory, and behavior change to families
• Adapt mindfulness and emotional regulation exercises to teen needs
• Integrate family-based modules like Middle Path and joint skills practice

V. Integrating DBT with Family Systems

• Identify typical versus concerning teen behavior
• Use dialectical thinking to manage parenting dilemmas
• Address family invalidation and teach skillful communication
• Introduce validation as a key intervention for both teens and caregivers
• Explore thinking mistakes and promote flexible family perspectives

VI. Specific Interventions for Family Work

• Use role plays and behavioral chain analyses to process difficult events
• Reinforce core DBT assumptions for teens and families
• Apply reciprocal and irreverent communication as engagement strategies
• Use real-life case scenarios to explore consequences and behavioral contracts
• Model radical genuineness and self-disclosure as therapeutic tools

VII. Tools and Resources for Implementation

• Introduce diary cards and home practice as essential tools
• Teach parents and teens to track behaviors and emotions
• Use video demonstrations and structured group exercises to reinforce learning
• Provide handouts, skills summaries, and reinforcement tools for ongoing practice