Frequently Asked Questions About DBT Groups

DBT is an acronym for Dialectical Behavior Therapy, an evidence-based treatment modality developed by American psychologist Marsha Linehan in the late 1970s. Its purpose is to help people suffering from emotional dysregulation learn new skills and strategies for coping with their challenges instead of resorting to self-destructive behaviors. DBT groups are one form of counseling that uses this method.

It has since been found to be an effective treatment for several other mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, and impulse control disorders.

There are three main components to DBT: one-on-one therapy, group skills training, and telephone crisis coaching.

What is the difference between DBT and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)?

The primary focus of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is on helping you understand how your thoughts affect your emotions and behavior, and learning how to identify and reframe negative thought patterns.

DBT, on the other hand, is a modified form of CBT that is more focused on the emotional and social aspects of daily living, and on acknowledging that life is complex and gives rise to contradictory feelings that need to be balanced without getting caught up in them. Its goal is to teach you how to accept this reality and equip you to cope with distressing situations in healthy ways.

What are DBT groups?

DBT groups (dialectical behavior therapy skills groups) are structured groups that focus on learning and practicing a curriculum of skills designed to help you regulate intense emotions, cope with distressing feelings, improve your relationships, and equip you with practical strategies for navigating challenging situations.

How are DBT groups different from support groups?

Support groups provide a safe space and platform for people going through similar situations to come together and process their challenges out loud by sharing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with one another.

DBT groups, on the other hand, are conducted more like classroom sessions that consist of structured lessons and exercises, with homework that involves practicing what you have learned in your day-to-day life.

How do DBT groups work?

DBT groups meet once a week. Their purpose is to help you learn new skills and practice using the tools you have already been taught before going out and testing them in the real world. The curriculum consists of the following four modules.

Mindfulness The mindfulness module teaches you how to focus on the current moment, acknowledge what you are thinking and feeling without judging or trying to control it, and stay in the present without getting caught up in thoughts about the past or future.

Distress tolerance The distress tolerance module focuses on helping you accept, tolerate, and survive distressing thoughts and feelings, and equipping you with the necessary skills to deal with them in a healthy way rather than act on impulse which can make a difficult situation worse.

Emotional regulation The emotional regulation module’s goal is to help you learn how to balance your feelings so they don’t control your thoughts and behavior, as well as recognize and limit triggering factors to decrease the frequency of being flooded by distressing emotions.

Interpersonal effectiveness The goal of the interpersonal effectiveness module is to teach you to improve the quality of your relationships by learning concrete skills such as setting boundaries, asking for what you need, saying no, and maintaining respect for yourself and others.

These modules typically take about 24 weeks to complete and are then repeated to create a one-year program.

Group Therapy in Mission Viejo, California

If you have questions about this article on DBT groups or would like to set up an appointment to meet with one of the faith-based counselors in Mission Viejo, California, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at Mission Viejo Christian Counseling.