DBT Skills Coaching Guide (for Parents & Trusted Adults)

Description

The DBT Coaching Guide for Parents & Trusted Adults is a companion workbook to the ArtBeat DBT Skills Practice Through Art series. It gives parents, caregivers, and trusted adults the tools to support a young person who is learning Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills.

This guide covers the same skills and activities found in the kids and youth workbooks. Each section includes coaching notes that explain how to use the skills in everyday situations, how to respond when a young person is struggling, and how to model the skills yourself.

What This Guide Covers

• Core DBT skill areas: 5 Anytime Skills and 4 Calm-Only Skills — presented in plain language for non-clinical readers
• Art-based activities: helpful instructions for each creative exercise so you can participate alongside the young person in your care, followed by reflection questions or challenges to encourage further exploration and skill use… in fun and creative ways.
• Coaching prompts:  No more guessing; explore a behaviour chain and utilize the missing-link questions, validation, and the power of being a partner in problem-solving… not the problem-solver.
• Crisis support guidance: Clear steps for de-escalating emotional intensity and knowing when to seek additional help from your network of support – No person is an island!
• Progress tracking: Simple tools designed to encourage you to notice helpful facts so you can cope ahead effectively, for the tough stuff and the fun stuff – visually track change and acceptance over time

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is written for parents and trusted adults who support children ages 8–15 or youth ages 16–25+. You do not need a clinical background to use it. The language is direct and the instructions are specific.

It works best when used alongside the corresponding youth or child workbook. Both can be purchased separately from the Workbooks section.

Format

This is a digital download. After purchase, you receive a PDF file you can save, print, or view on any device. Your download link will expire in 6 months.