Introduction To Dialectical Behavior Therapy In Somerset County

According to Somerset County:

Somerset County Freeholder Robert Zaborowski invites professionals who work with children and families to an Office of Youth Services Community Connections workshop about dialectical behavior therapy that will be held Friday, Oct. 24.

The workshop will take place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the first floor conference room at the Somerset County Human Services Building, located at 27 Warren Street. During the day, parking is available in the adjacent parking deck, third level or higher. Morning registration will start at 8:30 a.m. A light breakfast will be available.

Supervising Psychologist Monika Kushwaha, from Princeton House Women’s Programs, will provide an overview of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and discuss ways that it has been used in the treatment of adolescents. Since its development, DBT has been found to be effective in treating mood, anxiety, substance use and eating disorders from adolescence through adulthood.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) combines a behavioral, problem-solving focus with acceptance-based strategies. Coping skills, such as mindfulness practice and other relaxation techniques, are developed and strengthened. For the treatment of adolescents, DBT incorporates a mandatory parent component to ensure that the skills learned will be effective in the home environment.

The fee for the program is $20. Cash or checks will be accepted. Checks should be made payable to Friends of Somerset County Youth. Professional development credits will be made available.

All proceeds from the workshop will benefit Friends of Somerset County Youth, which is a non-profit organization established to help address unmet needs of youth by providing resources to existing and emerging youth service organizations.

For more information or to register for the program, contact Cindy Britt atbritt@co.somerset.nj.us or (908) 704-6352.