The DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) Program provides therapeutic services to youth ages 14-17 who have experienced suicidal thoughts, actions, and/or self-harming behaviour in addition to quality of life-interfering behaviours and interpersonal issues. Support includes weekly in-person individual therapy sessions and group skills training, 24/7 phone coaching for youth and caregivers, and family counselling as needed. Volunteers will only be involved in group skills training. 

Goals of the Program:

• To decrease life-threatening behaviours (e.g. self-injurious behaviour, suicidal thoughts, threats and/or attempts)


• To increase personal coping skills


• To decrease quality-of-life interfering behaviours (e.g. impulsivity, substance use, truancy)


• To provide support and education to the caregivers of the adolescents in the DBT Program

As a DBT Volunteer, key responsibilities will include: 

1. Group Co-Facilitation: Assist in the lead therapist during the DBT Group sessions, providing non-clinical support to youth participants, taking attendance of youth participants, contributing to discussions surrounding emotion regulation and coping startegies, building rapport with youth participants and their parents/caregivers, positive modeling of DBT skills, and helping create a positive learning atmosphere for all attendees.

2. Set-Up and Preparation: Arrive at the AYSP main office by 4:30 pm to assist in the setup for the group, ensuring that all necessary materials, snacks, and resources are ready for the session.

3. Clean-Up: Assist in the post-group clean-up, ensuring that the space is left organized and ready for the next meeting. For each session, please be ready to stay at the AYSP office until 7:30 pm to ensure that the space is cleaned and sanitized.