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Emotional dysregulation happens when emotions feel too big to manage and a child or teen has a hard time coping. Think of a time when you felt completely overwhelmed—like your emotions took over and even small things became too much. That same experience can happen to kids and teens, especially as they learn how to handle stress, take on more responsibilities, and adjust to the big changes that come with growing up.
When a child is emotionally dysregulated, it can affect many parts of their life—school, friendships, sports, and home life. You might notice frequent outbursts, intense mood swings, or deep sadness that doesn’t seem to go away. For some kids, these struggles can escalate and lead to self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or difficulty coping with everyday challenges.
As a parent, watching your child go through this can feel heartbreaking and confusing. You want to help, but it’s hard to know where to start. Therapy can provide a supportive space where your child or teen learns how to understand and manage their emotions. With the right tools, they can feel more in control, improve their relationships, and begin to thrive.
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At Ballard Clinic, our skilled therapists support children and teens in learning how to better understand and manage their emotions. When kids feel more in control on the inside, it often leads to more success and ease in their daily lives—at home, at school, and in relationships. Our therapists bring a calming, supportive presence to each session which helps create a safe space where your child can practice new skills, explore their emotions, and feel truly seen and supported.
When working with our clients to develop better emotion regulation, we use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which help kids recognize unhelpful thought patterns, identify emotional triggers, and build practical coping skills. These tools empower them to respond more calmly and confidently when life feels overwhelming.
Without support, severe emotional dysregulation can sometimes become more concerning, possibly leading to self-harm and/or suicidal thinking. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference—and we’re here to help your child build the tools they need to thrive.
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make an appointment