dbt for adults
What is DBT?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a treatment developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. DBT is especially helpful for individuals who have difficulty regulating or dealing with their emotions. Focused on validating the difficulties of life’s struggles, the apparent difficulty with conflicting and intense emotions, and the desire to make important changes, DBT is a highly practical and direct form of therapy. Rather than only focusing on overcoming misery, DBT also emphasizes working on creating a life you want to live. DBT integrates cognitive behavior therapy with teachings in mindfulness and acceptance. Skills training teaches specific lessons in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness in order to help you learn to be fully in the moment, effectively manage emotions, cope with crises without making them worse, and meet your objectives in relationships. Many people who feel stuck in therapy or have pursued many treatments with minimal benefits find DBT to be remarkably helpful. DBT clinicians are committed to being available to you and pursuing ongoing consultation to provide you with a high level of care.
Adult DBT Skills Group (Ages 30+)
The DBT skills training group takes approximately 4 months to complete. In some cases, clients elect to stay in group longer to increase their mastery of skill use. New group members enter into the group at the beginning of each new module, which is typically every 4-5 weeks. Modules include the following skill topics:
- Mindfulness – A “core” DBT skill, mindfulness involves paying attention, in the moment, non- judgmentally to live your life in a deliberate manner.
- Emotion Regulation – Learn the function of emotions and improve your ability to describe, change, and cope effectively, rather than let emotions control you.
- Distress Tolerance – Manage crises without making your problems worse.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness – Attend to your needs and improve relationships.
Who: Adults ages 30+
When: Wednesday evenings, 7:00-8:30 PM (90 minutes)
Where: Secure, HIPAA-compliant Zoom platform
Leader: Dr. Kathleen Taylor
To join our DBT skills group, you must:
- Be a New York or Connecticut resident
- Be currently working, in school, or volunteering
- Have your own individual therapist (minimum once weekly) – we can provide one if needed
- Complete a 45-minute intake consultation to assess clinical appropriateness
- Commit to attending sessions for the duration of one complete module
2026 DBT Schedule
The enrollment period for the Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills Module is open now. Last day to enroll is 1/21/26.
Core Mindfulness Skills
January 7 – Group Orientation, Three States of Mind
January 14 – What and How Skills
Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills
January 21 – Obtaining objectives skillfully: DEARMAN
January 28 – Understanding Your Goals in Interpersonal Situations
February 4 – When relationships matter: DEARMAN GIVE
February 11 – When your values matter: DEARMAN FAST
February 18 – Building and Ending Relationships
February 25 – Walking the Middle Path: Dialectics and Validation
March 4 – Changing the Behavior of Others
Core Mindfulness Skills
March 11 – Group Orientation, Three States of Mind
March 18 – What and How Skills
Emotion Regulation Skills
March 25 – Goals; Understanding and Naming Emotions
April 1 – Changing emotional responses: Check the Facts
April 8 – Changing emotional responses: Opposite Action
April 15 – Changing emotional responses: Problem-Solving
April 22 – Reducing vulnerability: Accumulate Positive Emotions
April 29 – Reducing vulnerability: Build Mastery and Cope Ahead
May 6 – Reducing vulnerability: PLEASE Skills
FAQs
Can I start mid-cycle or do I need to wait for a new module? You can join at the beginning of any module during the 2-week mindfulness introduction period. This ensures you get the foundational skills before moving into module-specific content.
What if I’ve never done DBT before? No prior DBT experience is required. Our program is designed for beginners and includes thorough skill introduction and practice.
What happens if I miss sessions? You’re financially responsible for all sessions in your enrolled module regardless of attendance. We’ll provide handouts for missed sessions to help you stay current.
How long do I need to stay in the group? You’re committed to one complete module (8-11 weeks). Many people choose to complete all three modules twice for optimal skill mastery, which takes approximately one year.