Seneca’s STEP’s (Skills Transitions Exploration Progress) treatment modalities include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness. STEP’s trained multidisciplinary team also uses a variety of other interventions to provide individualized treatment to youth and support them in obtaining a sense of stability around their mental health.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT helps youth understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and teaches them how to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns. In the STEP program, CBT principles are woven into Skills and Circle Groups, where youth explore the role of emotions, identify cognitive distortions, and learn to reframe negative thoughts. Through discussion and practice, they develop self-awareness, problem-solving skills, and greater confidence in their ability to manage challenges.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
DBT focuses on helping youth regulate emotions, tolerate distress, and improve relationships through skill-building. In STEP’s Skills Group, youth learn and practice DBT techniques such as stress tolerance, mindfulness, and emotion regulation. They explore strategies like distraction, self-soothing, and opposite action, applying them in real time during group and milieu activities to strengthen their ability to manage depression, anxiety, and stress in daily life.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy empowers youth to separate themselves from their problems and reframe their life stories in ways that highlight strength, growth, and identity. In STEP’s Circle Group, youth engage in guided discussions and expressive art activities that help them reflect on and re-author to rewrite their personal narratives. They also receive one-on-one support from staff throughout the day, allowing deeper exploration of their experiences and opportunities to find meaning and hope in their stories.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness supports youth in becoming more aware of their internal experiences and surroundings without judgment, helping them respond to stress with greater calm and clarity. At STEP, mindfulness is integrated across daily programming, from Skills and Recreation groups to individual support moments. Youth learn practical techniques such as deep breathing, grounding exercises, and the 5-4-3-2-1 coping tool, helping them strengthen mind-body awareness, manage stress, and access their “wise mind” when making decisions.
Motivational Interviewing
MI is a collaborative counseling approach that helps youth explore ambivalence and build motivation for positive change. At STEP, MI is used in Check-In and Check-Out Groups, family meetings, and individual sessions to help youth articulate their feelings, clarify goals, and identify reasons for hope and self-improvement. Staff use MI techniques to guide conversations about behavior change, safety planning, and emotional awareness, creating a supportive space for reflection and personal growth.