Is DBT Group Therapy Right for You?
Are you experiencing borderline personality disorder (BPD), depression, anxiety, impulsive behaviors, mood disorders and/or PTSD symptoms? Are you struggling to regulate your emotions or communicate effectively?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) can help for any one of these conditions or symptoms, as this therapeutic approach offers techniques that enable effective living for almost anyone.
What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach that encourages inner exploration of ways in which individuals can cope more effectively with emotions and the world around them. DBT skills groups are aimed at encouraging individuals to build a life worth living by learning more adaptive ways to manage painful experiences and emotions through four specific skill modules. DBT’s four specific skill modules is based on Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation and Interpersonal Effectiveness.
Goals of DBT Group Therapy
The goal of DBT skills group is for individuals to successfully gain a deeper awareness of themselves and the world around them, to work on skills that will allow members to reach and set goals and to validate one’s own experiences while learning to improve their quality of life, reduce distress, regulate emotions and maintain effective relationships.
The group setting offers the opportunity to learn, understand and practice the skills in a safe and structured environment with other people which ultimately allows you to build your tool box of new skills so you can build the life that you want.
What To Expect If You Join A DBT Skills Group?
Are you thinking about joining a DBT skills group? Maybe it has been suggested by your therapist? Perhaps you are just curious! Joining a DBT group is like joining a class, rather than a process or support group. While support and encouragement are always part of the space, much of the time is spent:
Learn new skills weekly
Gain knowledge about effective ways to manage the world around you
Learning how to respond differently to situations
Find out what works for you!
Learning from others within the group
All without the pressure of being graded!
Using handouts, worksheets, exercises, discussions and homework group members are able to learn which each skill has to offer and how these skills can be implemented into their everyday life to create a life worth living.
If a DBT group seems appealing or resonates with you, ask yourself…are you willing to
· Do homework each week?
· Practice new coping skills?
· Learn ways to manage emotions and relationships more effectively?
If you are, a DBT skills group may be a great fit got you!
DBT skills groups require significant commitment to oneself and the group as a whole, as you are committing to actively listening, participating, practicing skills and completing homework. So, understandable, it is a lot to ask! However, if you feel you have the time, energy and space to truly put in the effort and throw yourself in the world of DBT, you truly can make lasting changes to live a life that feels most authentic to you.
