Adult DBT Skills Training Groups

Adult DBT Skills Training Group

The Adult DBT Skills Training group is for those who would like to learn how to cope more effectively with intense emotions, problematic thoughts or behaviors (i.e. negative thinking, self-harm, substance use, suicidal thinking), and/or relationship struggles. Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance skills are taught in order to reduce self-destructive behaviors and learn more adaptive ways to manage painful emotions. Our Austin group is held weekly on Tuesdays from 12:00pm-1:30pm 

Please call our front desk for more information about admissions and cost, or if you have any other questions. 512-306-1394

DBT Skills group process:

DBT skills groups are structured, skills-based sessions rather than traditional process groups. Each session is designed to provide education and skill development in a supportive, structured environment.

At the beginning of each session, the group facilitator will individually review DBT Diary Cards with each participant. This allows for personalized coaching, constructive feedback, and guidance. With this approach group members benefit from individualized coaching but also gain valuable insight by observing how peers are integrating and applying DBT skills.

The core of each session is dedicated to teaching new DBT skills. A variety of instructional methods are used, including structured handouts, homework assignments, experiential exercises, board work, and interactive discussions. Participants are expected to practice the newly introduced skills throughout the week and provide feedback in the following session regarding their experiences, successes, and challenges.

DBT skills build progressively, and consistent participation is essential for meaningful outcomes. To ensure full exposure to all modules (Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance) participants will need to be present for all sessions.

Collaboration with outpatient providers is strongly encouraged. Regular communication between the group facilitator and referring providers supports continuity of care, facilitates treatment coordination, and helps address any barriers to progress.

What is a DBT skills group?

A Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills group is a structured, therapeutic program designed to help individuals develop practical strategies for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. Originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, DBT is an evidence-based treatment that has been shown to be effective for individuals experiencing borderline personality disorder, mood disorders, substance use disorders, and other emotional and behavioral challenges.

DBT skills groups provide a structured curriculum, covering four key modules: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. These modules work together to help participants manage emotions, navigate distress, enhance relationships, and improve overall well-being. The program helps participants understand key DBT concepts such as dialectical thinking (balancing acceptance and change), validation, and the biosocial theory of emotional dysregulation.

The skills training process involves learning and practicing new strategies through group discussions, role-playing, experiential exercises, and homework assignments. Participants are encouraged to apply these skills in their daily lives, reinforcing learning through real-world experiences. Homework assignments serve as a bridge between sessions, allowing individuals to track progress and address challenges as they arise.

Mindfulness practices are a central component of DBT, teaching participants how to stay present, increase self-awareness, and respond effectively to emotional experiences. These practices help individuals develop a non-judgmental approach to their thoughts and feelings, fostering greater emotional stability.

While DBT skills groups are not process groups, they work best when integrated with individual therapy, where a DBT-trained therapist provides personalized guidance tailored to each participant’s needs. The combination of group learning and individual support enhances the application of skills and strengthens overall treatment outcomes.

DBT skills groups typically run for seven weeks, with sessions held weekly. Given the structured nature of DBT, participants are encouraged to commit to completing the full curriculum to gain the most benefit from the program. The ultimate goal of a DBT skills group is to help individuals regulate emotions, cope with distressing situations, improve relationships, and reduce self-destructive behaviors, fostering long-term emotional resilience and psychological well-being.

Application to Daily Life:

Understanding and practicing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills is not just about theoretical knowledge; it’s about applying these skills to navigate real-life situations effectively. Here are some examples of how DBT skills can be applied in various aspects of daily life:

1. Mindfulness:

• Situation: Feeling overwhelmed at work.
• Application: Practice mindfulness by taking a brief break, focusing on your breath, and observing the sensations in your body. This can help you return to work with a clearer and more centered mindset.

2. Distress Tolerance:

• Situation: Dealing with a traffic jam during rush hour.
• Application: Use distress tolerance skills like ACCEPTS – listen to music (Activities), think about positive experiences (Comparisons), or focus on your breathing (Sensations) to tolerate the distress without escalating frustration.

3. Emotion Regulation:

• Situation: Feeling anxious before a social event.
• Application: Identify the emotion (anxiety), check the facts to challenge irrational thoughts, and apply opposite action by engaging in social interactions, even if it’s initially uncomfortable.

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness:

• Situation: Negotiating a deadline at work.
• Application: Use DEAR MAN – Describe the situation, Express your feelings and needs, Assert your request, Reinforce the positive effects of your proposal, and be Mindful of the situation. Appear confident and Negotiate as needed to reach a mutual agreement.

5. Mindfulness Practices:

• Situation: Feeling stressed during a busy day.
• Application: Engage in a brief mindfulness practice, such as a three-minute breathing exercise. Focus on your breath, let go of distractions, and bring your attention back to the present moment to reduce stress.

6. Distress Tolerance Techniques:

• Situation: Receiving criticism from a colleague.
• Application: Use distraction techniques by taking a short walk or engaging in a favorite hobby to allow time for emotions to settle before addressing the criticism in a calm and composed manner.

7. Emotion Regulation Strategies:

• Situation: Experiencing anger in response to a disagreement.
• Application: Identify the source of the anger, challenge irrational thoughts, and apply opposite action by expressing your concerns calmly and assertively rather than reacting impulsively.

8. Interpersonal Effectiveness Tools:

• Situation: Making a request to a friend.
• Application: Use GIVE – Be Gentle in your approach, Act Interested in the other person’s perspective, Validate their feelings, and use an Easy manner. This can enhance the effectiveness of your communication and strengthen the relationship.

These examples illustrate how DBT skills can be powerful tools for managing emotions, navigating challenging situations, and improving relationships in everyday life. Remember that consistent practice leads to increased skillfulness and resilience in the face of life’s complexities.

Admissions & Pricing

For more information about admission into our Adolescent DBT Skills Group, pricing or additional questions, please contact us below: