Some of the key skills taught in DBT group therapy include mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Mindfulness helps you focus on the present moment and observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Emotion regulation skills teach you how to identify and change negative emotions. Distress tolerance skills help you cope with difficult situations without making things worse. Interpersonal effectiveness skills teach you how to communicate effectively and set boundaries in relationships.
In addition to those skills , DBT group therapy also stresses the importance of validation and acceptance. This means that all group members are encouraged to validate and accept each other's emotions and experiences, rather than trying to dismiss them. This can be especially helpful for those who feel that their anger is not understood by others.
DBT group therapy is usually led by a trained therapist and has a specific curriculum that is followed. Group sessions can last anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours, and take place at least once a week. DBT group therapy is often used together with individual therapy, as well as other forms of treatment.
Overall, DBT group therapy can be a helpful tool to help you manage strong emotions by teaching you skills to regulate your emotions and providing a supportive environment in which to practice and apply these skills.
Want to learn more? Schedule a 15 minute consultation to discuss your goals and see if DBT treatment can help you.