DBT-CHILD TREATMENT PROGRAM
DBT FOR CHILDREN (DBT-C)
DBT-C is a 30-week treatment program that focuses on skill development for parents of kids (typically under age 14) 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. Learn more from Behavioral Tech about DBT-C.
Emotionally vulnerable children can exhibit behavioral and emotional dysregulation including:
Hyper-reactivity
Severe temper outbursts
Irritability
Difficulty with change and transitions
Easily bored
Avoidance of effort toward completing tasks
Rapidly shifting attention
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity
Sensory sensitivity (e.g., touch, smell, hearing, taste)
Severe interpersonal problems with friends or family
Difficulty maintaining hygiene
Black and white (extreme) thinking styles
Suicidal thoughts, comments, or behaviors
Of course, there are also many benefits of emotional sensitivity including empathy, creativity, pattern recognition, and strong positive emotions.
These "super sensor" kids need parents who are "super parents"! DBT-C focuses on helping parents become more effective parents which therefore prevents kids from serious adolescent and adult ineffective behavior (e.g., substance use, truancy, interpersonal conflicts, etc.)
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
Individual therapy
Parent coaching
Skills training
Phone consultation (required for parents, optional for kids)
TREATMENT PROGRAM STRUCTURE (30-WEEK)
DBT-C is structured with 90 minute sessions
Pre-commitment to the DBT-C model with parents (Sessions 1-11)
Biosocial model and goals
Orientation and commitment
Change ready environment
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 TRAINING SKILLS CLASS
This class is for parents of children 12 years and under who are currently in the DBT-C program at PBS. DBT-C helps parents/adult caretakers become the agents of change for children who are emotionally reactive and sensitive. The Parent Training Skills Class is an ancillary service to outpatient DBT-C.
Goals of the class
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
Class details
WHEN: Saturdays, 2:30PM - 3:30PM
LOCATION: ZOOM
LEADERS: Joanna Marino, PhD
If you are interested in learning more about Child DBT services, please contact us.