Sean Harris, Clinical Psychologist

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How DBT Can Strengthen Your Family?

Sean Harris

What Is DBT for Families?

DBT, originally designed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, helps people manage emotional difficulties. Dr. Alan Fruzetti took DBT further by applying it to support parents, couples, and families. This approach focuses on reducing conflict, building understanding, and improving emotional balance.

How Does DBT Help Families?

  1. Better Communication
    Ever felt like no one is really listening in your family? DBT teaches how to talk and listen in a calm, clear way. It helps you express feelings respectfully, reducing shouting or shutting down.

  2. Managing Emotions
    Emotions can sometimes feel overwhelming. DBT shows families how to handle intense emotions like frustration or anger, preventing arguments or blow-ups.

  3. Understanding Each Other
    Feeling misunderstood by parents or siblings is common. DBT teaches families to be more supportive and understanding, without trying to “fix” everything immediately.

  4. Setting Boundaries
    Healthy boundaries are important. DBT helps families set boundaries in a way that respects everyone’s needs, whether it's about space, privacy, or stress management.

  5. Handling Conflict
    Fights happen, but DBT teaches how to resolve conflicts without making things worse. You'll learn how to deal with disagreements respectfully and move forward without holding grudges.

Who Can Benefit from DBT?

DBT can help any family facing:

  • Emotional ups and downs

  • Constant fighting or tension

  • Communication struggles

  • Stress from life changes or challenges

  • Parents facing relationship problems

Whether you're having a tough time with your parents, siblings, or want a more peaceful home, DBT helps families come together and work through tough issues.

Why DBT Is Great for Families

DBT provides real tools that families can use in their everyday lives. These aren't just quick fixes but lasting skills to help manage emotions, strengthen relationships, and handle stress more effectively. Families grow stronger, more understanding, and better equipped to deal with life's challenges.

Ready to Make a Change?

If your family has been struggling and you're ready for something different, DBT for families could be the answer. It's a way for everyone to learn and grow together, creating a happier, more peaceful home.

Check out www.DBTpathways.com to learn more about how DBT can help you and your family.

References

  • Fruzzetti, A. E., & Payne, L. (2015). DBT family skills training. In R. D. Friedberg & J. C. McClure (Eds.), Cognitive therapy with children and adolescents: A casebook for clinical practice (pp. 175-191). Guilford Press.

  • Fruzzetti, A. E., Shenk, C., & Hoffman, P. D. (2005). Family interaction and the development of borderline personality disorder: A transactional model. Development and Psychopathology, 17(4), 1007-1030. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579405050479

  • Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. Guilford Press.