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What is DBT for Kids?

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Summary

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Think of DBT for kids this way: It’s like a specially designed training program, helping kids who often feel too many powerful emotions very strongly. The special version for kids, called DBT-C, reshapes the normal DBT to suit kids and their unique needs, making it simpler and easier for them to understand. A big part is guiding parents first, teaching them everything they need to know, and then holding family therapies once or twice weekly.

Frequently Asked Question

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What is DBT for kids?

DBT for kids, or DBT-C, is a therapy program that helps children manage tough emotions and improve their behavior.

How does DBT for kids work?

DBT-C involves skills training, individual therapy, coaching calls, and therapist consultation to help kids apply emotional control skills in real life.

Who can benefit from DBT for kids?

Any child who has trouble controlling intense emotions or shows severe behavioral discontrol can benefit from DBT-C.

What skills does DBT for kids teach?

DBT-C helps kids learn emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal skills, and mindfulness.

Scientific Definition

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In more technical terms, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Children is a highly structured therapeutic modality, strategically modified from the standard DBT, targeted at pre-adolescent children exhibiting severe emotional dysregulation and behavioral discontent. The program involves comprehensive parent education, followed by recurrent weekly family therapy sessions, totally tailored to accommodate children’s cognitive and developmental stages.

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Video Explanation

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A Real World Example of DBT for Kids

You’re a parent, and here’s a story of a kid named Charlie, who’s living the whole DBT for kids journey.

  • Charlie was a 10-year-old who often had very big, hard-to-handle reactions to small things.
  • His parents, feeling overwhelmed, sought help and learned about DBT-C.
  • After an initial parent-training phase in DBT-C, his family began attending therapy sessions together.
  • In therapy, Charlie learned strategies to cope with his strong emotions, such as counting to ten before reacting, using a ‘feeling thermometer’ to rate his emotions, and even some simple mindfulness practices.
  • Sure enough, with the help of DBT-C, Charlie became better at handling his emotions, his reactions lessened in intensity, and his family life became more peaceful.

Here’s a snapshot of Charlie’s journey:

Before DBT-C After DBT-C
Big reactions to small things Improved emotion regulation
Overwhelmed parents Parents equipped with strategies to help Charlie
Disruptive family environment Peaceful and supportive family atmosphere

Remember, like Charlie’s, every child’s DBT journey is unique. But with time, patience, and the right tools, things can get better.

How is DBT for Kids Used?

If your kiddo is like Charlie, you’re probably curious: How does DBT-C work in real life? Let’s break it down:

  • Skills Training: Your kid learns new ways to control emotions.
  • Individual Therapy: Your child gets one-on-one time with a therapist to apply these new skills.
  • Coaching Calls: Whenever needed, the therapist provides over-the-phone coaching to help the child apply skills in real-life situations.
  • Therapist Consultation: The therapist brainstorms ways to help your child effectively.

Remember, everyone’s DBT journey might look different. The key is finding what works for your child and sticking with it. With DBT-C, your kid can get the tools to manage big emotions effectively.