DBT-C Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C) is a treatment program for children ages 6–12 who have behavioral and emotional dysregulation. DBT-C is a modified version of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for adults. The program aims to help children develop coping skills and emotional stability, and to teach parents how to create a validating environment. DBT-C uses a variety of techniques to help children and their families: 

• Parent training: Parents are taught how to create a validating environment for their child. 
• Family therapy: Families work together in weekly or twice-weekly sessions to practice and reinforce new coping skills. 
• Mindfulness exercises: Children learn to focus on the present moment without judgment. 
• Emotional literacy: Children learn to recognize and understand their emotions. 
• Interpersonal effectiveness: Children learn to communicate effectively and build positive relationships. 
• Distress tolerance: Children learn to manage and cope with intense emotions. 

DBT-C can help treat a variety of conditions, including: Suicidality and non-suicidal self-injury, Severe verbal and physical aggression, Treatment-resistant depression, Social phobia, and Generalized anxiety.