What is a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills Group (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive behavioral therapy developed by Marsha Linehan for the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD). What makes DBT different from other cognitive behavioral therapies is that it incorporates psycho-educational skills training in five areas: mindfulness (to improve control of attention and the mind), interpersonal skills and conflict management, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and self management. A skills group is designed to help clients learn how to develop the previously mentioned skills to reduce stress and dysfunctional behaviors.

You don't have to have borderline personality disorder to benefit from the skills taught in this group. These skills are good for people with any type of personality disorder, people who experience chronic depression, anxiety, are victims of abuse, or who are dealing with stressful life situations that aren't expected to improve soon (for example: divorce, caring for an ailing parent or child, or suffering from a terminal illness.)

Suicidal clients MUST have a referral from their primary therapist and remain in therapy while participating in this group. Individual therapy is highly recommended for others, but not required.

If you are interested in joining the next DBT group, email us to get on the waiting list. Groups are ongoing. New participants are accepted approximately every 8 weeks. New participants must complete a biopsychosocial interview prior to starting the group. This may be waived if the client is in treatment, has had a biopsychosocial assessment done in the last year, and can provide a copy of the assessment.

Next DBT group starts Wednesday, Jan 7, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. If you would like to get a jump start on learning DBT skills in individual sessions, email us.