DBT Skills for Teens with LD/ADHD
Summer 2024
-
Tuesdays and Thursday (2 sessions per week) 8 Weeks
This group is designed for middle school and highschool students between the ages of 14 to 17, which is co-facilitated by two Registered Provisional Psychologists.
About
"Dialectics" in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) refers to the process of synthesizing opposing viewpoints or conflicting ideas to achieve a balanced perspective. By understanding and embracing the synthesis of seemingly conflicting ideas, individuals can develop a more balanced and effective approach to managing their emotions and behaviors. While a complete DBT therapeutic intervention is a comprehensive intervention that consists of: weekly individual therapy; a weekly multi-family skills training group; between-session telephone coaching for skills generalization; and a therapist consultation team, this DBT Skills for Teens with LD/ADHD provides ONLY the skills training components of DBT in a small group setting (6-10 teens).
The program focuses on educating and enriching participants’ understanding of four primary skills:
- Mindfulness
- Distress tolerance
- Emotion regulation
- Interpersonal effectiveness.
The goal of DBT Skills for Teens with LD/ADHD is to help youth develop their own toolboxes of effective strategies to regulate emotions, solve problems, improve relationships, and have a strong sense of self-efficacy in their own lives.
Suitable participants:
- Adolescents facing social, developmental, and academic pressures, such as peer rejection, low self confidence, confusion about the self, impulsive behavior, and issues related to personal relationships are encouraged to complete the intake process.
- LD and/or ADHD diagnosis
- Aged 14-17 at the start of the session
Exclusion Criteria:
- Significant behavioural, social, and emotional challenges that pose difficulties for group settings
- Individuals experiencing acute mental health issues, such as panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, or psychosis and other high risk behaviours, such as substance abuse, physical aggression, and recent suicide attempt.
Schedule:
| Season | Dates | Day | Time | Parent Session Date | Total Hours | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring |
April 13 - June 29 (12 weeks - no class May 18th) |
Saturdays (1 day/week) |
1 - 3 PM | Saturday, May 11, from 3 - 5 PM |
24 Hours (22 hours for teens + 2 hours for parents) |
$1200 |
| Summer |
July 11 - August 15 (8 weeks) |
Tuesdays & Thursdays (2 days/week) |
1 - 3 PM | Wednesday, July 31, from 1 - 3 PM |
24 Hours (22 hours for teens + 2 hours for parents) |
$1200 |
About the Parent Session:
The program includes one, two-hour parent/guardian information opportunities with the goal of sharing strategies taught in the DBT Skills for Teens with LD/ADHD sessions. We strongly encourage parents/guardians to take advantage of this session so that they can gain insight into strategies for supporting their teen.
Cost:
$1200
These groups can be claimed as a psychological health service as it is clinical in nature and is being led under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist. Some families may also qualify for funding through FSCD (Family Support for Children with Disabilities and/or Bursary assistance may be available). There is a non-refundable $100 dollar deposit for the program once they are approved.