“You Down with DBT? Yeah You know me!!!”
So many therapies so little time. This might be how many of us feel when choosing what therapy approach might be best for us as parents, or our children, or if we even need therapy in the first place. Well, how do you really know? Jessica Bloomfield, a psychologist at Southeast Psych in Charlotte, thinks that DBT might benefit more than a handful of us.
Dialectical Behavioral therapy, otherwise known as “DBT” is a combination of the cognitive behavioral approach with more of a person centered, mindful awareness that allows for acceptance and effective treatment of everything from bi-polar disorder to self injury. DBT typically involves an individual and group component where the therapist and client discuss target behaviors, improving various skills and then using them in a group setting. While this may sound simple, the benefits of this method can be profound.
So what’s the big deal? One might ask. Sounds great but our child isn’t practicing self-harm, suicidal ideation or are bi-polar so maybe this isn’t for us. This 16 week program starting in February isn’t for any one child or parent in particular; it’s for anyone that wants to improve their relationship with their child, or help a problematic situation from worsening. “There is something in DBT for everyone. A behavior can be severe, but it doesn’t have to be. This group is for teens and families of teens that may suffer from emotional distress, drug use, self injury, or just intend to better their relationship with each other” Dr. Bloomfield explains.
If you’re wondering if this program can benefit you or your child, the answer is probably yes. Some of the benefits of Dr. Bloomfield’s DBT program include reducing the risk of hospitalization for troubled teens, keeping problematic behaviors and conflicting relationships from worsening, and helping your child gain effective skills and coping strategies to regulate their emotions and improve their relationships.
To determine if DBT might work for you, both Blakeney and South Park offer this program, so feel free to visit us at www.southeastpsych.com for more information.
Not at teen yet? Pre-teen DBT for 10-13 year olds is also available in a 10 week program for parents and children.
