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Why were the DBT Advanced groups created?
After leading DBT Groups for over a decade, I saw how clients often needed more accountability and support after the 8 month DBT skills group. After 8 months, clients can make much progress in retraining the brain, decreasing crisis behaviors, and challenging negative thinking patterns. However, the process of preventing relapse with depression and anxiety symptoms that have been present for years, addressing emotions surrounding deeper trauma issues, continuing to learn new behaviors in relationships, and challenging old core beliefs often needs longer term therapy.
Over a period of over five years, I have been developing DBT Advanced Group curriculum (called DBT Daily) where clients can get access to topical based worksheets that use a combination of DBT and RO-DBT Skills to address higher level issues that did not have time to be addressed in the DBT Skills group. One worksheet is used per month in a group that meets for one hour every other week with 4-5 clients in each group. The first group of the month is spent in coaching and then starting a new worksheet. Clients are then asked to complete this worksheet on their own and in the second group of the month, clients share take-aways and insights and receive coaching from the therapist on any challenging areas.
Some of the favorite worksheets that DBT Advanced clients have benefited from include:
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Control is an Illusion
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The Root of My Rumination
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The Heart Issue Behind Judgments
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Coping with Ambiguity
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Better Boundaries
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Why We Need to Know Our Triggers
Due to having multiple DBT Advanced Groups, I am often able to place clients in groups with others with similar issues or life stage. This helps the client feel more connected and comfortable with the others in the group, as these groups are often long term. As the group becomes more cohesive, interaction and feedback amongst group members is allowed as this is a way to grow in emotionally responding and connecting to others. The DBT Advanced Groups are virtual through Zoom or hybrid groups (a combination of in person and virtual).
DBT Advanced Group Testimonials
Brooke C.
"The skills I've learned with DBT worksheets have helped me to manage my anxiety and control issues by giving me a 'Coping Toolbox' that I can constantly reference in times of need. The DBT Advanced group forced me to hone in on what issues were most troubling and identify commonalities and triggers that fed into my negative coping behaviors."
Charlie C.
"After graduating from the basic DBT Skills group, I chose to move into the DBT Advanced group. The DBT Daily worksheets along with processing with others have given me the tools necessary to carry out the DBT skills into my everyday life. I feel like the DBT basic skills helped me out of a crisis and now the advanced group is helping me thrive in all areas of my life. If I had stopped at the basic material I would definitely not be doing as well as I am."
Bethany K.
"The DBT skills group helped me a lot, going through those skills was like going through infancy. But I am thankful to be in this DBT Advanced group because I need help continuing to grow in my ability to manage my emotions. I would not be married today if it weren't for the DBT skills, they have really helped me to not let my intense emotions ruin my relationships."
Stan B.
"The DBT Advanced worksheets from my DBT Advanced group are a game changer! They've been so helpful that I scan them into Apple notes and have them in my phone. It's like having an emotional toolbox in my hand. They've helped me to understand what I'm dealing with and make my feelings and emotions less elusive and more tangible. It's so helpful to instantly get examples, ideas and tips on how to recognize and deal with tricky emotions.
The observations I hear from other group members on how they are applying the worksheets help me to see DBT skills application at a much higher level. The whole group experience has helped me get in touch with my emotions in a way that I hadn't before."