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Child Mind Institute Education Resources to Help Our Kids Thrive

Child Mind Institute Education Resources to Help Our Kids Thrive

How DBT Helps Kids Manage Emotions

Many forms of therapy for children and adolescents are effective because they are customized for one particular disorder. But the powerhouse therapy called DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) is different. It treats a problem that underlies many different diagnoses: overwhelming emotions. In a DBT program you will find kids with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, personality disorders, and behavior disorders — all diagnoses that, at their root, involve emotional dysregulation and self-destructive ways of coping with powerful feelings.

This week we take a closer look at DBT, which has become a go-to treatment for kids who need more intense support than traditional weekly sessions. DBT involves individual therapy, group skills training, and 24/7 phone coaching from a therapist to help kids handle difficult situations in real time. And this week we’re also sharing strategies parents can use to help kids calm overwhelming feelings, and what you should know if you’re considering antipsychotic medication for extreme emotional dysregulation.

— Caroline Miller, Editorial Director

 

DBT: What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

 

DBT: What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

A treatment for kids with serious trouble managing emotions.

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What Is Co-Regulation?

 

What Is Co-Regulation?

Helping children regulate their emotions requires managing your own.

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How to Help Children Calm Down

 

How to Help Children Calm Down

Techniques for helping kids regulate their emotions and avoid explosive behavior.

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Treatment for Depression

 

Treatment for Depression

What parents need to know about therapy, medication, and finding a good clinician.

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DMDD: Extreme Tantrums and Irritability

 

DMDD: Extreme Tantrums and Irritability

Kids with DMDD act out because they can't manage big emotions.

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Children and Antipsychotic Medications

 

Children and Antipsychotic Medications

How these powerful medications are used to treat kids with problem behaviors.

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More From the Child Mind Institute

Mental Health Resources for Medical Providers
Brochures to provide parents with quick information about common children’s mental health challenges.

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Early Childhood Evaluations

For children age 3 and under struggling with speech, sensory, social or emotional developmental challenges, a psychologist and a speech-language pathologist will work together to assess all aspects of early development.

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Children’s Friendship Training

Social skills program for elementary school children who experience difficulties making or keeping friends.

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Emotion Detectives Group

A supportive and fun group environment to teach children emotional awareness and practical strategies for coping with uncomfortable feelings.

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Social Anxiety Groups – New York and San Mateo

Group program designed to help children and adolescents build skills to manage anxiety and practice with peer support.

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Mental Health Workshops for Parents and Educators

The Child Mind Institute’s expert clinical staff is available for presentations and workshops to support mental health and learning needs. Our school talks provide actionable strategies for parents, caregivers, and educators from preschool to 12th grade.

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Ve nuestros recursos en español

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