Children and Families
Individual, group and family sessions
A Safe Space for Emotional Growth
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At The Centre, we believe every child deserves to feel understood, confident, and connected.
Some children feel their emotions very deeply — while others try hard to stay in control, sometimes hiding their feelings to keep everything “just right.”
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Our program uses different treatment modalities while specialising in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO-DBT). Our goal is to help children gently learn about their emotions, build coping skills, and feel comfortable being their true selves — all within a caring and supportive environment.
Helping Children and Families Thrive with DBT & RO-DBT
What Is DBT Informed for Kids?
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Children who experience big emotions often struggle to find calm when things feel overwhelming. While DBT was originally created for adults and teens, the treatment is adaptable to teach children how to understand what they’re feeling, handle frustration, and build healthy ways to express themselves.
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DBT teaches practical, kid-friendly skills in four key areas:
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Mindfulness – noticing thoughts, feelings, and actions without judgment
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Emotion Regulation – understanding emotions and learning how to manage them
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Distress Tolerance – coping with challenges in healthy ways
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Interpersonal Effectiveness – communicating clearly and maintaining positive relationships
Our DBT for Kids Program blends skill-building activities, games, and stories with parent sessions to create a shared language of emotional health at home and school.
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What Is RO-DBT Informed for Kids?
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Some children appear calm and well-behaved on the outside but feel anxious, lonely, or overly self-controlled on the inside. We've adapted Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT) skills to help children learn how to relax, take gentle risks, and connect more deeply with others.
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RO-DBT helps children learn to:
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Be more flexible and open to change
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Let go of perfectionism and self-criticism
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Build confidence in expressing emotions
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Form deeper, more joyful social connections
Children learn that it’s okay to make mistakes, to share their feelings, and to show up as they are — not perfectly, but honestly.
We help children move from “I have to be in control” to “I can be myself and still be safe.”
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Supporting the Whole Family
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We know that healing and growth happen best when parents feel supported, too. That’s why we include parent sessions, workshops and family sessions as part of both DBT and RO-DBT programs.
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Together, we’ll explore:
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How to understand and validate your child’s emotions
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Learn the same skills your child is practising
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Gentle ways to respond during difficult moments
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How to model calm, mindful communication at home
You’ll gain tools and language to support your child’s progress — and strengthen your connection as a family.
Who This Program Helps
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Our DBT and RO-DBT programs are especially helpful for children who:
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Feel emotions intensely
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Struggle with perfectionism, anxiety, or fear of making mistakes
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Find it hard to express feelings or connect with others
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Want to feel calmer, more confident, and more flexible
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Want to build stronger relationships with peers and family​
Each child’s journey is unique — we meet them right where they are, at their own pace.
Our Approach
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We combine the structure of evidence-based therapy with the warmth of genuine connection. Children learn not only coping strategies — but also self-compassion, flexibility, and trust in themselves. Our team of psychologists and mental health social workers are trained in DBT and RO-DBT, and we work collaboratively with parents to create lasting, positive change.
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Let’s Begin Together
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If your child is struggling with big feelings, perfectionism, or emotional disconnection, we’re here to help.
Together, we can help them build the tools they need to feel calm, confident, and connected.
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