Each session blends education, reflection, and practical DBT-informed exercises to help parents strengthen emotional regulation, communication, and connection within their families.
Workshops
01
Understanding the Biosocial Theory of Self and Others
02
Mindful Communication for Connection
03
Values, Forgiveness, and Intimacy in the Family System
04
Understanding and Shaping Teen Behaviors Through Awareness and Connection
Workshop 1: Understanding the Biosocial Theory of Self and Others
Theme: How biology, environment, and relationships shape behavior and emotional patterns in families.
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Objectives:
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Understand the biosocial theory of self and others (how temperament + environment interact to create patterns of under-control and over-control).
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Explore how these patterns show up between parents, children, and partners.
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Identify how nervous system regulation impacts emotional and relational safety.
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Learn emotion regulation and co-regulation strategies for yourself and your family.
Activities:
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Guided reflection: “Which members of our family tend to under-control or over-control?”
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Nervous system mapping: Identify personal triggers and calming cues.
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Practice: 3 regulation skills (e.g., paced breathing, grounding, and opposite action).
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Takeaway worksheet: “My regulation plan” for home use.
Workshop 2: Mindful Communication for Connection
Theme: Speaking and listening with awareness and validation.
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Objectives:
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Increase mindfulness in communication within the family.
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Learn and identify communication styles (direct, indirect, disguised demands).
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Practice levels of validation to deepen connection with children and partners.
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Explore giving and receiving feedback mindfully.
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Introduce the idea of “parental wisdom” and gentle teasing as tools for repair and warmth.
Activities:
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Communication style quiz and discussion.
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Role-play: “Turning disguised demands into direct requests.”
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Validation practice using real-life family examples.
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Mindful feedback exercise: “What I heard you say is…”
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Takeaway: Communication mindfulness checklist.
Workshop 3: Values, Forgiveness, and Intimacy in the Family System
Theme: Building closeness through shared values, repair, and mindful awareness.​
Objectives:
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Clarify individual and family values and explore how values conflicts arise.
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Understand intimacy building in families: balancing closeness and independence.
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Explore “heat on/heat off” dynamics and DEF (Describe, Express, Find solutions) communication tool.
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Understand intergenerational trauma and its impact on family interactions.
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Distinguish between anger that harms vs. anger that heals.
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Practice forgiveness and resentment release exercises.
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Learn mindfulness skills to rebuild connection and intimacy.
Activities:
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Values card sort (individual and family).
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Discussion: “When values collide—how do we respond?”
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Forgiveness journaling: “What do I need to forgive or release?”
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Pair practice: “DEF” communication tool for sensitive topics.
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Takeaway: Family values action plan.
Workshop 4: Understanding and Shaping Teen Behaviors Through Awareness and Connection
Theme: Bringing DBT principles into parenting teens — shaping behavior with compassion and awareness.
Objectives:
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Objectives:
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Understand how behavior is shaped and maintained within family systems.
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Identify reinforcers that unintentionally sustain challenging behaviors.
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Learn the basics of a chain analysis to trace triggers, thoughts, and responses.
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Develop insight into family behavior patterns and where change is possible.
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Learn where and how to interrupt unhelpful patterns to strengthen connection.
Activities:
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Family system mapping: Identifying reinforcing loops.
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Walk-through of a real-life chain analysis example.
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Group practice: “Where can I pause or intervene differently?”
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Mindful parenting reflection: “How can I shape with validation and limits?”
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Takeaway: Chain analysis worksheet for at-home practice.
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