Adolescent Programs (13-18)

DBT-A Program: DBT for Adolescents

Dr. Alec Miller and Dr. Jill Rathus developed an adaptation of DBT to treat emotional instability in adolescents. Our DBT-A program requires participation from both teens and parents. Particularly, the entire family participates in learning DBT skills together, in the form of a weekly multi-family skills class. Adolescents participate on their own in individual therapy sessions, and parents have the option to meet with a separate provider in the collective to establish behavioral strategies (as needed). Adolescents must be willing to participate in the treatment in order to be considered for our DBT-A program. On occasion, we may recommend the DBT-A program for young adult clients who are dependent on or living with parents/guardians.

Researchers are currently in the process of developing an adaptation of Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT) for adolescents. While this treatment modality is not yet published, therapists at Greenville DBT Collective have created a modified program to work with adolescents who identify as overcontrolled (see above section for details on this personality style). Our RO-DBT program for adolescents requires participation from both adolescents and their parents. Particularly, adolescents participate in weekly individual and group therapy, while parents participate in a separate parent skills training group. Adolescents must be willing to participate in the treatment in order to be considered for our RO-DBT-A program.

Standard DBT

Our standard DBT program follows the evidenced-based treatment first developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D. While originally created to treat symptoms of borderline personality disorder, standard DBT is helpful for individuals who experience their emotions as being out of control. This type of emotional vulnerability is often referred to as undercontrolled (UC), meaning the individual is lacking effective self-control. This program is for adult clients who, generally, live independently from parents or guardians.

Dr. Thomas Lynch created a major adaptation of DBT to target emotional overcontrol (OC). OC personality styles are characterized by excessive self-control, often leading to social isolation, inflexibility, poor interpersonal relationships, etc. Research has shown that RO-DBT can effectively treat diagnoses such as anorexia nervosa, chronic depression, and some personality disorders other than borderline personality disorder. Similar to standard DBT, the foundation of RO-DBT is based on behavioral principles, a dialectical philosophy, and skills acquisition. Our RO-DBT program serves adult clients; currently, there is no specific adaptation of RO-DBT for adolescents. To learn more about RO-DBT, please visit the Radically Open website.

DBT-C: DBT for Children and Caregivers

Dr. Francheska Perepletchikova developed the most recent adaptation of DBT for children ages 6-12. This program has been effective in treating a variety of diagnoses. Our DBT-C program consists of three components: individual therapy for the child, skills training with parents and children together, and parent skills training without the child present. These sessions generally occur on a weekly basis.

Trauma Therapy

DBT-EMDR for Adults

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma processing treatment developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro. EMDR aims to change one’s emotions, thoughts, or behaviors linked to traumatic experiences. EMDR helps clients work through memories while using eye movements, guidance, and other specific techniques that allow a person to heal the mental impact of traumatic events. This treatment does not require processing past events in detail. Our EMDR-DBT program is for adult clients who are ready to process trauma events. The EMDR component is delivered in the form of a weekly group therapy session. Clients also meet with their individual DBT therapist at a frequency determined by the client and their provider(s). The EMDR-DBT program may be beneficial for those who have already completed another DBT skills class at Greenville DBT Collective or for clients who do not require completion of a typical DBT skills class.

DBT Skills in Motion Group for Adults

Our DBT Skills in Motion Group is an inclusive, intern and peer-led platform that is both accessible and supportive for individuals who have completed the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training program. This dedicated group provides a valuable opportunity for recent graduates to actively practice and refine essential skills needed to effectively navigate the often challenging transition from comprehensive treatment to a more independent approach to self-management. Additionally, this group is particularly beneficial for former clients who are looking for a helpful refresher on the skills they have learned. The DBT graduate community comes together regularly to keep their skills alive, engaged, and relevant, while also contributing to the ongoing development and application of DBT skills in their daily lives.