#United States #Mohegan Lake #Dialectical Behavior Therapy #Shrub Oak International School #The Pines

The Pines at Shrub Oak: Pioneering Care with Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Located in Mohegan Lake, New York, The Pines at Shrub Oak International School has emerged as a frontrunner in providing specialized therapeutic support for adolescents, whether or not they have an autism diagnosis. Utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as its fundamental treatment approach, The Pines ensures that every student receives the tailored assistance they need to thrive.

Understanding DBT’s Role in Adolescent Care

According to Andrew Dillenbeck, the Head of Programs at Shrub Oak International School, DBT was chosen for its unique ability to address the behaviors prevalent among their students. This therapeutic model emphasizes understanding the reasons behind certain behaviors, how they’re reinforced, and how to effectively alter maladaptive behavior. Rather than solely focusing on behavior reduction, DBT empowers individuals by giving them the skills they need to manage their emotional states and responses.

The DBT framework at The Pines revolves around four core skill areas: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skill sets equip students with the tools necessary for greater self-awareness, prompting them to better manage their emotions and make positive choices.

Embedding DBT in Daily Life

Every aspect of life at The Pines embraces DBT techniques. Each classroom features a licensed mental health clinician, fostering a unique blend of academic and therapeutic support. This integration allows clinicians to provide immediate help and reinforce DBT skills continuously throughout the school day.

Teachers partner with clinicians to weave DBT skill-building activities into lessons, enhancing the educational experience while simultaneously supporting emotional growth. Additionally, the residential setting is designed to allow real-time application of DBT skills, helping students practice what they learn in an everyday context, whether during meals or leisure activities.

DBT's structured, skills-based approach has been particularly beneficial for adolescents experiencing emotional dysregulation and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. The Pines fosters a safe, individualized environment where students can develop emotional resilience, self-control, and effective coping strategies while managing their psychiatric needs.

Transformative Experience

Lauren Koffler, the Head of Admissions and Organizational Growth, points out the transformative nature of DBT for students. Beyond simply addressing challenging behaviors, DBT provides a language and a framework for students to articulate their emotions and confront life's challenges. This newfound understanding allows them to transition from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered. Koffler emphasizes, “DBT becomes a vital bridge that helps our students learn the skills needed for meaningful and connected lives.”

The Pines’ commitment to DBT reflects its core mission: to provide a holistic approach to education and therapy for adolescents, catalyzing positive growth. As Dillenbeck notes, the excellence of DBT lies not only in managing negative behaviors but in cultivating a deeper sense of self-knowledge and communication. Students learn to express themselves more effectively, marking significant milestones in their personal development.

About The Pines at Shrub Oak

Shrub Oak International School's overarching mission revolves around enhancing the lives of autistic children, adolescents, and young adults. The curricula focus on individualized, strengths-based learning tailored to help students form connections, navigate various environments, and realize their full potential.

As a certified therapeutic program situated on the campus of Shrub Oak International School, The Pines at Shrub Oak continues to champion a unique blend of educational excellence and therapeutic support pathways for adolescents who require a tailored approach to mental health.

The Pines is accredited by respected organizations, including the National Independent Private Schools Association and the Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools, confirming its commitment to rigorous educational standards and practices.

For those seeking more information about The Pines at Shrub Oak or exploring potential pathways for support, further details can be found at www.shruboak.org, or by contacting Lauren Koffler at [email protected].