TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN

DBT FOR CHILDREN

DBT for Children (DBT-C) is a 30-week treatment program that focuses on skill development for parents of kids (typically under the age of 12) who are emotionally sensitive and reactive. DBT-C focuses on changing the environment to meet the needs of the child. For this reason, the family is seen as the “patient,” not the child.

Emotionally vulnerable children can exhibit behavioral and emotional dysregulation including:

  • Hyper-reactivity
  • Severe temper outbursts
  • Difficulty with change and transitions
  • Easily bored
  • Avoidance of effort towards completing tasks
  • Rapidly shifting attention
  • Hyperactivity
  • Impulsivity
  • Sensory sensitivity
  • Severe interpersonal problems with friends or family
  • Difficulty maintaining hygiene

GOALS OF DBT-C

  • Create a change ready environment

  • Recognize and understand emotion

  • Better control behavior

  • Learn ways to effectively cope with problems

  • Learn how to problem-solve difficulties

TREATMENT MODES

  • Parent Skills Training
  • Individual Therapy
  • Skills Training
  • Phone consultation (required for parents, optional for kids)

TREATMENT PROGRAM STRUCTURE (30-WEEK)

DBT-C is structured with 90 minute sessions

  1. Pre-commitment to the DBT-C model with parents (Sessions 1-11)

    • Biosocial model and goals

    • Orientation and commitment

    • Change ready environment

  2. Individual skills review with child (20 mins), parent training (30 mins), and family skills training (40 mins) (12-30 weeks):

    • Session 12-20: Education on emotions, skills training;

    • Session 20-30: Individual therapy with child focusing on behavioral targets, parent training, skills training with family

PARENT SKILLS TRAINING

This training is for parents and loved ones of those who are currently in the DBT program at DBTRC. Parent Skills Training helps parents and loved ones learn skills to best support those who are emotionally reactive and sensitive.

Goals of the Training

  • Create a change ready environment

  • Recognize and understand emotion

  • Manage and support behavioral dysregulation

  • Learn ways to effectively cope with problems

  • Learn how to problem-solve difficulties

DISCOVER HOW DBT CAN HELP

Whether you’re looking to find help for your hyper-reactive child or you yourself are seeking freedom from overwhelming emotions, dialectical behavioral therapy at the DBT Resiliency Center in Tucson, AZ can help. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our DBT therapy.

START YOUR CHILD'S RECOVERY TODAY

CONTACT US
DBT Resiliency Center