Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of one-on-one or group therapy that teaches people skills to manage their emotions, cope with stress, build healthy relationships, and make better decisions. This approach combines strategies for acceptance and change, helping individuals improve their mental health and overall well-being. Because today’s students ― including those in Cayuga County ― are facing more emotional challenges than ever, Cayuga County has invested in making a universal version of DBT available to school districts in our county.
Called DBT in Schools, this initiative aims to equip educators in our schools and at all grade-levels with tools to teach to students some of the core skills offered by DBT, including emotional regulation, resilience, and relationship-building. Schools that implement the program also have benefit of a DBT expert on-site, to aid with teacher training or additional student support if needed.
Not by coincidence, students can take learned DBT skills with them and into their lives long after their school years. Also worth noting: The introduction of universal DBT skills in Cayuga County’s classrooms can help identify and support students who might benefit from additional support — and may even be helpful in reaching students in need before they are in crisis. (Should such one-on-one support be suggested for any given student, parents will, of course, be informed and play a role.)
What types of skills will be taught in Cayuga County’s “DBT in Schools” program?
What we’ve outlined above is the high-level description of DBT in Schools. Here is more information about some of the specific skills students will acquire when this initiative is implemented in the classroom.
Mindfulness
- Definition: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment — without judgment.
- Why it matters: It helps children and teens become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and surroundings so they can respond calmly rather than react impulsively.
- Example for Parents: Encourage your child to take a few deep breaths before starting homework, or notice what they see, hear, and feel while taking a walk (“I hear birds, I feel the wind, I see green trees”).
Distress Tolerance
- Definition: Distress tolerance skills help individuals get through painful emotions or stressful situations without making things worse.
- Why it matters: These skills teach children and teens how to manage crises without acting out, shutting down, or engaging in unsafe behavior.
- Example for Parents: If your child is upset, help them use a safe distraction (e.g., listen to music, take a cold shower, squeeze a stress ball) until the intensity passes. This is not about solving the problem right away — just getting through the moment safely.
Emotion Regulation
- Definition: Emotion regulation skills teach people how to understand, express, and manage their emotions in healthy ways.
- Why it matters: Kids and teens with strong emotion regulation skills are better able to handle everyday challenges and bounce back from setbacks.
- Example for Parents: Talk with your child about how sleep, food, exercise, and routine affect mood. Help them notice when they’re becoming emotionally overwhelmed and coach them on calming strategies, like journaling, deep breathing, or using positive self-talk.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
- Definition: These skills help individuals communicate clearly, assert their needs, and maintain healthy relationships with others.
- Why it matters: Strong interpersonal skills help kids and teens ask for what they need, say no respectfully, and resolve conflicts without escalating.
- Example for Parents: Model respectful communication at home. If your child feels unheard, help them use “DEAR MAN” (Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear confident, Negotiate) to practice advocating for themselves respectfully.
For more information, visit our DBT in Schools Resources section or Contact us today.