When someone you care about experiences big emotions, conversations can quickly become overwhelming.

This class teaches practical communication and validation skills drawn from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help parents, partners, and family members respond to emotional intensity with more clarity, steadiness, and less escalation.

FORMAT 

 

4 Live Online Sessions
Mondays from 6:00 – 7:00 PM CST

April 13 • April 20 • April 27 • May 4

Sessions are held live and are not therapy groups. Participants may join from anywhere.

Register Here

WHO THIS IS FOR

 

This class is designed for people who often find themselves trying to stay grounded during emotionally intense family interactions.

Participants may relate to experiences such as:

• conversations escalating quickly
• feeling like they are “walking on eggshells”
• wanting to respond with more clarity and calm
• caring about someone who experiences strong emotions
• wanting practical communication tools

This class may be helpful for:

• parents
• partners or spouses
• adult children
• siblings
• extended family members

Anyone interested in improving communication in emotionally intense family relationships is welcome.

Participants will learn practical DBT-informed communication skills including:

 

Understanding Emotional Escalation

Learn why certain conversations quickly become overwhelming and how emotional escalation develops in relationships.

Validation Skills

Learn how to communicate understanding in ways that reduce defensiveness and increase cooperation.

De-Escalation Strategies

Practice skills for pausing and slowing conversations before they spiral into conflict.

Productive Conversations

Learn approaches for navigating difficult discussions and problem solving together more effectively.

These skills are drawn from research in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and related relationship science.

CLASS STRUCTURE

 

Each session includes:

• short teaching segments
• examples and demonstrations
• guided reflection activities
• optional chat-based questions

To maintain the educational structure of the class, microphones will remain muted during instruction and participants may submit questions through the chat.

Participants are not asked to share personal situations during class.

 

Register Here

SCHEDULE

 

Session 1
Understanding Emotional Escalation

Session 2
Validation Skills

Session 3
De-Escalation Strategies

Session 4
Productive Conversations

Sessions are held live online and last one hour.

INSTRUCTOR

 

Kristen Shuler, LCSW

Kristen earned her Master of Social Work degree from Washburn University and has been practicing for over 20 years. As the owner and Lead Therapist at DBT Ozarks, she specializes in working with teens and adults diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. In addition to her expertise in DBT, Kristen has extensive experience supporting caregivers, helping them navigate the challenges of caring for loved ones with emotional regulation difficulties.

ABOUT EVERYDAY DBT 

 

Everyday DBT is an educational program offered by DBT Ozarks.

These classes teach practical DBT-informed skills that people can apply in everyday life and relationships.

The goal of Everyday DBT is to make evidence-based communication and emotion regulation strategies accessible in an educational format outside of therapy.

Classes focus on learning and practicing skills that can support healthier interactions, reduce conflict escalation, and increase understanding in relationships.

IMPORTANT INFO

 

This class is a psychoeducational training and is not therapy, counseling, or mental health treatment. Participation in this class does not establish a therapist-client relationship with the instructor or with DBT Ozarks.

The instructor provides general education and skill instruction but cannot provide individualized guidance regarding personal situations. Open to participants everywhere.

This class is offered through the Everyday DBT educational program and is separate from the comprehensive therapy services provided through DBT Ozarks. Individuals seeking therapy services should consult a licensed mental health professional in their local area.

 

Register Here

DBT Ozarks is a division of Social Work SC, LLC