Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Services
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents
(DBT-A)
Originally designed to treat adults struggling with suicidal behaviors, self-harm, and other behaviors of emotional dysregulation; dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that has been successfully adapted to help adolescents struggling with these, and other emotional difficulties.
Through a combination of group skills training classes, individual therapy sessions, and access to phone skills coaching; DBT helps individuals to better identify, understand, and manage their emotions without engaging in harmful or ineffective behaviors.
Dr. MacDur provides individual DBT treatment with phone skills coaching for adolescents and young adults.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children
(DBT-C)
Adapted from DBT for adults and adolescents, DBT-C is designed for children ages 7-12 who have frequent, sudden, and intense emotional reactions that last much longer than those of other children their age. These “super-sensor” children often feel overwhelmed by their own emotions; struggle with transitions; seem irritable or anxious much of the time; and may exhibit aggressive, risky behavior when dysregulated. Yet “super-sensors” can also be amazingly compassionate, determined, and creative when they have the tools they need to understand and manage their intense emotional systems.
These children are at high risk for developing more severe problems as they enter adolescence, including: self-harm, suicidal behaviors, substance use, personality disorders, and risky sexual behaviors. Many caregivers of adolescents and young adults in DBT express frustration at having tried multiple providers and other forms of treatment before finding a treatment that helps, and the wish that they had been able to intervene sooner.
DBT-C was designed to address this problem by intervening before more severe problems take hold. The treatment uses a three-pronged, prevention-focused approach: caregiver training and coaching, family skills training, and individual therapy sessions with the child. DBT-C can equip caregivers and their children, not only with the tools they need to create change in the moment; but with a robust framework for managing and preventing future problems.
Dr. MacDur provides a full range of DBT-C services.
DBT-Based Caregiver Coaching & Family Therapy
Parents, caregivers, and family members often feel at a loss for how to support their loved one in DBT treatment. Dr. MacDur provides DBT-Based caregiver skills training and coaching to help caregivers “speak the same language” as their child, adolescent, or young adult; and to lead through example when applying the DBT skills of distress tolerance and emotion regulation. Through treatment, caregivers learn tools to increase motivation for change, set compassionate and consistent limits, improve their relationship, and decrease their own distress. Family therapy allows family members to practice applying these tools in a structured, supportive environment.
Dr. MacDur provides skills training and coaching for caregivers of children through young adults.