About this DBT Skills Group

This is an adult, 2-hour weekly, telehealth Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills group. DBT is an evidence-based practice (EBP), which means that research has demonstrated that it is an effective therapeutic intervention to treat PTSD, BPD, anxiety, and depression. It was created by a psychologist with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) (caused by trauma) who discovered skills that improved her quality of life. As part of her plan to create "a life worth living" (as she put it), she organized and started teaching skills to help others learn how to improve their lives also. DBT can help you: understand and cope with the impact of trauma, improve your relationships and communication skills, and better understand yourself and your emotions. You do not need a BPD or PTSD diagnosis to benefit from this group because DBT is an effective intervention for trauma, depression, anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, social anxiety, bipolar disorder, dissociation, emotional dysregulation, behavioral issues, anger, impulsive urges (addiction, OCD, impulsiveness), relationship discord, poor self-worth

Materials Provided

Clients will be provided with 2 PDFs containing the needed DBT handouts and worksheets (at no additional cost). You do not need to print these (and doing so would be expensive). If you prefer/need a physical copy of these materials, you can purchase the book "DBT Skills Training Manual" (Second Edition) by Marsha Linehan at your chosen retailer. Often they are available used for a reasonable price.

Timeframe

We will work through the entire workbook, which can take anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on the group dynamics. There is no requirement for a commitment of that length, though you will not get the full benefit from the group if you leave before completing the material. If you still find the group beneficial after completing the material, you can speak to the group facilitator about staying longer. Many people have benefited from going through the DBT book twice because there are such a wide variety of skills that it can feel overwhelming at first, though it becomes easier with time and practice.

Requirements for Group Eligibility

These requirements are not necessary to benefit from DBT interventions in individual therapy, but they are needed to be able to benefit from DBT in this virtual group setting. Clients need to know how to read, write, learn, and communicate at a high school level and have the time/ability to commit to mostly-regular group attendance (or you will feel confused and lost). Clients must be able to connect to the group virtually via Google Meet and know how to use their email (you will receive communication and group invites via email). Thus, clients need an internet connection that is reliable most of the time, a webcam, speakers/headset/earbuds, and a private place to meet each week. Clients must be 18 years or older.

This group will teach individuals the following skills

• Mindfulness: Increase your focus, presence in the moment, self-awareness, insight, peace being alone with yourself, and your sense of balance in life. Decrease your fear of unpleasant emotions and understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
• Distress Tolerance: Learn how to manage an emotional crisis without making a situation worse and how to reduce your suffering with reality acceptance skills.
• Emotion Regulation: Increase your awareness and understanding of your emotions and behavior. Reduce your emotional vulnerability and increase your resilience.
• Interpersonal Effectiveness: Learn communication, validation, advocacy, and boundary-setting skills to improve relationships and give yourself the best chance of getting what you want/need from others.

FAQs

What do groups look like?

During the first hour of the group, clients are encouraged to share their efforts to use DBT skills over the past week. No one is forced to share, though you might find that you benefit more from the group if you're courageous enough to share. You will receive empathy, validation, support, encouragement, and coaching from peers and the group facilitator. The second hour of the group is devoted to learning a new skill using DBT handouts (found in the PDF you will receive). You will be asked to practice the skill over the next week using a worksheet (also found in the PDF). No one will be shamed for not completing worksheets, though keep in mind that you will not get much out of the group if you don't practice the skills you're learning. Some people (who loathe worksheets) benefit from practicing skills and journaling about their experiences.

When can I join?

This is an open group, meaning that the group is ongoing and new people can join at any time. Group members will eventually graduate/leave, meaning that new slots will open up from time to time. The group facilitator maintains a waitlist and will reach out (via email) when there is an opening. If there is enough interest, additional DBT groups can/will be formed in the future, so please inquire!

What if I have more questions?

Please contact the group facilitator listed below if you have specific questions about DBT or the group itself. If you have other questions, please contact scheduling. FYI, the cost is listed as $30 per group session because most insurances do not cover group therapy, and if they do, the copay is usually around $30 anyway. However, Medicaid does pay for groups with no copay!

$60 / per session

Day & TimeEvery Tuesday at 9:15amDuration 2 hoursLocationVirtual via Google Meets
Cost$60 per sessionAge Requirement18+Minimum Number of People3Maximum Number of People10Need Help?  Call (719) 345-2424