A lot has changed in our lives since coronavirus! The majority of therapists have gone from seeing most of their clients in person to being thrown into teletherapy– seeing clients online. Because of this quick shift, I wanted to reach out to other therapists and offer a free DBT training specifically for the child population, ages 6-12.
This young population can be challenging to work with online and DBT, or dialectical behavior therapy, handouts and worksheets ease the process for therapists. DBT-C (DBT for children) skills are an effective treatment for new or experienced therapists. Therapists can learn the skills, and use the handouts and worksheets in sessions with children and caregivers.
The handouts assist the therapist in teaching the skills, and in DBT this is referred to as skill acquisition. The worksheets are then implemented in session to practice (skill strengthening) followed by using the worksheets for homework (skill generalization). For the child population it is essential that caregivers (parents, foster parents, residential treatment center staff, school counselors, and so on) work alongside the child as they learn and practice the skills.
The webinar has three, one hour videos. In the webinar, participants will learn DBT-C concepts and skills that they can use in their in person or teletherapy practice. The concepts and skills therapists will learn include: the 4 modules of DBT, biosocial theory, the WHAT and HOW mindfulness skills, validation for caregivers, TIP skills, DEAR skills, dialectics for caregivers, STOP skills, and the repair skill. All of the handouts and worksheets are from my newly released book, DBT Therapeutic Activity Ideas for Kids and Caregivers, which has approximately 70 DBT handouts and worksheets for the child population and their caregivers.
In each training, therapists will learn one concept and two DBT-C skills. The structure of each training will be similar to a DBT skills group, and will consist of a mindfulness practice, homework review, learning and practicing a new DBT-C skill, and a homework assignment for the week.
As you prepare to watch the videos, first download the DBT handouts and worksheets. Then, watch the videos to understand each skill and it’s use. Next, practice explaining the skill out loud to yourself or grab another clinician to practice together. Then, the best way to generalize the skills is to implement them in your next sessions with kids and caregivers! I hope you find them helpful in your in person or online sessions!
Let’s help each other; share the webinar with your colleagues!
Stay safe and healthy!
Carol
carollozierlcsw.com 