DBT Skills Group for Children & Youth
Emotion Commotion is a playful DBT-based group for children and youth who experience big emotions, anxiety, or overwhelming feelings. This page outlines the module structure, skills taught, dates, cost, and registration details.
Practical DBT-based skills for big emotions
Emotion Commotion is designed for children and youth who experience big emotions, anxiety, or overwhelming feelings. The group uses interactive activities, games, and supportive discussion to help participants learn practical coping skills and better understand themselves.
Families can register for one module or all three modules, depending on their goals and availability.
Three connected modules
Each module focuses on a different skill area, from understanding emotions to coping with distress and building healthier relationships.
Understand Themself
September 29 – October 20, 2026
Emotional regulation, mindfulness, understanding emotions, and the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Manage Big Emotions
January 26 – February 16, 2027
Triggers, distress tolerance, coping tools, and choosing appropriate strategies during stressful moments.
Build Healthy Relationships
April 6 – April 27, 2027
Friendships, boundaries, communication, validation skills, conflict, and self-respect.
Module details
Introduction to emotional regulation and mindfulness
Week 1: Introduction to Emotional Regulation & Mindfulness
Week 2: Understanding Emotions
Week 3: Thoughts, Feelings, & Actions
Week 4: Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Triggers, distress tolerance, and coping tools
Week 5: Understanding Triggers
Week 6: Distress Tolerance
Week 7: Building a Coping Toolbox
Week 8: Choosing Appropriate Strategies
Relationships, communication, and self-respect
Week 9: Healthy Relationships & Boundaries
Week 10: Asking for What You Need
Week 11: Listening & Validation Skills
Week 12: Self-respect, Review & Wrap-Up
Skills your child can practise
The group helps participants build awareness, coping strategies, and communication skills in a supportive environment.
Understand emotions
Learn why emotions happen, how to notice body clues, and how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect.
Manage intense moments
Build mindfulness, distress tolerance, and coping strategies for stressful or overwhelming situations.
Build healthy relationships
Practise boundaries, asking for needs, listening, validation, conflict skills, and self-respect.
Is Emotion Commotion a good fit?
This group may be helpful for children or youth who benefit from visual, interactive, and activity-based learning.
- Big emotions, anxiety, or overwhelming feelings are common stress points.
- Your child has trouble calming down during stressful moments.
- Your child would benefit from coping tools, emotional awareness, or relationship skills.
- Your family wants a playful, supportive, skills-based group setting.
Register for Emotion Commotion
Contact us to ask about fit, module availability, and next steps for registration.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the group held?
The flyer lists the location as 298 Dundas St E, Waterdown, Ontario.
How much does each module cost?
Each module is listed as $400, with payment required to reserve your spot.
Can we register for all three modules?
Yes. The flyer notes that families can register for all three modules and save $200.
Who facilitates the group?
The group is facilitated by a Registered Social Worker.
Is it covered by insurance?
The flyer says it is covered by most insurance policies. Families should confirm coverage with their insurer.