Wednesdays 3:30-4:30pm

Adolescence is a time of tremendous growth, change, and increasing independence. High school girls are navigating academic demands, friendships, family relationships, social pressures, identity development, and decisions about their future—all while learning how to understand and manage increasingly complex emotions.

Rooted & Rising is a therapeutic skills group for high school girls based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A). In a supportive and encouraging environment, participants learn practical skills to better understand and manage emotions, cope with stressful situations, communicate effectively, strengthen relationships, and approach challenges with greater confidence and resilience.

At Mindwell Gardens, we believe that helping girls develop strong emotional roots during adolescence gives them a foundation from which they can continue to grow, develop confidence, and thrive.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) is an adaptation of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) specifically designed to address the developmental and emotional needs of adolescents.

DBT-A teaches concrete, practical skills that help teens become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors; manage intense emotions; cope effectively with difficult situations; and navigate interpersonal relationships.

An important concept in DBT is dialectics—learning that two seemingly opposite things can both be true. For example, a teen can learn to accept herself as she is while also working toward positive change.

Rooted & Rising incorporates DBT-A principles and skills in an engaging, developmentally appropriate group setting where girls can learn, practice, and apply these strategies to situations they encounter in everyday life.

Learning skills alongside peers offers something that individual learning cannot always provide—the opportunity to practice interpersonal skills in real time.

Participants can learn from one another, practice communication and problem-solving, receive supportive feedback, and discover different perspectives. Being with other girls who may be navigating similar experiences can also reduce feelings of isolation and help participants recognize that they are not alone in many of the challenges of adolescence.

The group provides a structured environment where girls can develop skills while also experiencing connection, encouragement, and support.

Rooted & Rising may be appropriate for high school girls who would benefit from strengthening skills related to emotional regulation, stress management, anxiety, coping with difficult situations, self-esteem, communication, friendships, boundaries, interpersonal conflict, peer pressure, decision-making, or resilience.

Girls do not need to already know DBT skills to participate. The intake process helps determine whether the group is appropriate for each teen's individual needs and goals.

To create an environment where participants have meaningful opportunities to engage, Rooted & Rising is limited to 8 girls per group.

Girls are encouraged to participate in discussions, activities, and skills practice because active engagement helps strengthen learning and group connection. Participants are never required to disclose personal experiences before they feel comfortable doing so.

Respect, kindness, privacy, and consideration for other group members are emphasized throughout the group experience.

Rooted & Rising is an ongoing group. New participants may join as space becomes available and when the group is determined to be an appropriate fit.

Before joining, the teen and parent or guardian participate in an intake process. This provides an opportunity to discuss the teen's needs and goals, learn more about DBT-A and the group format, review expectations, and determine whether Rooted & Rising is a good fit.

Creating a safe and caring group environment is a shared responsibility. During the intake process, teens and parents receive written group guidelines to review and sign.

Participants are expected to treat other group members and the group leader respectfully, arrive on time and remain for the entire session, participate in group activities, keep cell phones turned off and put away, and maintain a substance-free and weapon-free environment.

No participant is forced to share personal information; however, participation and engagement are encouraged because they contribute to learning and group cohesiveness.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna are accepted for group therapy. Copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and coverage depend on each participant's individual insurance plan.

For families using out-of-network benefits, a monthly superbill may be provided upon request for possible reimbursement. Reimbursement varies by insurance plan and cannot be guaranteed.

Adolescence provides an important opportunity to develop skills that can continue to serve young women throughout their lives. By learning to understand emotions, tolerate difficult moments, communicate effectively, navigate relationships, and balance acceptance with change, girls can build a stronger foundation for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Rooted & Rising provides a place to learn those skills while connecting with other girls in a supportive environment—helping participants become more rooted in who they are and more confident in where they are going.

Facilitated by Dr. Leevers, Clinical Psychologist