Is DBT-C Right for Your Child?
Does your child go from calm to a meltdown in what feels like seconds? Do you find yourself avoiding certain situations just to prevent an outburst? You’re not alone. Help is available.
Many parents feel lost when their child’s emotions seem bigger than anything they’ve experienced before. Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children, or DBT-C, is a proven therapy approach that helps children manage overwhelming, and intense feelings. At Milestone Counseling, we guide both children and parents through this process, creating calmer homes and stronger relationships.
What is DBT-C?
DBT-C stands for Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children. It’s designed specifically for children who have intense emotional reactions and parents who feel unsure how to help.
Milestone therapist Kellie Bradley explains it this way: “These are the children who feel everything more deeply. They are ‘super sensors.’ Sometimes, what works for other kids just doesn’t work for them, and that’s okay.”
DBT-C helps children who experience:
- Meltdowns that seem much bigger than the situation
- Extreme sadness, perhaps saying, “I’m not good enough.”
- Unsafe behavior, like hurting themselves or others
- Struggles related to ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, or mood disorders
If this sounds familiar, DBT-C could be the right path for your family.
How DBT-C Works at Milestone Counseling
At Milestone Counseling, DBT-C isn’t just about helping the child; it’s about helping the whole family. Parents are taught first to learn skills to respond calmly and effectively. Once parents feel confident, children are brought into sessions to develop coping skills.
Step 1: Parent Coaching
Parents learn core DBT skills before their child starts sessions. This way, parents understand how to coach and support their child at home.
Step 2: Skills Training for the Child
Children then join therapy to learn important life skills like:
- Mindfulness – awareness of thoughts, emotions & behavior responses
- Emotion regulation – handling feelings without melting down
- Distress tolerance – managing challenging moments without acting out
- Interpersonal effectiveness – building healthier relationships
Step 3: Core Problem Analysis
Therapists use a specialized tool called “core problem analysis” to understand your child’s most significant emotional struggles. This includes their feelings about:
- Self-love – feeling worthy and good enough
- Safety – feeling able to handle emotions and stay safe
- Belonging – feeling connected to others
Step 4: Ongoing Support
Our team continues working with parents and children, offering guidance as everyone practices new skills. Over time, families notice fewer outbursts, stronger communication, and more peace at home.
Real-Life Examples of DBT-C in Action
What does this look like in real life? Here are a few examples:
Example 1: Managing Meltdowns
Before DBT-C: Your child melts down when video game time ends. You end up yelling, and it becomes a shouting match.
After DBT-C: You calmly validate your child’s frustration, use coping tools, and avoid the power struggle. The meltdown is shorter, or doesn’t happen at all.
Example 2: Handling Negative Self-Talk
Before DBT-C: Your child says, “No one likes me,” and you feel helpless.
After DBT-C: You guide your child through healthy thinking patterns. Their confidence grows, and those negative thoughts appear less often.
Example 3: Calmer Family Dinners
Before DBT-C: Every dinner turns into a stressful argument.
After DBT-C: You use DBT strategies to validate feelings and set clear, calm boundaries. Mealtimes feel more enjoyable again.
Why Choose Milestone Counseling?
DBT-C is a specialized therapy, and not every counseling practice offers it. At Milestone Counseling, we combine evidence-based DBT-C therapy with a warm, relational approach. We work closely with both parents and children to create lasting change.
- In-person and telehealth options are available
- Experienced, supportive therapists
- A focus on practical tools, not just talk
Kellie Bradley says, “Parents are their child’s best coach. We teach you how to respond, so your child feels understood and you feel confident again.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need a diagnosis to start DBT-C?
No formal diagnosis is required. If your child’s emotions feel unmanageable and other approaches haven’t been effective, DBT-C may be helpful..
Is DBT-C just for extreme cases?
Not at all. Many families use DBT-C before things reach a crisis point and find it helps prevent bigger issues later.
How long does DBT-C take?
Every family is different, but DBT-C typically involves weekly sessions over several months. Many parents see positive changes early in the process.
Take the Next Step
You don’t have to keep feeling stuck. If your child’s emotions are running the household, DBT-C can help your family regain calm and connection.
Start with an assessment at Milestone Counseling. Our friendly team will help you figure out if DBT-C is the right fit for your child and family.
Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.