DBT Therapy for Teens

(Telehealth in Pennsylvania )

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is a skills-based approach designed to help people who experience intense emotions and strong reactions. For many teens, emotions can feel overwhelming and hard to control, especially during stress, conflict, or change.

DBT therapy helps teens build the tools they need to better understand their emotions and respond in ways that feel more intentional and less chaotic.

What DBT focuses on

DBT therapy is centered around learning practical skills that help with:

  • Managing intense emotions

  • Reducing impulsive or harmful behaviors

  • Improving communication and relationships

  • Coping with distress without making things worse

The goal is not to eliminate emotions, but to help teens navigate them more effectively.

How DBT therapy works

DBT therapy is structured and supportive. Sessions often include:

  • Learning and practicing new skills

  • Understanding emotional patterns and triggers

  • Applying skills to real-life situations

  • Building confidence in handling difficult moments

The work is collaborative and tailored to what each teen needs most at the time.

Supporting teens and families

When teens are learning DBT skills, parents are often learning alongside them. I frequently include parent support and coaching to help families understand the skills and reinforce them at home. This shared understanding can make a meaningful difference in how things feel day to day.

Who DBT therapy is a good fit for

DBT therapy may be helpful for teens who:

  • Experience intense emotions or emotional reactivity

  • Struggle with impulsive behaviors or self-harm

  • Feel stuck in patterns that don’t seem to change

  • Want practical tools to handle stress and relationships

DBT therapy is not a quick fix, but it can be a powerful way to build lasting skills and stability over time.

Getting started

I offer DBT therapy for teens throughout Pennsylvania via secure telehealth. If you’re interested in learning more about whether DBT might be a good fit, I invite you to reach out to schedule a consultation.

Let’s Work Together