A 2-day DBT skills workshop for families with teens ages 13–18 who want to improve communication, manage intense emotions, and reduce conflict.

Bring your family together to learn a shared language for handling big emotions, reducing fights, and building connection. Interactive, strengths-based.

A Shared Toolkit for a Stronger Family

It’s about empowering your entire family with a shared set of practical skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to face life’s challenges, together.

Workshop Itinerary

Day & Time	Session	Description
Day 1: Foundations of DBT in the Family
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM	Welcome & Introduction to DBT	Create a safe space, learn core concepts like Wise Mind, and break the ice with family activities.
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM	The Role of Emotions	Understand why we have emotions and practice separating facts from interpretations in disagreements.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM	Lunch Break	—
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM	Core Skill: Mindfulness	Engage in hands-on mindfulness exercises (mindful eating, breathing) to build your “attention muscle.”
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM	The Power of Validation	Learn to de-escalate conflict by finding the “kernel of truth” in another’s perspective, without necessarily agreeing.
Day 2: Putting Skills into Action
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM	Core Skill: Distress Tolerance	Equip your family with crisis survival skills (like TIPP) to get through painful moments without making things worse.
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM	Core Skill: Emotion Regulation	Learn how to build emotional resilience and use “Opposite Action” to effectively change unwanted emotions.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM	Lunch Break	—
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM	Core Skill: Interpersonal Effectiveness	Practice the DEAR MAN skill to ask for what you need, say no, and maintain self-respect in conversations.
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM	Bringing It All Home	Create a concrete family plan using SMART goals and close the workshop with connection and appreciation.

"Invest in Your Family's Well-being

Give your family the gift of skills that will last a lifetime."

Meet Your Workshop Facilitators

Donna Janiec is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) with extensive experience in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University.

Donna specializes in supporting individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation, personality disorders, PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, and depression. She integrates DBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to provide effective, evidence-based care. With a background deeply rooted in the military community—as a military child, spouse, and Department of Defense civilian—Donna brings unique insight and empathy to her work with diverse populations.

Her approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and skills-focused, helping clients reframe challenges, build emotional resilience, and develop practical tools to navigate life transitions. Whether working with children, teens, or adults, Donna is committed to creating a safe, supportive space where individuals feel heard, valued, and empowered to make meaningful changes.

At the DBT for Family and Teens Workshop, Donna’s expertise in both trauma-focused therapy and DBT skills training will guide participants toward healthier communication, improved emotional regulation, and stronger relationships.

Samantha Redd brings a strong combination of advanced education, specialized training, and hands-on experience to teaching Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to teens and families. In 2025, she graduated with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University. Additionally, she also holds a Master of Arts in Language and Communication and is a Board Certified Master Mental Health Coach through the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).

Samantha has completed extensive DBT training, including core DBT, advanced DBT, and DBT for the neurodivergent population. She currently serves as the lead facilitator for DBT groups for neurodivergent teens and co-facilitator for Adults DBT groups, guiding participants through interactive, skills-based learning that fosters real-world results. Her passion lies in supporting children, adolescents, and families, with a special focus on empowering the neurodivergent community.

She is actively involved in the Virginia Counseling Association (VCA) and is a multiple award-winning leader in the counseling profession. In 2024, Samantha received the Michele Dowdy Emerging Leader Award. In 2025, Samantha was named a Pete Warren Student Fellow, honoring her outstanding leadership in counseling. She was also awarded the Suzee Leone Grant for her innovative “VR Connection” program, which integrates virtual reality (VR) technology into mental health interventions—particularly for children and adolescents on the autism spectrum.

Beyond her professional roles, Samantha serves on the Care Team at Grace Bible Church. She also an international speaker and mental health advocate, she has presented her workshop in Thailand titled “When Your Loved One Has Depression.” Her work reflects a deep commitment to leadership, advocacy, and equipping others with tools for emotional health and stronger relationships.

When you attend Samantha’s DBT for Family and Teens Workshop, you will gain practical skills from a knowledgeable, engaging facilitator who combines clinical expertise with a warm, relatable approach—helping teens and families grow together.

Workshop Details

Dates & Time

October 4th-5th, 2025

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM both days

Location

Tea and Empathy Counseling

184 Business Park Drive, Suite 206, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Investment

Standard: $300 per person (first two family members)

For each additional person who joins, the cost per person decreases. You save more as you add more family members.

• 3rd Person: Adds $250
• 4th Person: Adds $200
• 5th Person: Adds $150
• 6th Person: Adds $100

Includes: All workshop materials, handouts for each participant, and light refreshments.

Early Bird Special

Register by August 31

$100 OFF your family’s total registration fee

$50 VISA Gift Card

Who Should Attend?

Families with teens aged 13-18 who are ready to build a more supportive and understanding home environment.

LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE — REGISTER NOW!

Workshop Registration