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 11:00am-1:00pm 

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

About the group process:

• DBT is a skills/teaching group, not a process group.  During the first hour of each group session, the group leader will review DBT Diary Cards individually with each group member, providing coaching, feedback, and observations about skills used in an effective way.  Group members not only benefit from the individual coaching, but by being exposed to hearing how other group members are practicing skills.
• The second hour of the group is spent going over new DBT skills.  Multiple handouts, homework sheets, experiential exercises, board work, and discussion are used as learning tools.  Group members are asked to practice this skill over the week and to give feedback the following week on how the skills worked for them and what challenges occurred.
• All of the DBT skills build on each other. Group members are asked to be able to commit to a total of 6 months before joining the weekly group in order to finish all of the modules (Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance).
• Outpatient providers are collaborated with weekly to receive updates on how their clients are doing and to problem solve any barriers to change.

What is a DBT skills group?

A Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills group for adults is a structured and therapeutic program that focuses on teaching specific skills and strategies to help individuals improve their emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, and overall mental well-being. DBT, originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, is a well-established and evidence-based approach often used for various mental health conditions, including borderline personality disorder, mood disorders, and substance use disorders. Here are key components and features of a DBT skills group for adults:

1. Structured Curriculum: The group follows a structured curriculum that typically covers four main modules of DBT skills: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. These skills are designed to help participants effectively manage their emotions, cope with distress, improve relationships, and increase their overall quality of life.
2. Psychoeducation: Participants are provided with an understanding of the underlying principles of DBT, such as dialectical thinking (balancing acceptance and change), validation, and the biosocial theory of emotion dysregulation. Psychoeducation helps individuals grasp the rationale behind the skills and their application.
3. Skills Training: Members of the group learn practical and evidence-based skills through a combination of group discussions, role-playing, homework assignments, and experiential exercises. These skills are designed to address specific challenges, such as reducing impulsive behaviors, managing intense emotions, and improving communication.
4. Individual Therapy: In addition to the group sessions, participants often receive individual therapy from a DBT-trained therapist. Individual therapy provides personalized support and guidance to address the participant’s unique challenges and goals.
5. Homework and Practice: Participants are encouraged to practice the skills they learn in the group in their daily lives. Homework assignments and skill-building exercises are a fundamental part of the program, helping individuals apply what they’ve learned.
6. Mindfulness Practices: Mindfulness is a central component of DBT. Participants are taught mindfulness techniques to help them stay grounded, focused on the present moment, and non-judgmental in their self-awareness.
7. Duration and Frequency: The duration of a DBT skills group for adults can vary, but it often spans several months. Typically, participants attend group sessions once a week or more frequently, depending on the program’s structure.
8. Outcome Goals: The primary goal of a DBT skills group for adults is to enhance participants’ ability to manage their emotions, cope with distressing situations, improve their interpersonal relationships, and reduce self-destructive behaviors. The skills learned in the group are intended to be applied in real-life scenarios to foster long-term well-being and emotional stability.

DBT skills groups for adults are effective for a wide range of mental health concerns, and they provide individuals with practical tools and strategies to navigate life’s challenges more effectively while promoting overall emotional and psychological health.