Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills Group
What is DBT?
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. This type of therapy teaches individuals the coping skills they need to manage difficult emotions; thought patterns; and unhealthy behaviours in order to create a life worth living.
What is DBT Skills Group?
The skills group is a stand-alone opportunity for individuals to learn the skills component of DBT, however does not entail the comprehensive protocol of a DBT program. It may be suitable for individuals wishing to develop skills in four major areas:
Core Mindfulness:
These skills are foundational to all other skills taught. Individuals are encouraged to participate in their lives without judgment, multitasking and ineffectiveness. Specific behaviours that form a state of mindfulness have been found to be associated with reduced suffering; increased awareness and control of thoughts; and greater connection to the present moment.
Emotion Regulation:
These skills are aimed to increase individuals’ capacity to recognise, understand and identify emotions; change intense and unwanted emotions; and reduce susceptibility to emotional overwhelm.
Interpersonal Effectiveness:
Skills in this module focus on enhancing effective participation in interpersonal relationships. Specific skills are related to communication skills; maintaining and improving relationships; as well as maintaining a healthy self-respect within relationships. This will involve heading off problems before they emerge; repairing (or ending) relationships; and problem resolution.
Distress Tolerance:
These skills are designed to increase individuals’ capacity to tolerate intense emotional distress and crisis situations. They include skills to withstand uncomfortable emotions; crisis survival; and acceptance of reality as it is.
Suitability
The skills program is suitable for individuals:
Over 18 years of age;
Mild to moderate level of risk and/or mental health concern;
Engaged in individual therapy at least fortnightly for the duration of the skills program
When and Where?
Currently, there is no group scheduled, but I hope to establish regular classes on the Upper North Shore of Sydney in 2024.
The full program involves 20 weeks of teaching, with breaks aligning with public holidays and between modules.
Costs
The cost of the full program is $3000. This includes all necessary resources for the completion of the program, however does not include the price of the initial assessment for program suitability. This assessment will be $240.
Referral Process
Referral should come in collaboration with a medical or allied health professional (i.e. doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist etc.). Referrals may be sent by email or fax; individuals may request an initial assessment via phone.
To find out more about the DBT skills group, you can contact me below:
Email: contact@laurenbourkepsychology.com
Phone: 0419 693 313
Fax: 02 6147 0242
New participants may join the group at the beginning of any module, pending availability.
To book an initial appointment or ask me a question you can