Empowering Teens Through Our New DBT for Adolescents Program

Empowering Teens Through Our New DBT for Adolescents Program

Navigating the teenage years can be a turbulent experience for both teens and their families. At TheraHive, we understand the challenges adolescents face, which is why we’ve launched our DBT for Adolescents (DBT-A) program—a specialized course tailored to help teens ages 15-18 develop the skills they need to manage emotions, enhance relationships, and navigate change effectively.

This new program builds on the success of our core DBT Skills Group, offering a comprehensive and supportive structure grounded in the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It’s designed for teens struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges, as well as families seeking a shared framework to discuss emotions and improve family dynamics.

What Teens Will Learn in Our DBT-A Program

The DBT for Adolescents course focuses on teaching the four core modules of Dialectical Behavior Therapy:

1. Distress Tolerance – Building skills to cope with difficult situations without making things worse.
2. Mindfulness – Developing present-moment awareness to stay grounded and focused.
3. Emotion Regulation – Learning how to identify, understand, and manage emotions effectively.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness – Strengthening communication skills to improve relationships and resolve conflicts.

Each week, participants engage in 1 hour of self-paced learning through interactive content and 1 hour of live group sessions with a DBT Coach and a small “Hive” of up to 10 other students.

Parental Support

Understanding that families are integral to a teen’s emotional growth, our DBT-A program includes dedicated live sessions for parents. Held at the start of each module, these sessions equip parents with tools to support their teens and foster healthy communication at home.

Flexible Learning Options

We recognize that every teen and family has unique needs. That’s why our DBT-A program delivers the core curriculum in a multi-modal approach to accommodate a broad range of learning styles. Adolescent students will learn these new skills through a mix of video, written, and interactive content to help them master acceptance and change strategies.

TheraHive has three flexible learning formats:

• Group Learning: Join weekly group sessions with other teens.
• Private 1-on-1 Sessions: Work directly with a DBT Coach for a more personalized experience.
• Comprehensive Learning: Combine group learning with individual coaching for maximum support.

This flexibility ensures that every participant can choose the structure that works best for them.

Backed by Research: Why DBT-A Works

Dialectical Behavior Therapy has been extensively researched and proven to be highly effective for adolescents. Studies have shown that DBT-A can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and self-harm while improving emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, and interpersonal relationships.

One of the key strengths of DBT is its practical, skills-based approach, which empowers teens with tools they can use in real-life situations. By integrating self-paced learning with interactive group sessions and parental support, our program ensures that these skills are not only learned but also applied and reinforced in daily life.

Who Should Enroll?

Our DBT for Adolescents (DBT-A) program is designed to address an extensive range of emotional and behavioral challenges. Teens and families who may benefit from this program include:

Teens Struggling with Emotional Dysregulation

• Difficulty managing intense emotions such as anger, sadness, or frustration.
• Feeling easily overwhelmed or "out of control" emotionally.
• Challenges calming down after emotional outbursts.

Teens Experiencing Persistent Anxiety or Depression

• Excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily activities.
• Struggles with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or low energy.
• Avoidance behaviors related to anxiety, such as skipping school or social events.

Teens Facing Interpersonal Challenges

• Difficulty forming or maintaining friendships.
• Struggles with peer pressure or bullying.
• Frequent conflicts with family members or authority figures.

Teens Coping with Identity or Self-Concept Issues

• Challenges related to gender identity, sexual orientation, or personal identity exploration.
• Feelings of being misunderstood or different from peers.

Teens Experiencing Academic or Performance-Related Stress

• Perfectionism that creates anxiety or burnout.
• Overwhelm related to balancing school, extracurricular activities, and other expectations.
• Fear of failure or letting others down.

Teens Dealing with Low Self-Esteem or Negative Self-Talk

• Struggles with self-worth, feelings of inadequacy, or "not measuring up."
• Persistent negative thoughts about oneself or one's abilities.

Teens Navigating Major Life Transitions

• Adjusting to significant changes, such as starting or switching schools, moving homes, or changes in family structure (e.g., divorce, remarriage).
• Preparing for milestones like graduation or leaving home.

Teens Experiencing Grief or Loss

• Struggling to cope with the death of a loved one, parental separation, or other significant losses.
• Persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, or confusion related to loss.

Teens Exhibiting Behavioral Outbursts

• Explosive anger, defiance, or frequent rule-breaking.
• Challenges with managing frustration or delaying gratification.

Teens Feeling Isolated or Misunderstood

• Difficulty connecting with peers or family, leading to feelings of loneliness.
• A sense of being "different" or "out of place" in social or familial contexts.

Teens Preparing for Independence

• Learning to manage increasing responsibilities and decision-making.
• Navigating relationships and emotions while building independence.

Teens and Families Seeking to Strengthen Relationships

• Parents and teens experiencing frequent conflict or misunderstandings.
• Families looking to reduce tension, improve communication, and work as a team.

Teens Facing Self-Harm or Risky Behaviors

• Engaging in self-injury (e.g., cutting or burning).
• Experimenting with substance use or other dangerous coping mechanisms.
• Impulsive decision-making that leads to unsafe situations.

Teens Experiencing Disordered Eating or Body Image Concerns

• Struggles with food-related behaviors such as binge eating, restrictive eating, or purging.
• Obsessive concerns about body image or appearance.

This program isn’t just for teens in crisis—it’s for any adolescent and family striving to build emotional resilience, improve relationships, and navigate the complexities of the teenage years with confidence and support. If you recognize yourself or your family in any of these scenarios, our DBT-A program may be the right choice for growth and emotional well-being.

Ready to Help Your Teen Thrive?

The 22-week program is a transformative journey that equips teens with lifelong skills for emotional resilience and healthy relationships. With the added benefit of parental support sessions, this course is a comprehensive approach to helping families grow together.

To learn more about our DBT for Adolescents program or to enroll, visit: DBT for Adolescents Program Details.

Empower your teen—and your family—with the tools to thrive.

By incorporating the latest research, flexible learning options, and support for both teens and parents, our DBT-A program sets a new standard for emotional growth and family connection. Join us in creating a brighter future, one skill at a time.

Explore the Program Today: Learn More.

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