Why DBT Group?
DBT is short for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Marsha Linnehan developed this intensive therapy approach to help individuals struggling with complex trauma and suicidal ideation. However, DBT is also helpful for people dealing with various challenges, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- eating disorders
- ADHD
- Bipolar
- Trauma
- Borderline Personality Disorder or someone with a fearful/avoidant attachment style
Individuals who seek DBT may have problems maintaining healthy relationships with themselves and others. They often struggle with managing moods and emotions. Sometimes they feel alone and helpless, and their symptoms will not improve.
DBT groups help to develop healthier ways of coping, learn how to build healthy boundaries, and increase mindfulness. Being in a group provides extra support for clients already on their counseling healing journey.
Our Online Group
We meet weekly on Tuesdays 6:00- 7:30 PM. We have an open group, which means that someone can join and be referred at any time. It takes nine months to complete a full DBT group cycle. After completing the DBT cycle, successful participants will Graduate from the DBT program and will be presented with a signed certificate of completion.
The DBT Timeline
(This timeline is completed twice to make a full cycle)
- Two Weeks of Mindfulness
- Four weeks of Interpersonal Effectiveness
- Two weeks of Mindfulness
- Four weeks of Emotional Regulation
- Two Weeks of Mindfulness
- Four weeks of Distress Tolerance
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is an essential skill in DBT. It helps with increasing awareness of self, others, and what’s happening around us. Mindfulness is divided into the “what skills” and “how skills.” The “what skills” teach you what mindfulness is, for example, being observant, describing what you are experiencing, and participating. The “how skills” teach you to be mindful by focusing on one thing at a time, doing things that work, and being non-judgmental.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Interpersonal effectiveness is a fancy way of saying “people skills.” It is important for your mental well-being to get along with others. There are different reasons why this can be difficult. Sometimes we are in relationships that cause emotional harm. Other times we struggle to set boundaries. Build healthier relationships with yourself and others. Also, learn in how to get your needs met, self-respect, and preserve relationships.
Emotional Regulation
Emotions come and go. Sometimes they can be very intense. Many people end up doing things that they later regret. Learn how to spot your
emotions and name them. When you can name your feelings, you can better understand them and have the power to manage them better.
Distress Tolerance
Life can throw intense experiences and cause us to feel powerless and overwhelmed. Learning how to deal with painful experiences without creating more suffering is very important. Distress Tolerance skills can help you to feel stronger and more able to move through tough times without causing more problems for yourself.
Join DBT Group
Current clients can join the DBT group with a referral from their therapist. The client will meet with the group facilitator for group orientation before joining. The DBT group is held on Google Meets, and the client will receive a link from the group facilitator on the day of the session. Take a peek at the DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets.
Other Services
Did you know we have a coping skills group that meets every Saturday at 9AM-10 AM? We continue to expand groups and services to support our clients’ needs. Have other ideas? Please share and contact us.
