Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) FAMILY / Caregiver Group

If you have a family member who is in a DBT skills group, or you would like to learn important tools to manage your emotions, build better relationships, and create a more satisfying life this is a great group for you.  Family DBT is set up similar to a general DBT skills group and covers all the important areas including: interpersonal effectiveness, emotions regulation, and distress tolerance. This means that the family members learn the same skills as their loved one who is attending DBT groups.

It is not uncommon for caregivers to face challenges. No family is perfect. Let us repeat, no one person or family is perfect.   It doesn’t matter if you’re new to therapy or have tried other treatments before – we provide a safe and understanding space where you can learn and grow with other caregivers or families going through similar experiences.  The family member’s participation is often valued by the person in treatment as a sign that their family or caregivers care. A sign that they are committed to their loved one and the work they are doing in group therapy.

Do you ever find it challenging to manage your emotions or navigate interactions with your adolescent?

Perhaps you feel like you’re facing difficulties or unsure about how to guide them effectively.

If this resonates with you, DBT skills can be a valuable resource!

In our group, you will gain insights into enhancing your ability to support your teen by learning and practicing new skills alongside fellow caregivers who are also dedicated to their child’s progress. You’ll acquire strategies for handling emotions, improving communication, and aiding your teen in making constructive choices. This is a nurturing and secure space where you can openly discuss your concerns and receive guidance. Joining our group can empower you to foster a happier and more constructive environment for your teen and family.

This group might be good for you if you have the following…
  • Challenges in Emotion regulation: Caregivers who find it difficult to manage overwhelming emotions, cope with mood fluctuations, or respond intensely to stressors may be seeking support and strategies to enhance their emotional regulation skills.
  • Relationship concerns: Parents and caregivers who encounter obstacles in building and maintaining healthy connections with their teens may be interested in learning techniques to improve communication, establish trust, and set appropriate boundaries.
  • Addressing impulsive behaviors: Those who are dealing with impulsive or risky behaviors in their teens, such as substance use, binge eating, self-harm, or reckless actions, may be seeking guidance to help their teens develop healthier coping mechanisms that avoid negative consequences.
  • Cultivating a Positive self–image: Caregivers who grapple with feelings of low self-esteem, self-criticism, or self-doubt may be looking for ways to challenge negative self-perceptions and assist their teens in building a more positive and self-accepting self-concept
  • Feeling stuck: Parents and caregivers who feel trapped in unproductive patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior may be interested in a supportive environment where they can acquire new skills and perspectives, enabling them to facilitate positive changes in their teens’ lives.

What to Expect

Investment of Time.

Participating in a Caregiver DBT skills group regularly is an investment in yourself, your relationships, and the future well-being of your family.  Think of this group as planting the seeds for a brighter future, where you can nurture a happier and healthier family dynamic!

Participating in the Caregiver DBT Skills group requires a commitment to allocate your time and effort during group sessions and in the time between meetings for learning and consistently practicing new skills.

Investment of time would be blocking out the weekly skills group in your calendar each week, as well as being intentional with practicing skills when needed and filling out diary cards as requested.

Financial Consideration

Engaging in a Caregiver DBT Skills group involves a financial investment. Each session is priced at $50.

It’s important to note that we do not process insurance claims for our group sessions.

These groups are structured to provide psychoeducational content, skill-building opportunities, and a supportive environment. Typically, skills groups do not qualify for coverage under Medicaid or commercial insurance plans as they may not meet the criteria for “medical necessity.” Therefore, participants are responsible for the session fees directly.

GROUP LEADERS

Laura Weeks, PLPC
Krista Banda, LPC
Jessica

General Information

Meets Bi-Weekly on Sundays from 4:30-5:30pm (Virtually)

  • We strongly encourage you, the caregiver to attend meetings to fully understand the DBT skills or techniques and how to apply them to your family.
  • Therapists will teach and facilitate discussions aimed at improving communication and understanding within the family.

There are four areas of focus in traditional DBT: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Based on these concepts, family DBT emphasizes validation, accurate emotional expression, and collaborative problem-solving.

Following each session, caregivers will receive a short “assignment.” In this way, we will be able to practice our skills as we learn them.  At the beginning of each session, homework will also be reviewed to allow for the sharing of ideas and support. 

Agenda

Upcoming Agenda:

  • 10/22 – Learn what DBT is and how we can use it to strengthen our relationships
  • 11/5 – Learn how to identify stressful moments, influencing factors and how to manage them
  • 11/19 – Learn how to strengthen relationships by recognizing the values and expectations we have of ourselves and others
  • 12/3 – Learn how to express our understanding of other people’s experiences
  • 12/17 –  Learn how to integrate skills used in daily situations
  • Holiday break

Complete form to start the conversation and explore the next steps!

Use the contact form to inquire about groups. 

Weekly groups are $50/session.

Due to the influx of referrals, please be patient with us, as we will respond as quickly as we can.  The messages are checked daily, if you do not get a response in 24 hours please resubmit.

We appreciate you reaching out to us, we look forward to working with you!