Cultural Adaptation and Implementation of DBT for Adolescents With Emotional Disorders

"The culturally adapted DBT-A-ST consists of 15 weekly group sessions, each lasting 120 minutes, including a 10-minute break. It maintains the core elements of standard DBT-A, including its philosophical foundation and treatment strategies.~Therapists focus on teaching DBT skills through various methods such as modeling, structured behavioral rehearsals, and feedback. Each session begins with a 40-minute group mindfulness exercise and homework review, followed by 60 minutes dedicated to skill-specific didactics and experiential activities, concluding with a 10-minute homework assignment. Two group leaders facilitate the sessions, and participants track their skill usage daily with diary cards, which are reviewed weekly."

ASG, based on principles of client-centered supportive therapy, is widely used by occupational therapists in mental health settings. ASG therapists aim to foster a sense of belongingness, maintain unconditional positive regard, provide empathy, psychoeducational and a treatment structure. Two group leaders held the sessions, teaching DBT skills and using cognitive behavioral strategies are prohibited. Each session starts with a review of their experiences over the last week (30 min), a support-building activity (30 min), and ends with an open group discussion about topics participants choose each week (50 min). For homework, participants will be asked to think about issues discussed and to track daily social support on diary cards.