Launched in May 2026, this therapeutic skateboard group merges evidence-based psychological skills with the practice of skateboarding and intentional family involvement.

In recent years, innovative therapeutic approaches have increasingly recognized the value of combining physical activity with psychological skill-building for children. Skateboarding, with its unique blend of movement, challenge, and community, offers a rich platform for developing resilience, emotional regulation, self-confidence, and social connection.

By integrating DBT, bilateral stimulation, emotional regulation, self-confidence building, and parent–child co-regulation sessions, the program empowers children and families to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, self-awareness, trust, and strong relational bonds. The supportive group and family engagement not only help children acquire lifelong new skills but also foster joy, mastery, and confidence.

Program Overview

This comprehensive therapeutic group program for children, integrating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, bilateral stimulation, targeted strategies for emotional regulation, self-confidence, and parent–child one-on-one sessions for building trust and co-regulation skills—all through the engaging practice of skateboarding. 
 

• Target Population: Children aged 8–12 experiencing challenges with emotional regulation, anxiety, impulsivity, low self-confidence, or social skills.

• Group Size: 6-8 participants per group, with two facilitators (licensed therapist and qualified skateboarding instructor).

• Duration & Frequency: 10-12 weekly sessions, each lasting 150 minutes, plus two scheduled parent–child one-on-one sessions lasting 60 min.

• Location: Serious JuJu

• Annual impact 1200+ individuals 

Parent and Child One-on-One Sessions
 

To further support the integration of emotional regulation and build foundational trust, two individualized sessions for each child and their parent or caregiver. These one-on-one meetings are designed to:
 

• Foster a sense of safety and trust between parent and child.

• Teach and model co-regulation strategies, so families can practice calming and connecting together during moments of stress or emotional escalation.

• Empower parents with tools to reinforce DBT and emotional regulation skills at home.

• Provide a private, supportive space to address unique family dynamics and set collaborative goals for ongoing growth.

 

Referral Sources

Referrals for participation in the group originate from a range of community mental health providers, such as Logan Health, Spot to Talk, school-based therapists, and other local agencies dedicated to supporting children’s emotional and behavioral well-being. These collaborative partnerships ensure that children who would benefit most from the program are identified and connected with resources tailored to their specific needs.
 

• Referrals specific form that includes Pre-assessment 

• Ongoing continuity of care is provided for community providers and offers post-group assessment/frequent progress reports
  
   

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The Balance Project was developed by Kianna Chandler, LCSW, LAC, CMHPP

Kianna has served Serious JuJu for over a decade as a volunteer youth mentor, program leader,  and board member, growing alongside the organization. She is a behavioral health professional and lifelong community advocate whose work centers on crisis care, recovery support, and youth empowerment.

Her professional experience includes managing a crisis stabilization residence with Western Montana Mental Health Center and providing addiction counseling services at Recovery Centers of Montana, where she also developed recovery-oriented skateboard programming for clients.

She remains passionate about creating innovative, inclusive opportunities for underserved youth and families throughout the Flathead Valley. Building from her clinical background and deep roots within Serious JuJu, Kianna is guiding the development of a therapeutic skateboarding initiative—The Balance Project—that blends trauma-informed care with the healing power of skate culture and community.


kiannachandler@concretecalmtherapy.com

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The Balance Project is made possible through the generous grant support of the Montana Healthcare Foundation.