DBT-C Program

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C) is an evidence-based treatment for emotionally sensitive children ages 7-12. Emotionally sensitive children may struggle to identify and express their emotions effectively. Children with emotional sensitivity may display impulsive behaviors, have sensory sensitivities, struggle interpersonally, have extreme thinking styles, and severe tantrums. DBT-C is a family-based intervention and treatment includes parent, child, and family support. DBT-C addresses the individual needs of the child and aims to improve the environment surrounding the child. The goal of DBT-C is to reduce the risk of the child’s long-term psychopathology, improve family dynamics, and provide parents with tools to best support their child.

Frequently Asked Questions about the DBT-C Program

DBT-C helps children to recognize and understand emotions. It teaches children and their parent’s strategies for effectively coping with problems. DBT-C teaches problem-solving strategies and helps children recognize and understand their emotions. DBT-C helps children find more effective ways for managing distress and helps them control their behavior. DBT-C is a family-focused intervention, and parents and children will be involved in the treatment process.

DBT-C is for children ages 7-12 who struggle with strong emotions and lack coping skills for managing these emotions. Children that are referred to DBT-C often display behaviors such as frequent tantrums, yelling, and destructive behaviors. Parents and caregivers are the central focus to DBT-C treatment and will actively participate in the treatment process.

DBT-C includes 3 components:

  • Parent skills training
  • Family skills training
  • Child skills training

Families should expect to participate in approximately 90-minutes of skills training per week.

Treatment duration depends on several factors. The goal of DBT-C is to reduce the child’s risk of mental health and behavioral problems in the future. The therapist and parents will regularly discuss treatment goals and progress towards these goals.

DBT-C includes “phone coaching.” Phone coaching is an opportunity for parents/children to reach out to their therapist and receive in-the-moment coaching about how to effectively problem solve and apply skills.

Both are offered. It is recommended that the family and child components occur in-person.

Treatment starts with an intake to assess if DBT-C is the appropriate fit for your child. Once DBT-C is recommended, parents participate in several “pre-treatment” sessions to get oriented to treatment and to build commitment for the treatment process. During pre-treatment the therapist and parents will identify treatment goals and discuss the expected duration of treatment.