What is a DBT Skills Group?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a research-supported treatment for anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. The main goal of DBT is to teach skills to help clients cope with intense emotions and negative thoughts. DBT is based on four modules that teach clear, actionable skills in mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance. Many of these skills are rooted in research in social psychology and spiritual teachings. DBT Skills Groups are psychoeducational training groups where you will learn and practice the core skills taught in Marsha Linehan's DBT manuals (Mindfulness; Distress Tolerance; Emotion Regulation; Interpersonal Effectiveness). These skills can improve your ability to manage emotions, cope with difficult experiences and develop your desired life.
What does DBT skills group do?
DBT skills groups are a critical part of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. They teach new skills, like mindfulness and distress tolerance, which can help people manage emotions and relationships. While DBT was developed to treat borderline personality disorder, it can also benefit people with other mental health disorders or who want to improve their emotional and relationship skills. Group sessions provide an opportunity to practice the skills taught in individual therapy with other group members who have similar experiences and challenges. Each week, a new skill is taught. This can be done by reviewing DBT Diary Cards or through various handouts, homework sheets, experiential exercises, board work, and discussions. Each member is asked to use the new skill during the week and give feedback on how it works for them. The skills are then reviewed the following week again. Read the full article
