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
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.
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.
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.
