For Adolescents Ages 11 & Up
Teenagers face unique challenges today. Anxiety, depression, isolation, and bullying are, unfortunately, all too common in the adolescent experience. These struggles can profoundly impact a young person’s ability to regulate emotions, maintain healthy relationships, and engage positively with the world around them.
To address these critical issues, we offer individual therapy service and structured skills groups for kids, adolescents, and teens.
What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)?
DBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder but has since been adapted to help individuals with a range of emotional and behavioral challenges. For teens, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or DBT, is particularly effective in addressing issues like anxiety, depression, self-harm, interpersonal conflicts and emotion dysregulation.
This therapeutic approach focuses on teaching practical skills in four key areas:
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improving communication and relationship-building skills to better interact with others.
Mindfulness: Developing the ability to stay present in the moment and fully engage with one’s current thoughts and feelings.
Distress Tolerance: Building coping strategies to handle stressful or painful situations without resorting to negative behaviors.
Emotion Regulation: Learning to manage and respond to intense emotions in a healthier way.
DBT Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Ages 11 & Up
Group Details
- Duration: 8-week program with additional Zoom sessions for parents
- Facilitator: Certified DBT Therapist Jenna Roma, MSW, LSW
- Location: In-person sessions at our Brick, NJ location 337 Drum Point Road Suite 2B Brick, NJ 08723
- Schedule: Wednesdays from 5 PM to 6:15 PM
- Pet therapy sessions: coming soon
This specialized educational series focused on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills for adolescents is designed to be both educational and experiential.
Social Skills Group For Adolescents Ages 7-11
Group Details
- Schedule: Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 11 AM
- Duration: 7-week program with rolling admission starting 10/3/26
- Facilitator: Katherine Rubbe, LPC & Registered Art Therapist
- Location: In-person sessions at our Manasquan, NJ location 2547 NJ-35 Building D, Manasquan NJ
The Social Skills Group will give kids the opportunity to build social skills alongside peers by improving their understanding of emotions, active listening, effective communication, and conflict resolution skills.
Through group work, participants will practice the identified skills in real time to foster a better understanding of skill application and receive real-time feedback from their peers. This group is intended for children who may experience social anxiety, difficulty understanding social scenarios, have big feelings, and struggle with communication/connecting with peers.
Why Are These Groups Important for Kids and Teens?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 31.9% of adolescents aged 13-18 experience an anxiety disorder, and about 14.7% struggle with depression. These conditions often lead to other issues such as self-harm, poor academic performance, and strained relationships with family and peers. Early intervention is crucial, as untreated mental health issues in adolescence can lead to more severe problems in adulthood.
The DBT Skills and Social Skills groups at Monmouth Integrative Counseling Services are designed to equip teens with the tools they need to navigate challenges effectively. Teens will learn essential life skills and have the opportunity to apply these skills in real-life situations, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Why Join these Skills Groups?
- Build Resilience: Teens will learn to manage their emotions and handle stress effectively.
- Improve Relationships: The skills taught in this group will help teens improve their interactions with family members, friends, and others.
- Enhance Self-Awareness: Mindfulness exercises will help teens become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, leading to better decision-making.
- Practical Skills Application: Teens will practice and apply what they learn in a supportive environment, making it easier to transfer these skills to everyday life.
Maintaining mental health is important all year long – not just during the summer or while school is in session. These groups provides a structured yet supportive space for teens to continue their personal growth, regardless of their academic calendar.
If you believe your teen could benefit from this educational series, don’t hesitate to contact us to get started. We’re here to support your family in every step of your journey towards mental wellness.