DBT Skills Program for Neurodivergent Young People & Families
This program adapts evidence-based DBT therapy for autism, ADHD, and anxiety into an engaging, neurodiversity-affirming format. Facilitated by psychologists at our psychology clinic, the sessions reframe traditional DBT tools for accessibility and real-world relevance. Parents attend selected sessions to learn how to reinforce skills at home, helping change last beyond the clinic.
Benefits
- Build confidence in recognising and managing strong emotions
- Learn strategies to handle meltdowns and sensory distress
- Develop resilience for stress and everyday challenges
- Strengthen mindfulness, focus, and self-awareness
- Improve communication and relationships within families
- Equip parents with tools to support skills consistently
Skills Covered
- Everyday wellbeing strategies
- Mindfulness adapted for neurodivergent needs
- Distress tolerance skills
- Emotional regulation techniques
- Supporting sensory needs
- Managing and preventing meltdowns
- Family strategies for ongoing reinforcement
Participation Requirements
- Age Range: Young adults (16+ years)
- Suitable for: Autism Level 1, ADHD, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or related challenges
- Parent/Carer Involvement: Required for selected sessions
- Commitment: Attendance at all 12 sessions, with practice between sessions
- Funding: NDIS and Medicare rebates may apply
Why It Matters
Neurodivergent young people often face challenges in managing emotions, stress, and sensory experiences. Without affirming strategies, these difficulties can escalate into meltdowns, social struggles, and family strain. This DBT program in Sydney provides practical tools for both individuals and families, supporting healthier coping, stronger relationships, and greater confidence across everyday life.
Why DBT for Emotion Management?
The DBT program was developed by our Psychologist, Juliette Kratochvil, who has a strong passion for using DBT amongst our neurodiverse population.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) benefits individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD by teaching emotion regulation skills, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and improving interpersonal effectiveness. This is particularly helpful because both ASD and ADHD are associated with challenges in managing intense emotions, impulsivity, and social interactions. By learning these concrete strategies, individuals can reduce emotional overwhelm, handle stressful situations without impulsive reactions, and navigate social situations more successfully.
Participation Requirements
- Age Range: Young adults (16+ years)
- Suitable for: Autism Level 1, ADHD, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or related challenges
- Parent/Carer Involvement: Required for selected sessions
- Commitment: Attendance at all 12 sessions, with practice between sessions
- Funding: NDIS and Medicare rebates may apply
Why It Matters
Neurodivergent young people often face challenges in managing emotions, stress, and sensory experiences. Without affirming strategies, these difficulties can escalate into meltdowns, social struggles, and family strain. This DBT program in Sydney provides practical tools for both individuals and families, supporting healthier coping, stronger relationships, and greater confidence across everyday life.
Why DBT for Emotion Management?
The DBT program was developed by our Psychologist, Juliette Kratochvil, who has a strong passion for using DBT amongst our neurodiverse population.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) benefits individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD by teaching emotion regulation skills, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and improving interpersonal effectiveness. This is particularly helpful because both ASD and ADHD are associated with challenges in managing intense emotions, impulsivity, and social interactions. By learning these concrete strategies, individuals can reduce emotional overwhelm, handle stressful situations without impulsive reactions, and navigate social situations more successfully.
Program Structure
Duration
12 Weeks
Format
Weekly 90 minute Sessions
Activities
Structured activities that combining discussion, role-plays, mindfulness and experiential exercises.
Parent/Carer Involvement
Client based learning
How Can I Apply to Participate?
We’d love to welcome you into the program.
Book an initial consultation to confirm whether the program is the right fit for you.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills Program.
Practical Skills for Managing Emotions and Reducing Overwhelm
Our Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills Program is a neuroaffirming, psychologist-developed group designed to support young people in managingvintense emotions, reducing overwhelm, and building practical coping strategies.
Grounded in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), this program focuses on developing core skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Through structured, step-by-step learning, discussion, and guided practice, participants are supported to build awareness, strengthen coping strategies, and apply skills across everyday situations.
Is This the Right Fit?
This program may be suitable if the individual:
- Experiences emotional overwhelm, stress, or anxiety
- Finds it difficult to regulate emotions or manage distress
- Experience intense reactions, shutdowns, or meltdowns
- Experience challenges in relationships or communication
- Would benefit from structured, practical coping strategies
- Is motivated to learn and practise new skills
Skills Developed
Participants develop practical, real-world skills across key areas:
Mindfulness and Awareness
- Developing present-moment awareness
- Understanding thoughts, emotions, and physical responses
- Building attention and focus
Emotional Regulation
- Understanding emotional responses
- Building strategies to manage intense emotions
- Reducing emotional vulnerability
Distress Tolerance
- Coping with overwhelming situations
- Managing crises without impulsive reactions
- Building resilience during high-stress moments
Interpersonal Effectiveness
- Navigating relationships and communication
- Setting boundaries and expressing needs
- Managing conflict in a constructive way
Finding the Right Support
Finding the right support can feel important when emotions feel overwhelming. Our team is here to guide you through the process, helping you understand your needs and determine whether the DBT Skills Program is the right fit, or recommend the most appropriate option.
Ready to build practical skills for managing emotions and stress?
Contact our team to learn more or secure a place in the next DBT Skills Program.