iServi News | 13 March 2020 | Term 1, Week 6
DBTeen is a dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) informed program delivered in a Primary Care environment, offering skills training for young people aged 14-18 experiencing some or all of the following:
• Difficulties with frequent and intense emotional and mood states
• Problem behaviours such as self-injury, suicidal behaviour, substance misuse, school avoidance, disturbed eating and risky sexual behaviour
• Interpersonal difficulties which can result in frequent intense conflict with family and peers
• Feelings of emptiness and identity confusion
The program is delivered in multifamily groups whereby carers develop the same skills alongside their teens and support them to embed the skills in their day to day lives. The program is as much for carers as the young person.
DBTeen is a WA Primary Health Alliance funded program delivered by Lifeline WA in the Primary Care environment. It is based on Rathus’ and Miller’s DBT for Adolescents (2015). The DBTeen program is comprised of 12 weekly, three-hour multifamily group skills sessions. They are class-like in format with handouts, hands-on activities and practice homework. Participants are not expected to share sensitive personal information in groups. Intersession phone coaching will be available to help embed the practice of DBT skills into the home, school, work and community life settings.
Detailed information is available here.
Referral forms are available here.
Mr Steve Morrison
College Counsellor