The following blog was developed based off content produced by Brooke Shafer, LCPC/LPC.
If your child is struggling with intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, or high-conflict relationships, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) may be a strong fit. Your child may benefit from DBT, especially when behaviors feel overwhelming, unpredictable, or difficult to manage at home or school.
In Maryland and Washington, DC, many families turn to DBT when traditional approaches haven’t been enough.
What Is DBT and How Does It Work?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that helps children, teens, and families build skills to manage emotions, improve relationships, and reduce risky behaviors. Originally developed by Marsha Linehan, DBT combines acceptance strategies with practical tools for change.
DBT focuses on five core skill areas:
- Mindfulness (staying present)
- Emotion Regulation (understanding and managing feelings)
- Distress Tolerance (coping with crises safely)
- Interpersonal Effectiveness (healthy communication)
- Walking the Middle Path (balancing acceptance and change, especially in families)
Research from organizations like the American Psychological Association supports DBT as an effective treatment for emotional dysregulation and high-risk behaviors.
What Symptoms Are a Good Fit for DBT?
DBT is often recommended when a child or teen shows patterns like:
- Self-harming behaviors or suicidal thoughts
- Frequent emotional outbursts that escalate quickly
- Aggression toward people or property
- High-conflict relationships with parents, siblings, or peers
- Excessive crying, yelling, or cursing
- Difficulty with impulse control
If these behaviors feel intense, unpredictable, or hard to manage, DBT provides structured tools for both the child and caregivers.
What Type of DBT Is Best for My Child in DC or Maryland?
Choosing the right DBT program depends on your child’s age, needs, and willingness to participate. At Counseling Center Group (CCG), services in Maryland and Washington, DC are tailored to meet families where they are.
DBT-C (DBT for Children, Ages ~6–13)
DBT-C is ideal for younger children or when a child is not yet ready to fully engage in therapy.
DBT-C begins with 6-8 weeks of parent coaching. If the child poses safety concerns (self-harm, aggression, etc.), the child will join sessions earlier than 6-8 weeks.
The structure of DBT-C is simple and ongoing, including individual therapy for the child, parent coaching sessions, and family-based DBT skills training.
The focus of DBT-C sessions is teaching parents how to respond effectively to their child’s behavior. Sessions are family-centered, meaning the whole family benefits (not just the child). DBT-C works to strengthen communication and validation, helping children learn emotion regulation and problem-solving.
Comprehensive DBT for Middle Schoolers (Grades 5–8)
Comprehensive DBT for middle schoolers is for children who can actively participate in therapy and group learning.
You can expect the structure to look like:
- Weekly individual therapy
- Weekly DBT skills group (multifamily)
- 6-month program with rolling entry points
Additional support includes:
- Phone coaching for the child
- Optional parent coaching for skill reinforcement
Comprehensive DBT for High Schoolers (Grades 9–12)
Comprehensive DBT for high schoolers is designed for teens managing more complex emotional and behavioral challenges.
DBT for high schoolers is similar to DBT for middle schoolers in that there is a weekly individual DBT therapy session. In addition, you can expect a weekly skills group and a parent skills group (recommended).
The focus of DBT for high schoolers is building independence with coping skills. Furthermore, the goal is to reduce high-risk behaviors and improve family communication.
What Happens in DBT Skills Groups?
DBT groups are skills-based, not process-based, meaning participants actively learn and practice tools rather than focusing only on discussion.
Some topics discussed in skills groups are:
- Mindfulness
- Emotion regulation
- Distress tolerance
- Interpersonal effectiveness
- Walking the middle path
Important: High-risk behaviors (like self-harm or substance use) are addressed in individual therapy—not group—for safety and support.
Parents play a key role by practicing coaching skills at home, managing their own emotional responses, and reducing unintentional reinforcement of problem behaviors.
Can My Child Join a Group Only?
Yes! Group-only enrollment is sometimes possible, with or without an outside therapist. A consultation helps determine the best fit and ensures coordinated care across providers.
Who Does DBT Help Most?
DBT is especially helpful for children and teens who:
- Feel emotions very intensely
- Struggle to calm down once upset
- Have difficulty maintaining relationships
- Engage in impulsive or risky behaviors
It’s also highly effective for families who want clear tools, structure, and guidance—not just insight.
Local DBT Support in Maryland & Washington, DC
At Counseling Center Group, DBT services are available across Maryland and Washington, DC, with flexible program options to fit your family’s needs. Whether you’re in Bethesda, Annapolis, or Washington, DC, our team works to match your child with the right level of care.
Key Takeaways
- DBT helps children and teens manage intense emotions and behaviors
- It’s especially effective for impulsivity, conflict, and emotional outbursts
- Programs vary by age: DBT-C (younger children), middle school, and high school tracks
- Parent involvement is a critical part of success
- Services are available locally in Maryland and Washington, DC
FAQs
Start With a Consultation
About the Author
Brooke Shafer, LCPC/LPC
Winner of the Best of Bethesda in Child and Adolescent Counseling for 2024 Brooke has previously worked in Elementary and Middle Schools and in mental health crisis situations, specializing in ...
