How can we help young people better understand and manage intense emotions—and how can parents, teachers, and clinicians work together to support them? Dr. Alec Miller recently explored these questions in a featured conversation on the Superfeeler podcast, discussing the transformative potential of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for children, adolescents, and families.
Dr. Miller, co-creator of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) and co-author of DBT Skills in Schools, joined the podcast for an in-depth discussion on bringing DBT skills beyond the therapy room and into the everyday environments where young people live, learn, and grow.
During the episode, Dr. Miller shares practical strategies for parents, educators, and mental health professionals, highlighting how DBT skills can be introduced early to promote emotional regulation, resilience, and healthy development. He discusses the importance of validation, structure, skills training, and positive reinforcement—and how these approaches can help adults respond more effectively to challenging behaviors and emotional distress.
A key focus of the conversation is the role of the family system in treating emotion dysregulation and suicidality. Dr. Miller emphasizes the importance of equipping caregivers with skills alongside young people, helping families develop a shared understanding of emotions, behaviors, and effective ways to respond.
The conversation also explores the broader dissemination of DBT and the importance of making evidence-based skills accessible across settings. Dr. Miller references programs, organizations, and publications that are helping expand the reach of DBT and improve access to effective mental health care for youth and families.
Whether you are a parent supporting a struggling adolescent, an educator looking for practical tools to help students, or a clinician working with youth and families, this conversation offers valuable insights into how DBT can be applied across settings to foster meaningful and lasting change.
Listen to the full episode:
Transforming Youth Mental Health with DBT: Strategies for Parents, Clinicians, and Teachers — featuring Dr. Alec Miller