DBT-C, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children, is a compassionate, evidence-based treatment designed to address the unique emotional and behavioral challenges faced by children. DBT-C has its roots in the groundbreaking work of Dr. Marsha Linehan, who originally developed Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in the late 1980s. The development of DBT-C was driven by the need to provide children with practical tools to manage intense emotions and improve their behavioral responses.

DBT-C is particularly beneficial for children experiencing a range of disorders that involve emotion dysregulation and externalizing behaviors. These include:

• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): Characterized by a persistent pattern of angry, irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior, and vindictiveness.
• Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD): Marked by severe and recurrent temper outbursts that are disproportionate to the situation, alongside a generally irritable or angry mood
• Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED): Involves sudden, aggressive outbursts that are out of proportion to any provocation or stressor.

DBT-C is also effective for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who may exhibit similar emotional and behavioral challenges. The therapy helps these children learn to regulate their emotions, improve their social skills, and reduce impulsive behaviors.

DBT-C takes a multi-pronged approach. The core of DBT-C lies in teaching children practical skills to understand and regulate their emotions. In child-only sessions, children learn how to identify their feelings, develop coping strategies, and build healthy relationships. DBT-C emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Parents and caregivers are also integral to the DBT-C process. During parent-only sessions, caregivers learn to support their child’s emotional growth and reinforce the skills learned in therapy at home using behavioral principles, such as positive reinforcement. This collaborative approach ensures that children receive consistent and supportive guidance both in and out of therapy sessions. Parents and caregivers are also given the opportunity to apply emotion regulation coping strategies to their own parenting behaviors, which ultimately assists them with remaining calm as they coach their children through skills use during challenging moments. In the final phase of treatment, parents join their children for skills review and to collaboratively develop a plan for using coping skills when needed.

At our practice, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care through DBT-C, helping children and their families achieve greater emotional stability and resilience. Our goal is to empower children with the tools they need to thrive in their everyday lives, fostering a sense of confidence and well-being.