Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children

(DBT-C)

What is DBT-C

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C) is a specialized, evidence-based treatment designed for children ages 7 – 12 who experience intense emotions and may struggle with impulsive behaviors or frequent outbursts. Often described as "supersensers," these children have emotional reactions that are easily triggered, strong, and long-lasting.

These ‘big feelings’ can be confusing and frustrating for parents, frequently leading to conflicts and meltdowns. If you’re at a loss about how to best help your child. DBT-C can help. You’ll gain a greater understanding of your child’s emotions and tools to more effectively respond to them.

How DBT-C Helps

DBT-C is a comprehensive treatment that was developed specifically for kids with significant emotional and behavioral dysregulation. The goal is to improve the parent-child relationship, enhance your child’s quality of life, and reduce the risk of future psychological problems. The primary concepts of DBT include:

Acceptance – Parents learn strategies to validate their child’s feelings as they are
Change – Your child learns practical skills to manage their big feelings more effectively

What the Program Includes

1. Parent Training

We understand that parents are the primary “coaches’ for their child. In parent training you’ll learn emotion regulation skills for yourself, how to validate your child’s feelings, and effective behavior management techniques that lead to a more supportive, “change-ready” home environment.

2. Family Skills Training

Parents and children also learn skills together. Your therapist will teach skills in a way that is developmentally appropriate for your child and tailored to their learning style. Through weekly skills practice, you’ll all learn practical skills to incorporate into daily life.

Core skills include:

Mindfulness –How to pay attention to thoughts, feelings, and body sensations in the present moment without judgment
Distress Tolerance – Crisis survival tools to help kids get through "big feelings" without making a situation worse.
Emotion Regulation – Strategies to recognize and name emotions, understand triggers, and develop healthier ways to respond
Interpersonal Effectiveness – Building skills to improve communication, develop and maintain relationships, navigate conflict with friends and family, and get your needs met.

3. Individual Therapy

Your child also meets one-on-one with their therapist to:

Practice using skills in everyday problems
Work through their own specific challenges
Build problem-solving and goal-setting skills
Understand behavior patterns and triggers

4. Phone Coaching

Between sessions, parents can reach out to their DBT-C clinician for support in the moment. This helps parents coach their child to use the skills they’ve learned during real-life challenges.

What Families Can Expect

Research shows that DBT-C can lead to significant long-term improvements for both children and their families:

Fewer explosive outbursts and aggressive behaviors
Improved communication and less conflict at home
Greater emotional awareness, resilience, and self-control
A stronger, more connected parent-child relationship

DBT-C at The Ross Center

The Ross Center’s multidisciplinary team brings deep training in DBT, child development, and family systems. Our clinicians work collaboratively, ensuring care is coordinated across therapy, psychiatry, and any needed medication management.

DBT-C at The Ross Center isn’t just therapy for your child, it’s whole-family skill building that strengthens connection, enhances emotional understanding, and supports success at home, school, and beyond.

Helping your child thrive emotionally begins with supports that work for the entire family. DBT-C at The Ross Center offers practical tools, expert guidance, and a compassionate, coordinated approach to care.

For more information about DBT-C, please contact us at vainfo@rosscenter.com or call 703-687-6610.