What Is DBT?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an evidence-based treatment approach that teaches practical skills for managing emotions, tolerating distress, staying grounded in the present, and navigating relationships more effectively. DBT skills can be useful not only during periods of significant emotional difficulty, but also for handling the everyday challenges that come with work, school, relationships, transitions, and stress.
Rather than focusing only on what someone is struggling with, DBT emphasizes learning what to do when those challenges arise.
What You'll Learn
Over eight weeks, participants will be introduced to the four core DBT skill areas:
Mindfulness — Develop greater awareness of thoughts, emotions, and experiences while learning strategies for staying grounded in the present moment.
Emotion Regulation — Better understand emotions, recognize patterns and triggers, and practice strategies for responding to difficult emotions more effectively.
Distress Tolerance — Build practical tools for getting through stressful, overwhelming, or emotionally intense situations without making the situation worse.
Interpersonal Effectiveness — Strengthen communication skills, navigate conflict, set and maintain boundaries, and balance personal needs with healthy relationships.
The emphasis throughout the group is on practical skill building. Participants will have opportunities to learn, discuss, and begin applying strategies that can be carried into life outside of the group.
Who Is the DBT Crash Course For?
This group is open to adults ages 18 and older, including college students, young adults, working professionals, and other adults interested in developing healthier ways of responding to stress and difficult emotions.
The DBT Crash Course may be especially helpful for individuals who want to:
Learn evidence-based coping and emotional regulation strategies
Feel less overwhelmed by strong emotions or stressful situations
Improve communication, relationships, or boundary-setting
Become more intentional about how they respond rather than reacting automatically
Build a practical set of skills they can use at home, school, work, and in relationships
Explore DBT before considering a longer or more comprehensive DBT skills program
Participants do not need previous experience with DBT to join.
A Shorter Introduction to DBT Skills
Our practice also offers more comprehensive DBT skills groups that meet for 18+ weeks, allowing participants to spend more time learning, practicing, and reinforcing DBT skills.
The 8-week DBT Crash Course is intentionally different. It provides an introduction to the essential skill areas in a shorter, more accessible format for individuals who may not currently have the time, need, or readiness for a longer program.
For some participants, the Crash Course may provide the practical skills and introduction they are looking for. For others, it can serve as a starting point for determining whether continued DBT skills training could be beneficial.
Group Details
Group Leader: Frankki Sorce, LPC
Format: 8-week psychoeducation and skills group
Population: Adults ages 18+
Focus: Practical DBT skills for everyday life
Build Skills You Can Use Beyond the Group
You don't have to wait until life feels unmanageable to develop better tools for handling it. The DBT Crash Course offers a structured, supportive opportunity to learn practical strategies for navigating emotions, stress, relationships, and everyday challenges with greater awareness and effectiveness.
Interested in joining the next DBT Crash Course? Contact us today to learn whether this group may be a good fit for you. An intake appointment is required to enroll.
