Sheri Van Dijk - Relationship Skills 101 for Teens. Your Guide to Dealing with Daily Drama, Stress, and Difficult Emotions Using DBT

Sheri Van Dijk, MSW, is a psychotherapist in private practice and at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, ON, Canada. She is author of The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook for Bipolar Disorder, Dont Let Your Emotions Run Your Life for Teens, Calming the Emotional Storm, and DBT Made Simple, and coauthor of The Bipolar Workbook for Teens. In September 2010, she received the R.O. Jones Award from the Canadian Psychiatric Association for her research on using dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills to treat bipolar disorder. Sheri presents internationally on using DBT to treat mental health problems.

Sheri Van Dijk has managed to successfully simplify and extend the principles of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) into a concise, user-friendly format. While highlighting the interplay of ones sense of self and their roles in relationships, the reader is given clear examples and skills to successfully manage their emotions and improve communication. Although the intended audience is adolescents, this book is a valuable resource for parents and anyone working with teenagers.

Leanne Garfinkel, MA, clinical psychologist and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)-informed therapist

In this book,Sheri Van Dijk has produced a user-friendly and easy-to-understand workbook for teens struggling with relationships. The skills for healthy relationships are explained and examples given by following several teens experiencing problems. The exercises to practice the skills are presented in a way that is simple and straightforward. I will definitely recommend it to my clients.

Marilyn Becker MSW, RSW, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills therapist in private practice in Richmond Hill, ON, Canada

Sheri Van Dijk has done it again! As the author of several books, she continues to inspire transformation by encouraging mindfulness, acceptance, and self-compassion. In this book intended to help teenagers with relationship skills, she explains dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in a well-thought-out, easy-to-read manner with lots of examples. I wish I had known these skills when I was a teenager! As a therapist for over twelve years, I would also recommend this book as a valuable resource to therapists, parents, and others who support teenagers.

Rennet Wong-Gates MSW, RSW, child and family therapist

Relationships are complicated, and for many teens, the source of much distress. In this very clear and user-friendly workbook, Sheri Van Dijk shares the key components for the development and enhancement of teens self-awareness, emotional self-management, and self-esteemall of which positively impact the success of their relationships and connections to others. I found this workbook easy to read, and view it as a valuable resource for my teenage clients, as well as their parents.

Pat Counter, BA, DipCS, RSW, social worker in the Disruptive Behaviours Program at Southlake Regional Health Centre

After thirty years of clinical practice, I have finally found a book that helps teens to identify their feelings and learn practical skills for changing behaviors. Sheri Van Dijk offers examples that help readers truly relate to the concepts she teaches. This easy-to-read guide on improving interpersonal relationships is a necessity for any teen that wishes to lead a happier, healthier life. I will definitely recommend it to my clients.

Francine Mendelowitz, LCSW, psychotherapist and founder of InterACT New York

Publishers Note

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

Copyright 2015 by Sheri Van Dijk

New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

5674 Shattuck Avenue

Oakland, CA 94609

www.newharbinger.com

The Opposite Action chart, Whats Your Communication Style? quiz, and The Interpersonal Effectiveness Self-Assessment are adapted with permission from DONT LET YOUR EMOTIONS RUN YOUR LIFE FOR TEENS by Sheri Van Dijk. Copyright 2011 by Sheri Van Dijk. Used by permission of New Harbinger Publications.

Cover design by Amy Shoup; Acquired by Tesilya Hanauer; Edited by Karen Schader

All Rights Reserved

Printed in the United States of America

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data on file

As always, this book is dedicated first and foremost to my family. Its through my relationships with you that I have been able to help others strive to be healthier and more balanced in their own relationships.

This book is also for you, Michael. Thank you for making me laugh, and for just being you; I believe in you.

And thank you also to my clients. The relationships I form with each of you, although sometimes brief, are enriching and always teach me something; I appreciate that you allow me to be a part of your healing.