Dr. Alec Miller, a leading expert on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for adolescents, their families and others, will speak on an approach that is gaining wide acceptance by families, mental health professionals and schools. DBT, a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is a compassionate, evidence-based treatment for individuals who have significant difficulty regulating emotions and behaviors. The presentation, sponsored free of charge by NAMI Southwest CT, will take place on Thursday, June 9 from 7:30 to 9 pm at Greenwich Town Hall, 101 Field Point Rd, Greenwich, CT

At the event audience members will learn:

* How DBT is practiced with adolescents, families and in schools
* How families, schools and individuals can benefit from mindfulness-based treatment

For individuals who may be suicidal, self-injurious or suffering from other combinations of problems such as eating disorders, substance use, anger management or depression, DBT blends behavior therapy (oriented toward change) with validation (oriented toward acceptance. It uses mindfulness and team-based techniques to help individuals and families achieve a more balanced lifestye, and ultimately one that feels more meaningful.

Dr. Alec Miller is a clinical psychologist, co-founder and clinical director of Cognitive and Behavioral Health Consultants. He is highly sought after for public and professional audiences worldwide. He has received federal, state and private funding for his research, and has authored or co-authored over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. As a clinician, Dr. Miller practices CBT and DBT with adults, adolescents, couples and families.

NAMI is a national, grassroots nonprofit organization for improving the lives of individuals with mental illness and their families. NAMI Southwest CT serves Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Redding, Ridgefield, Westport, Weston, and Wilton. www.namisouthwestct.com