Does your young child get angry easily over small things? Or does he cry a lot when he feels sad? Have you ever felt like they have a hard time controlling their emotions? This can be a very difficult experience for them and for you. So today we are going to talk about a special type of therapy that can help at times like this. It is `(Dialectical Behavior Therapy)` or `(DBT)`.
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Simply put, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specialized counseling method that helps young children deal with and manage their difficult emotions, as well as improve their relationships with others. It is a type of behavior-focused therapy. This means that the child's behavior and thinking patterns are changed, and the child is taught the skills needed to cope with difficult situations and problems in life.
Think about it, our lives are like a roller coaster. We go up and down at times. We have to live with the many emotions that come with these ups and downs. These skills that we get from `(DBT)` are like weapons in our hands. These skills help us to deal with the challenges and pains that come in life, and not get lost in those emotions.
The word "dialectic" means to create a balance between two seemingly contradictory things. In this therapy, those two things are "Acceptance" and "Change." That is, while helping the child understand and accept his feelings and experiences, he also helps him make the changes necessary to get out of that situation and live a better, happier life. These two things go hand in hand.
What actually happens with `(DBT)`? What are the main skills the child gains?
DBT therapy doesn't work the same for everyone, because every child is different. But in general, this therapy focuses on developing four key skills. Let's take a look at what they are.
1. Mindfulness
This is very important. Mindfulness means paying full attention to what you are doing in the moment, to the thoughts that come to your mind, to the feelings that you are having. It means, without judging, "Oh, I feel this way, this is not good," but observing it as "Oh... I am feeling this way now, I am having this thought." It's like looking at yourself from the outside. This helps you to control your feelings and thoughts, rather than getting lost in them.
For example, imagine that your child suddenly becomes very angry. When you practice mindfulness, instead of running away from that anger, you can observe things like, "I'm angry right now, my heart is beating fast, my hands are shaking." This helps you control your immediate response to that emotion.
2. Emotion Regulation
Our young children can sometimes feel very strong emotions like sadness, anger, and fear. At that time, they are unable to control them. ``Emotion Regulation`` means teaching them to understand what these difficult emotions are, respond to them appropriately, reduce their intensity, and increase positive emotions when they arise.
In this, the child learns:
- Identify exactly how you feel.
- Understand what caused those feelings.
- Ways to reduce the impact of negative emotions.
- How to add positive experiences to your life.
When this skill is developed, the child is able to control their emotions instead of playing with them.
3. Distress Tolerance
Life is not always a beautiful path. Sometimes there are unimaginably difficult and painful periods. ``Distress Tolerance`` means giving the child the strength and methods needed to endure such difficult and stressful times, to get through them without breaking down and making the situation worse.
This is like a safe place to stay when a storm comes, until it passes. Through these skills, the child learns:
- Ways to instantly calm your mind.
- Distract yourself during difficult times.
- Self-Soothing Methods.
- Accept the current situation for the moment.
This is not to say that you shouldn't look for a solution to the problem. But sometimes, when there is no immediate solution, it is very important to bear that pressure.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness
As humans, we do not live alone. We constantly have to deal with other people. The skill ``Interpersonal Effectiveness`` teaches us how to maintain healthy relationships with others, how to present our needs and ideas clearly and firmly without being aggressive or demeaning (Assertiveness), and how to resolve conflicts intelligently when they arise.
In this, the child learns:
- How to ask for what you want.
- How to say "no" to unnecessary requests.
- Express your own opinions while respecting the opinions of others.
- Protect your boundaries in relationships.
When these skills are developed, the child will be able to have much more successful relationships with friends, family, and teachers.
Here are the four main skills a child gains through DBT:
- Mindfulness: Accepting what is happening in the moment, the thoughts that come to mind, and the feelings that you feel, as they are, without judgment.
- Emotion Regulation: Understanding and responding appropriately to difficult emotions.
- Distress Tolerance: Learning to cope with intense stress without breaking down.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Developing skills to ask for what you want clearly, maintain good relationships, and resolve conflicts.
Who does DBT therapy help?
DBT therapy is specifically designed to help young children who struggle with intense emotions, have difficulty controlling their emotions, have thoughts of self-harm, or engage in other risky behaviors.
Two of the core concepts of DBT are to provide support and validation to the child, and to teach the skills to make the changes needed to live a happy, healthy life. That is, while accepting the child, saying, "I understand that you feel this way, it's normal," we guide them by saying, "But let's do these things to get out of this situation."
How is DBT therapy delivered?
DBT skills are taught in several main ways:
- Individual Therapy Sessions: Here, the child and the therapist talk alone, focusing on the child's personal issues and feelings, and helping them apply DBT skills to everyday life.
- Multifamily Group Therapy Sessions: This is where a group of children and their parents or guardians come together. Everyone learns DBT skills together and learns from each other's experiences. This can be done either in a virtual setting or in person.
- Phone Coaching: If a child or parent experiences a difficult time between counseling sessions, they can call the therapist and receive help and guidance on how to use DBT skills at that time.
All of these skills are taught to be used in everyday life. As children gradually practice these skills, they will gain better control over their emotions, improve their relationships with others, and develop a more positive attitude toward life.
How do I find DBT therapy for my young child?
If your child is struggling with strong emotions and you think they are under a lot of stress, talk to your family doctor first. He or she can refer you to a qualified behavioral health provider who is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). You can also ask about these services through psychiatrists and psychologists.
It may take a bit of searching to find places that offer DBT in Sri Lanka, but if you try, you won't be unable to find one. Some private hospitals and counseling centers may have these facilities.
The most important thing to remember (Take-Home Message)
Teaching your young child to be mindful, manage their emotions, cope with life's challenges, and get along well with others will go a long way in making a positive difference in their life and helping them become a more balanced, happy person.
DBT is not magic. It takes time, dedication, and support from your child. But the results are worth it. Your child will learn skills that will last a lifetime. So, don't give up hope. Get the help you need.
Remember, you are not alone. Your child is not the only one facing these challenges. With the right guidance and support, you can overcome any difficult situation.
` Youth, Emotions, Mental Health, DBT, Counseling, Behavioral Therapy, Sri Lanka
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න