How DBT Helps Children with Anxiety Cope and Thrive
When children struggle with anxiety, it can impact their sleep, relationships, school experience, and overall well-being. As a parent or caregiver, it’s natural to feel unsure how to help. Fortunately, anxiety therapy for children offers evidence-based support and one highly effective approach is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
DBT for children helps kids understand their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and build confidence. It’s more than just talk; it’s about skills your child can use when they feel overwhelmed.
What is DBT in Anxiety Therapy for Children?
Originally created for adults, DBT has been adapted for young people to help them manage strong emotions and improve their mental health. In the context of child anxiety therapy, DBT teaches age-appropriate strategies in a fun, structured, and interactive way.
Through play, stories, visuals, and caregiver involvement, children learn how to recognize and respond to their emotions in healthier ways.
The Four Core DBT Skills: Adapted For Kids With Anxiety
Mindfulness for Kids with Anxiety
Mindfulness helps children tune in to their thoughts and body sensations without judgment. This core skill is especially helpful when kids are caught in worry spirals. For example, your child learns to take three deep breaths and notice sounds around them, to ground themselves during a panic moment.
Distress Tolerance
When children feel overwhelmed, whether it's a test at school or separation anxiety, distress tolerance skills help them handle the moment without shutting down or lashing out. For example, your child uses a calm-down kit or grounding exercise to ride out anxious feelings safely.
Emotional Regulation for Kids
Kids with anxiety often experience big emotions that are hard to manage. DBT teaches them how to name their feelings, understand what triggers them, and use strategies to feel more balanced. For example, your child practices saying, “I feel nervous,” and uses movement or breathing to calm their body.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Anxiety can impact a child’s ability to speak up, ask for help, or set boundaries. This skill helps kids improve communication, increase confidence, and feel heard. For example, your child practices how to ask for a break in class when feeling overwhelmed.
Why Parents Choose DBT For Children
Anxiety therapy for children works best when it’s structured, engaging, and involves the family. DBT’s strength lies in its practical tools and collaborative approach. With support from therapists and caregivers, kids can build emotional strength that lasts a lifetime.
Healing Voices Psychotherapy specializes in therapy for child anxiety, offering DBT informed care that supports both the child and their family. Our therapists create a safe, playful space where your child can grow more confident, connected, and calm.
Looking For Support?
If your child is struggling with anxiety, anxiety therapy for children can make a real difference. We’re here to help you find the right tools and support, to help your child thrive.
Book a free 15-minute consultation today and learn more about coping skills for anxious kids, how DBT can help, and what the path to healing looks like.
