Starting a group therapy program can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve never participated in one before. You might wonder: What will the sessions look like? Who else will be there? Will it really help?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills groups are designed to be supportive, educational, and practical. At The Wise Center in Birmingham, Alabama, we offer skills groups for children, teens, and adults, with the goal of helping participants build real-life coping strategies that can improve emotional resilience and relationships.
This blog will walk you through what to expect in DBT skills groups and how they can make a difference for you or your family.
The Purpose of DBT Skills Groups
Unlike traditional talk therapy, DBT skills groups are more like classes. The main focus is teaching practical, evidence-based skills that participants can use in their everyday lives. These skills are drawn from four core areas of DBT:
- Mindfulness: Learning to stay present and aware without judgment.
- Distress Tolerance: Developing ways to handle crises without making things worse.
- Emotion Regulation: Understanding and managing strong feelings.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Building healthier, more effective communication.
The goal is not just to talk about challenges but to practice new strategies that can reduce emotional overwhelm, strengthen relationships, and improve daily functioning.
What Happens During a Group Session
Each skills group session is led by a trained DBT therapist who provides structure and guidance. Groups typically last 1–2 hours and follow a consistent format so participants know what to expect.
A typical session might include:
- Mindfulness Practice: A brief exercise to help everyone settle in and focus.
- Review of Homework: Participants share how they applied skills learned in previous sessions.
- Teaching New Skills: The therapist introduces and explains a new DBT skill.
- Group Discussion: Members talk about how the skill applies to real-life situations.
- Practice and Homework: The group practices together, and participants leave with exercises to try at home.
This combination of learning, practicing, and applying skills makes DBT groups both practical and interactive.
Who Attends DBT Skills Groups?
DBT skills groups can be helpful for people of many different ages and backgrounds. At The Wise Center, we offer tailored programs for:
- Children: Focused on helping kids understand and manage big emotions in ways that fit their developmental stage.
- Teens: Designed for adolescents navigating self-esteem, relationships, school stress, and emotional intensity.
- Adults: For those facing challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, or difficulties with emotional regulation.
Some participants attend skills groups on their own, while others join as part of a larger DBT program that also includes individual therapy and coaching. Regardless of age or background, the group format provides an opportunity to learn from peers and realize that you’re not alone in your struggles.
Benefits of Group Learning and Support
Many clients initially feel nervous about joining a group, but they often find that the shared experience becomes one of the most powerful aspects of DBT. Benefits include:
- Validation: Hearing others share similar struggles helps normalize your own experiences.
- Motivation: Practicing skills together encourages accountability and progress.
- Connection: Building supportive relationships can reduce feelings of isolation.
- Confidence: Practicing communication and coping skills in a safe group setting makes it easier to use them outside of therapy.
Research shows that DBT skills groups are highly effective in helping participants reduce harmful behaviors, manage intense emotions, and build healthier relationships.
Common Misconceptions About DBT Skills Groups
It’s normal to feel hesitant about joining a group, especially if you’ve never been part of one before. Some people worry that they’ll be pressured to share personal details, while others assume group therapy means their struggles won’t get enough attention.
In reality, DBT skills groups are structured more like a class than a traditional support group. Participation is encouraged but never forced—members can choose how much they want to share. The focus is always on learning and practicing skills, not on revealing private information.
Another misconception is that DBT is only for people with “serious” mental health conditions. While it was originally designed for borderline personality disorder, DBT has been shown to help with a wide range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, and difficulties with emotional regulation. Skills groups are truly for anyone who wants practical tools to navigate life more effectively.
Taking the First Step Toward a Skills Group
If you or a loved one is considering a DBT skills group, knowing what to expect can make the process feel less overwhelming. At The Wise Center, our DBT Skills Groups provide a structured, supportive environment for children, teens, and adults to learn practical tools for managing emotions and relationships.
We offer in-person groups in Birmingham, AL, as well as virtual groups across the state of Alabama, making it easier for families and individuals to access the care they need.
If you’d like to learn more or join a skills group, reach out today through our Contact Us page. Taking this step can help you or your loved one build the skills needed for greater resilience and well-being.