Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Children (DBT-C)
Big emotions. Big behaviors. Real Support.
Families often come to DBT-C feeling exhausted, discouraged, or worried about their child’s future.
Many have tried traditional therapy, parenting strategies, or school interventions without lasting change.
What is DBT-C?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children, or DBT-C, is an evidence-based treatment designed for children who experience intense emotions and behaviors that feel overwhelming for both the child and the adults who care for them.
At Atlanta Counseling Collective, DBT-C is one of our specialty offerings for children and families who have tried other approaches and still feel stuck.
DBT-C recognizes that children do well when they can. When they cannot, it is usually because they are missing skills, supports, or a regulating environment, not because they are choosing to be difficult.
Who DBT-C is for
DBT-C is typically appropriate for children ages 6 to 12 who may be experiencing:
Frequent emotional outbursts or meltdowns
Intense anger, irritability, or mood swings
Aggression toward caregivers, siblings, or peers
Difficulty calming down once upset
High emotional sensitivity and reactivity
Co-occurring anxiety, ADHD, trauma history, or neurodivergence
Disorders of Emotion Emotion Regulation, including:
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): Characterized by a persistent pattern of angry, irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior, and vindictiveness.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD): Marked by severe and recurrent temper outbursts that are disproportionate to the situation, alongside a generally irritable or angry mood
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED): Involves sudden, aggressive outbursts that are out of proportion to any provocation or stressor.
DBT-C is also effective for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who may exhibit similar emotional and behavioral challenges. The therapy helps these children learn to regulate their emotions, improve their social skills, and reduce impulsive behaviors.
How DBT-C works
DBT-C is a structured, skills-based treatment that supports both the child and their caregivers. Unlike therapies that focus only on the child, DBT-C treats the family system as a whole.
Treatment typically includes:
Individual therapy with the child, focused on emotion regulation, coping skills, and building a sense of mastery
Caregiver sessions that teach practical, usable skills for responding to big emotions and behaviors
Coaching and support to help caregivers apply skills consistently at home
A strong emphasis on validation paired with clear expectations and boundaries
The goal is not to eliminate emotions, but to help children experience emotions safely while learning more effective ways to cope and communicate.
What makes DBT-C different
DBT-C balances two things that often feel at odds for parents:
Deep validation for a child’s emotional experience
Clear structure, limits, and accountability
This approach helps children feel understood while also learning that emotions do not get to run the household.
Caregivers are not blamed in DBT-C. Instead, they are treated as essential partners in change and are given concrete tools that actually work in real life, not just in theory.
Our approach at Atlanta Counseling Collective
Our clinicians have extensive experience working with children who experience emotion dysregulation and complex behavioral presentations. We are not afraid of big feelings or big behaviors.
Our Clinical Director, Ashlyn Ellington, was in one of the first cohort of clinicians to train directly under Dr. Francheska Perepletchikova, creator of DBT-C, in New York City in 2018. Our clinicians offering DBT-C have completed the same DBT-C training still offered by Dr. P.
Our DBT-C work is grounded in:
Strong training in DBT and DBT-C models
Developmentally appropriate, relationship-based care
Trauma-informed and attachment-focused principles
Collaboration with schools, psychiatrists, and other providers when appropriate
We tailor DBT-C treatment to each family’s needs while staying true to the core model.
What families often notice
Families who engage in DBT-C often report:
Fewer and less intense emotional explosions
Improved parent-child relationships
Increased confidence in managing challenging moments
Better communication and problem-solving at home
A calmer, more predictable family environment
Progress takes time, but meaningful change is possible.
Getting started
We believe in being thoughtful and honest about recommendations.
If DBT-C is appropriate, we will work with you to create a clear plan and support you every step of the way.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact Atlanta Counseling Collective or request an appointment through our website.