Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) is an adaptation of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy according to Marsha M. Linehan for adolescents. It is a treatment concept based on elements of behavior therapy and Zen meditation.

target group

Adolescents who exhibit self-harming or parasuicidal behavior patterns or symptoms of incipient borderline disorder . But not only the young person is involved in the therapy, one parent should also take part in the group sessions if possible.

building blocks

The DBT-A consists of a combination of individual and group therapy. The following topics are covered in group therapy:

- mindfulness

- Stress tolerance

- emotion regulation

- Interpersonal skills

- "Walking the Middle Path"

Explanatory model

There are several models for the development of self-injurious behavior, although this does not necessarily count as a disorder. A multifactorial model is assumed in the DBT concept. The mixture of heightened sensitivity of the person in combination with easy excitability (in the sense of impulsiveness), a difficult return to the state of rest together with derogatory experiences leads to impulsive actions. These impulsive acts include self-harm, parasuicidal acts, alcohol and drug abuse, or risky sexual practices.

Treatment approach

Skills should be imparted according to the explanatory model and, since we are dealing with minors, it makes sense to instruct one parent as well, in order to increase stress tolerance, improve emotional regulation and reduce "all or nothing" thinking to effect.

literature

• Marsha M. Linehan : Dialectical Behavioral Therapy of Borderline Personality Disorder . CIP media. ISBN 3980307484

• Martin Bohus: Borderline Disorder . Hogrefe Publishing House. ISBN 3801710963