DBT IRL: Introduction To The 4 Core Modules of DBT For Children

What happens when students are expected to manage emotions they were never taught how to understand?

In this video, we break down the four core modules of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and explain how each one supports real-world emotional regulation, decision-making, and relationship skills for students.

This is a foundational overview designed for educators, school counselors, mental health professionals, and parents who want to understand what DBT actually teaches—and why these skills matter in schools.

In this video, you’ll learn:

• What DBT is (and what it isn’t)
• The purpose of the 4 core DBT modules
• How these skills work together rather than in isolation
• Why teaching skills proactively changes student outcomes

The 4 Core DBT Modules Explained:

🧠 Mindfulness – Building awareness so students can notice what’s happening before reacting
❤️ Emotion Regulation – Understanding emotions and learning how to work with them, not suppress them
🔥 Distress Tolerance – Managing crises and intense emotions without making things worse
🤝 Interpersonal Effectiveness – Navigating relationships, boundaries, and communication skillfully

DBT skills don’t remove emotions.
They change how students respond when emotions show up.

This video is part of our DBT IRL series, where we translate DBT concepts into practical, school-based applications that actually work in classrooms.

Ready to go deeper?

Explore DBT STEPS-A and DBT STEPS-E trainings, classroom tools, and educator supports:
👉 Visit the link in our bio / description

If you work with students and want tools that support emotional regulation, resilience, and skillful behavior or you're navigating parenthood, this series is for you.

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