DBT Skills Groups
Along with Dr. Sammy Banawan, I co-lead the DBT-U Skills Group in Durham (DBT for University students). There also are DBT-U groups in Chapel Hill and Raleigh (dates and times vary). For more information visit: dbt-u.com. For additional DBT skills groups, visit triangleareadbt.com

DBT-U Skills Groups
DBT-U is a targeted program, which includes both individual DBT and skills training. Group members learn skills with peer support to live more effectively and lead more meaningful lives. To participate in group, individual psychotherapy is required as individual therapy serves two functions:
1. to assess one’s own ineffective behavior patterns
2. to problem-solve when, where, and how to incorporate the newly learned skills from group

Participants:
DBT-U is for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled or on leave from school for mental health reasons or for anyone aged 18 to early 30s who are eager to learn skills.
Common issues participants present:
*challenges with sadness, fear, anger
*trouble with emotional regulation
*using drinking, eating, cutting to cope
*difficulty with interpersonal issues
*challenges with living in the present moment
*difficulty making wise decisions and behaving effectively
*engaging in behaviors that make the original issue worse

Process:
The first step is to meet for an intake evaluation to see if the group would be a good fit. During the intake I will ask you questions about your presenting concerns and background. You will also have the opportunity to ask me questions. Together we will decide if the group is a good fit. If you do not already have an individual DBT therapist, I will provide you with referrals.  

Commitment:
Participants make a commitment to participate in DBT individual and group for one academic semester at a time (e.g. September thru December, January thru May, or June thru August) with the recommendation to participate for 3 full semesters / a full year.

Curriculum:
The 4 DBT units are taught:

  • mindfulness - to pay attention, be fully aware and engage in the present moment, implement wise choices, validate one’s self and others

  • emotional regulation - to learn to think and act constructively with feelings, remedy behavioral problems, navigate negative emotions effectively, develop & strengthen positive emotions

  • interpersonal effectiveness - to learn effective relational communication, conflict prevention & resolution

  • distress tolerance - to prevent, accept, tolerate and manage crises  

When:
The Durham group meets in person weekly on Tuesdays 12.30pm to 2pm

Fee:
45-minute intake $240
90-minute group session $85
Fees due at the time of meeting.