DBT for Parents, Families & Couples
At BPS, we offer support for families involved in our DBT programs as well as DBT-informed Couples’ Therapy.
DBT for Families and Parents:
Families can choose to do family therapy or Parent Behavioral Training (Parenting DBT skills) with one of our clinicians. DBT for families, builds on the skills that clients have learned in their DBT skills training to improve connection and communication among family members. At BPS, our training DBT family therapists will help families establish common goals, and discuss effective ways of problem-solving some of the obstacles to achieving those goals. Likewise, parents may opt to get additional support with parenting, utilizing DBT skills and concepts. Parents can join our DBT Parenting group or receive support on an individual basis.
In our DBT parenting program, parents will learn:
- Steps to change unwanted behaviors and increase motivation for desired behaviors.
- Behavior modification techniques
- How to troubleshoot parenting challenges
- Common thinking traps that lead to increased reactivity
- What is developmentally “normative” versus what is cause for concern
- How to effectively communicate with your child
- How to tolerate stressors and emotional “meltdowns” with your child
- How to be more mindful throughout the day
DBT for Couples:
Many couples find themselves locked in a maladaptive cycle of arguing, avoidance and loneliness or dissatisfaction. DBT was adapted by Dr. Alan Fruzetti for “high-conflict” couples, and aims to teach couples how to communicate more effectively to improve their relationship. Our DBT for couples program is built upon Dr. Fruzetti’s research and utilizes skills an concepts described in his book, High Conflict Couple: A Dialectical Behavioral Guild to Finding Peace, Intimacy and Validation.
In this program, couples will learn:
- Techniques for increasing positive connectedness
- Skills for increased relationship mindfulness
- Skills for increasing non-judgmental communication
- Skills for increasing validation and joy in the relationship
- Tools to interrupt or halt typical patterns of fighting
- Skills to reduce unwanted impulsive behaviors or reactions that escalate arguments
