DBT Skills Group for Teens (Ages 13 - 17) - 8 Week Group

If you would prefer to pay by e-transfer and avoid Eventbrite fees, please email [email protected] or register through our website .

If you are planning on sending sessions to your insurance provider (therapy services provided by an MSW) please call or email us so that we can issue you appropriate receipts.

This group is for teens (ages 13-17) who experience significant trouble managing their emotions, thoughts and behaviors. As well as those that struggle with any or all of the following:

– Impulsive / disruptive behaviours
– Frequent mood swings
– Self-harm / injurious behaviours
– Depression and anxiety
– Family and peer conflict
– Anger outbursts
– Poor coping skills

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy or DBT, is an evidence-based model of therapy that helps individuals learn new skills and strategies to build healthier and more-fulfilling lives. In DBT, people are taught two seemingly opposite strategies: acceptance (that their experiences and behaviours are valid) and change (that they have to make positive changes to manage emotions and move forward in a healthy way.) Not only are personal skills taught in DBT, but skills for interpersonal relationships are also emphasized.

DBT skills training is facilitated by a skills therapist in a group format similar to a class. The primary goal is to introduce effective and practical skills which are meant to replace other unhealthy and negative behaviours. Exercises are provided for participants to practice the new skills taught between sessions, so when challenged in the future, they are able to cope in a healthier way.

Mindfulness Skills: Participants will learn to be more aware of their thoughts and feelings, learn how to observe thoughts nonjudgmentally, and be more connected with the present moment.

Distress Tolerance Skills: Participants will be provided with a variety of strategies for more effective crisis management and being more accepting of things that cannot be changed.

Emotion Regulation Skills: Participants will learn how to manage emotions by using strategies for increasing emotional awareness, decreasing emotional vulnerabilities, and changing how one addresses unwanted emotions.

Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills: Participants will learn how to be more effective in asking for what they want to build more meaningful relationships, and foster a healthier self-esteem as they do so.

EVERY TUESDAY FOR 8* WEEKS: FROM 6 PM TO 7:30 PM

*8 weeks of teen sessions, with 1 week of group session with parents only (see schedule below)

START DATE: Tuesday, September 24, 2024

END DATE: Tuesday, November 19, 2024

FORMAT: In-person (Oakville)

GROUP SIZE: Maximum 12 participants

SCHEDULE:

This group program takes place over a period of 9 weeks. The schedule is as follows:

WEEK 1: Orientation / Intro to DBT and Mindfulness
WEEKS 2-4: Skills Training and Topic Discussions
WEEK 5: Parent Night (no Teen Group)
WEEKS 6-9: Skills Training and Topic Discussions

An Individual Intake Session must be completed prior to the start of the program. Parents will book their teen a 1 hour appointment (either virtually or in-person) with one of the group facilitators. This session will explore:

• Teen suitability for the group
• Concerns of the teen / caregiver
• Goals of the teen / caregiver
• Limits of confidentiality
• Any questions or concerns

• Each participant must first attend an individual intake session, billed at the cost of a regular therapist session of $170 CDN
• The cost of the group program, is an additional $1,080.00 CDN or $120 CDN per session
• To secure a spot for one (1) participant in this group, a non-refundable deposit of $120.00 is required.
• Each session is billed individually for insurance purposes and please note that each week is to be paid regardless of attendance once the group has begun.
• This program should be covered by most insurance plans and individual receipts are provided for insurance purposes. We strongly recommend you check with your extended health coverage provider before registering

BA, BSW, MSW, RSW

Lisa is a Registered Social Worker who specializes in child and adolescent mental health issues including generalized and social anxiety, depression, OCD, emotional regulation, self-harm and more.

BSW, MSW, RSW

Victoria is a Registered Social Worker who specializes in working with individuals and families who are challenged by the impacts of trauma, family conflict and life transitions.

Host or Publisher Peachey Counselling & Family Support