Our DBT skills group is a program for anyone looking to build practical tools for managing intense emotions, tolerating distress, and improving relationships in a small, supportive group setting. The curriculum is an evidence-based Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) approach that is divided into four modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Mindfulness is woven throughout every session, while the other three modules run five to seven weeks each.
Each session opens with a short mindfulness exercise, a review of how the week’s home practice went, and then an interactive lesson introducing a new skill.
A closer look at the DBT skills group modules
A core DBT skill: learning to direct your attention and stay present, rather than getting pulled into rumination about the past or worry about the future.
Practical tools for getting through painful or distressing moments without making the situation worse — building your capacity to tolerate hard feelings rather than avoid them.
Learning to understand your emotions more clearly, respond instead of react, and shift the emotions that aren’t serving you toward the ones you want more of.
Skills for asking for what you need and saying no to what you don’t, in ways that protect both your relationships and your self-respect.
Groups are limited to 10 participants.
Currently all groups run virtually. Once our west-end Toronto clinic is ready for it, we plan to offer groups in person as well as online.
Yes, for the DBT skills group specifically. You’re welcome to join if you’re being seen by a therapist or physician outside Equilibrium, in addition to our own clients.
One module at a time, both in terms of attendance and payment. Modules run five to seven sessions; exact length is confirmed at your intake call.
Licensed therapists trained in DBT and evidence-based group facilitation.