Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for Children and Adolescents
Dr. Amanda Comstock is a psychologist practicing in Naperville, IL. Dr. Comstock specializes in the treatment of health mental problems and helps people to cope with their mental illnesses. As a psychologist, Dr. Comstock evaluates and treats patients through a variety of methods, most typically being psychotherapy or talk... more
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment approach that can be used with children and adolescents who struggle with intense emotions. While it was originally created to treat borderline personality disorder, it is now helpful in treating a variety of different mental health concerns. DBT will help give children and adolescents the skills and techniques they need to manage their emotions and change behaviors to improve their lives.
DBT consists of four modules:
Mindfulness: Being present or living in the moment. Mindfulness allows you to notice what is happening inside and around you.
Emotion Regulation Skills: Coping with difficult situations through creating pleasant, self- soothing experiences. These skills can include eating properly, sleep habits, taking medication and physical activity.
Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills: Will teach individuals how to interact more effectively with others, and allow them to feel more supported.
Distress Tolerance Skills: Help prepare one for intense emotions and empower the child to cope with them with a more positive long-term outlook.
Through these four modules, children and adolescents can learn how to reduce emotional extremes, change problematic thought patterns, and learn coping skills. A large focus of DBT is building a healthy lifestyle and working towards age appropriate self-fulfillment. DBT will help children learn skills to tolerate stressful situations and effectively express their thoughts and feelings.
Parents have the ability to play an essential role in their child’s treatment through learning DBT skills. By doing so, parents can help their child use the skills they learn in therapy and aid them in understanding their emotions at home.
Raising a child is far from easy. Sometimes it can be hard to tell if your child or adolescent needs help or is just going through a phase. As a parent, you do not have to face the challenges of raising a child alone- Dr. Amanda Comstock is ready to help you and your child learn effective coping skills and methods for practicing them at home. To learn more about DBT for your child or adolescent call or email today.
