Creative Play-Based DBT Activities for Children and Their Caregivers

DBT is an evidence-based intervention for teenagers and adults with mental health diagnoses, focusing on mindfulness, interpersonal relationships, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation. This workbook will translate DBT principles through play therapy-informed activities for children and their parents, helping them manage their emotions and strengthen their relationships. Play therapy techniques will be combined with DBT techniques to allow children to process their internal conflicts and better understand their world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 140 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Children experience a wide range of emotions, which can sometimes create challenges in various aspects of their lives, such as school, home, and social interactions. These intense emotions can hinder their relationships with others and affect their overall well-being. Fortunately, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) has been proven to be an effective intervention for teenagers and adults with various mental health diagnoses. DBT focuses on mindfulness, interpersonal relationships, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation, which are essential skills for managing emotions and improving communication.

This helpful workbook is designed to translate DBT principles through play therapy-informed activities for children and their parents. Play is a natural and enjoyable way for children to learn and develop, and incorporating DBT techniques into play therapy can be highly effective in helping children manage their emotions and build strong relationships.

Therapy Room Activities:

Mindfulness Exercises: These exercises help children become aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the present moment. They can practice mindfulness through breathing exercises, body scans, and other mindfulness activities.

Interpersonal Reflective Skills: Children learn to reflect on their interactions with others and identify positive and negative patterns of behavior. They can practice these skills through role-playing exercises and games that encourage communication and empathy.

Emotional Regulation Skills: Children learn to identify and regulate their emotions, including managing anger, sadness, and anxiety. They can practice these skills through relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, as well as through expressive activities such as art therapy and storytelling.

Distress Tolerance Skills: Children learn to tolerate difficult situations and manage their stress response. They can practice these skills through problem-solving exercises and exposure therapy, which involve gradually exposing themselves to situations that evoke anxiety or distress.

Play Therapy Techniques:

Symbolic Play: Children use toys, dolls, and other symbolic objects to express their emotions and experiences. Symbolic play can help them understand and process their feelings in a safe and non-threatening way.

Role-Playing: Children can role-play different situations and roles to practice social skills, communication, and problem-solving. Role-playing can also help them develop empathy and understanding for others.

Creative Expression: Children can express their emotions through art, music, and other creative activities. These activities can be a powerful tool for self-expression and can help children release pent-up emotions.

Imaginary Play: Children can engage in imaginative play, such as pretending to be a superhero or going on a magical adventure, to explore their thoughts and feelings and develop a sense of control over their lives.

Parental Support:

Encouraging Open Communication: Parents can encourage their children to express their emotions and feelings openly and honestly. They can create a safe and supportive environment where children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns.

Providing Consistent Support: Parents can provide consistent support and reinforcement for their children's emotional regulation skills. They can praise their children when they demonstrate effective emotional management and provide encouragement when they face challenging situations.

Collaborating with the Therapist: Parents can collaborate with the therapist to develop a treatment plan that includes activities and techniques for use at home and in the therapy room. This can help ensure that the child receives consistent support and guidance throughout their treatment.

Conclusion:

Children experience a wide range of emotions, which can sometimes be challenging to manage. DBT and play therapy provide powerful tools for helping children develop emotional regulation skills, build strong relationships, and cope with difficult situations. By incorporating mindfulness, interpersonal reflective skills, emotional regulation skills, distress tolerance skills, and play therapy techniques, children can learn to manage their emotions and improve their overall well-being.

This workbook is designed to be a resource for parents and therapists working with children who are experiencing emotional difficulties. It provides a step-by-step guide to implementing DBT and play therapy activities and techniques in the therapy room and at home. With consistent practice and support, children can develop the skills they need to navigate their emotions and build healthy relationships with others.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 224 x 290 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538138663