Pretoria DBT Skills Training Group FAQ’s

 

What is DBT and what is the skills training group about? 

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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence based treatment. DBT teaches individuals to accept thoughts, feelings and behaviours, as well as the skills to change them. DBT is especially effective for individuals who have difficulty in regulating and managing their emotions. DBT has also been proven to be effective in managing a wide range of mental health conditions. The skills training group is one of five treatment modalities in the DBT model.

 

What are the benefits of a DBT skills training group for people who face emotional and behavioural difficulties?

 

In the DBT skills training group, participants learn and practice four types of skills that can help them cope with distress, regulate their emotions, communicate effectively, and be more mindful of their present experience. 

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The four modules are:

 

• Mindfulness: This module teaches us how to pay attention to the present moment, without judgment or distraction. Mindfulness can help people become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, sensations, and actions, and choose how to respond to them.

• Distress tolerance: This module teaches how to endure and survive painful situations, without making them worse by acting impulsively or avoiding them. 

• Emotion regulation: This module teaches how to understand and manage emotions, without being overwhelmed or controlled by them. The goal of this module is to assist  participants in identifying and naming emotions, reducing emotional vulnerability, increasing positive emotions, and changing unwanted emotions.

• Interpersonal effectiveness: This module teaches how to interact with others in a way that respects oneself and others, and achieves one’s goals. Interpersonal effectiveness skills include assertiveness, active listening, negotiation, and coping with interpersonal conflict.

 

By learning and applying DBT skills, participants can improve their quality of life, reduce their suffering, and enhance their relationships. Research has shown that DBT skills training group can reduce suicidal behaviour, self-harm, depression, anxiety, anger, impulsivity, substance use, and interpersonal problems, and increase social functioning, self-esteem, and well-being .

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Can I participate in the DBT groups instead of individual therapy? 

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To make DBT Skills training a more successful experience, we recommend that you remain in individual therapy too and inform your treatment team that you will attend skills training.

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What is the duration of the course and where will the sessions be held? 

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The DBT Skills training course will consist of 24 sessions in total, held over 26 weeks. The sessions will be held from February 2024 to July 2024, on a Friday morning from 09:00 - 11:00. The sessions will be conducted in-person at the Satori Health Centre (633 Windsor Road, Garsfontein, Pretoria). 

 

How will the group work?

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The DBT skills training group will usually be led by two HPCSA registered psychologists and lasts for two hours per session. The group format allows participants to learn from each other, share their experiences, and receive feedback and support. Participants are also expected to do homework assignments and practice the skills in their daily lives.

 

What will I get? 

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You will receive weekly training material and practice DBT skills within a group setting, as well as at home. During the sessions, tea, coffee and drinks will be provided.