DBT Therapy for Children (ages 7-10) and Parents

Navigating the intense emotions of childhood can be challenging. Our Child DBT Individual Therapy and Parenting Group Skills is designed to help children ages 7 to 10 and their parents grow and thrive.

Understanding The World of a Child

A child’s relationship with their environment, and the responses they receive, play a crucial role in shaping their sense of self. Simple statements, such as “You are good” or “You are bad,” can profoundly impact a child’s self-worth, leading them to tie their successes and failures directly to their sense of self. This can create a cycle of emotional vulnerability and difficulty in navigating life’s challenges.

Our specialized DBT Therapy for Children focuses on helping parents of children (7-10) to create a consistently validating environment. This approach not only addresses current behavioral concerns but also serves as a preventive measure, providing your family with a shared language and skill set for the future.

What is Child DBT (DBT-C)?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C) is an adaptation of the standard DBT model, specifically designed to meet the cognitive and developmental needs of children. The program focuses on teaching skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

A key element of DBT-C is the significant involvement of parents. By learning the same skills as their children, parents are better equipped to support their child’s emotional growth and create a validating home environment. This collaborative approach has shown promising results in improving emotional and behavioral functioning in children.

Is Child DBT Right for Your Family?

This group is designed for children aged 7-10 and their parents who may be exhibiting behaviors such as:

Intense tantrums and emotional outbursts
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Verbal or physical aggression
Impulsive behaviors like stealing or lying
Extreme difficulty managing their emotions

DBT for Children Details and Structure

DBT for Children is a two-part program:

One-on-one in-person therapy for the child aged 7-10.
During these therapy sessions, your child will learn key behavioral skills.
A weekly online group skills class for parents.
These groups will empower you with the skills and strategies to create a more validating environment for your child and teach them essential DBT skills.

One-on-One Child Therapy

Led by: Alex Cloyd (LCSW), Senior Clinician. Alex is very experienced in working with children and helping them grow.

When: Your child will meet with Alex in person for 60-minute sessions
Where: 4601 Spicewood Springs Rd, Bldg III, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759
Focus: Your child will learn age-appropriate behavioral skills such as mindfulness, how to manage their emotions, and how to improve their communication
Cost: $210 per session

Online Group Therapy

Led by: Chelsea Cohen (LPC-S), Executive Associate Clinical Director

When: 12-Week Group, meeting Thursdays, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (Virtual)
Where: Online
Focus: The group sessions will focus on parental skills for consistently addressing children’s responses and fostering a validating home environment. The child will not be present in the group sessions.
Cost: $70 per week for one parent, $120 per week for both parents.
Note: Your child must be enrolled in individual therapy to participate in DBT-C group skills.

The Initial Assessment Process

To ensure this program is the right fit for your family, we have a two-step assessment process:

Virtual 90-minute intake with parents only: $210
In-person 50-minute follow-up with parents and child: $210

In Addition: In-Person Parent Skills Class

We also offer a 12-week parent skills class led by Marcy Musgrave. This group is ideal for parents of children aged 7-17, particularly those who may already be attending our DBT adolescent groups.

When: Monday evenings, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (in-person)
Initial Asssessment: A 90-minute initial assessment session is required ($180).

Cost: $70 per week for one parent, $120 per week for both parents.

Begin Your Family's Journey Today

Ready to create a more peaceful home? Contact our intake team to register your interest and learn how DBT-C can support your family.