FREMONT COMMUNITY THERAPY PROJECT
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) groups
What is DBT?
DBT is a skills training approach that helps individuals develop specific tools to assist with the following areas:
- Tolerating difficult emotions without engaging in self-destructive or impulsive behaviors
- Understanding and regulating intense emotions
- Figuring out how to get interpersonal needs met while preserving both relationship and self respect
Each section of the program focuses on one of these areas, and begins with a discussion of mindfulness practice. Research has shown that more effective problem solving occurs when our attention is fully focused on the present moment, which is why mindfulness serves as the foundation for the DBT skills groups.
How do I enroll and when can I start?
The FCTP DBT Skills program is currently closed to new clients. If you are already on the waitlist you will receive a call or email from us indicating whether a spot has opened for you in one of the two available groups, or offering you referral to another lower-cost DBT skills group in the community.
Frequently asked questions
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness in DBT includes psychological and behavioral aspects of meditation practice. Mindfulness skills focus on observing the experience of the present moment, without judgment or impulsive action. This practice has a foundation in Buddhism, and has been shown to reduce stress and increase concentration when practiced on a consistent basis.
Who is DBT for?
DBT teaches skills useful to pretty much everyone. These include skills like learning to accurately recognize emotions in yourself and others, tolerating difficult emotions, and engaging with others effectively. The Fremont clinic does not require that clients have a mental health diagnosis to enroll in DBT; however, you must be currently engaged in individual therapy on a weekly basis either here or with another therapist in the community.
Is DBT like a process group or group therapy?
No. Although participants share some personal information, DBT skills group is not a process group. DBT group can sometimes bring up strong emotions or even difficult interpersonal interactions, and although those experiences are valid and real, the time in DBT class is focused on learning new skills. Clients are encouraged to process experiences such as these with their individual therapists.