Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents with Multiple Problems

In Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents With Multiple Problems, Alec L. Miller demonstrates this compassionate, principle-based therapy for clients who have difficulty regulating emotions and behaviors. Emotional dysregulation is common among adolescents, often leading them to self-injurious behavior, including suicide. Studies have shown that dialectical behavior therapy can significantly reduce suicide attempts and help adolescent clients deal with multiple problems.

In this session, Dr. Miller works with a 17-year-old boy who is depressed, abusing marijuana, and who has recently contemplated suicide. Dr. Miller highlights the client's strengths while trying to obtain commitment to treatment in order to reduce his depression and marijuana use and build a life worth living.