What it is
A DBT skills group is a class-style setting where a trained leader teaches a set of practical skills that come from Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Members learn concepts, discuss how the skills apply to everyday situations, and practice using them between meetings.
DBT skills are often grouped into broad themes such as mindfulness, handling distress, managing emotions, and navigating relationships. Many groups move through these themes in a repeating way so members can revisit and deepen their understanding over time.
Multi-family DBT groups bring families together to learn the same language and skills side by side. This can help family members understand one another's experiences and build shared tools for communication and support.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Dialectical Behavior Therapy was originally developed to help people who experience intense emotions and have difficulty managing them. Over time, the skills portion was adapted into standalone group formats that a wider range of people have found useful.
Historically, strong emotions were sometimes seen as something to simply control or suppress. Today, DBT-informed groups tend to frame emotions as understandable signals, pairing acceptance of what a person feels with practical strategies for responding.
Modern skills groups are often offered alongside individual work, in schools, clinics, and community settings. They are typically presented as a place to build and practice skills, not as a replacement for one-on-one care when that is needed.
How a therapist may help
A therapist or group leader using cognitive and behavioral approaches may help by making abstract ideas concrete and teachable. Sessions generally involve learning a skill, talking through real-life examples, and reflecting on how the skill felt to use.
Because these methods focus on the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions, members may come to notice patterns in how they react and explore new options for responding. Many people find that naming an emotion and having a few tools to try can make overwhelming moments feel more manageable.
Group settings add the benefit of shared experience. Hearing how others apply the same skills can offer encouragement and fresh ideas, while practice between sessions helps the learning take root. This is a general picture of what groups can be like, not a fixed protocol, and what fits best varies from person to person.
Where mind meets body
Emotions are not only mental events; they show up in the body as a racing heart, tense muscles, or shallow breathing. Thoughts, feelings, and the body's stress response constantly influence one another, which is why learning to notice physical cues is often part of emotion regulation.
For this reason, some people pair thinking-based skills with body-based practices that work directly with the nervous system. To learn more about somatic options, you can visit our sister site, Somatic Experiences. Neither approach replaces the other; many people find value in combining them for a more whole-person path.
Explore on Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Explore on Somatic Experiences: polyvagal →
Keep in mind
- Skills groups and classes are educational and are not a diagnosis or a treatment for any condition.
- When concerns involve trauma, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, disordered eating, substance use, or other serious conditions, a licensed professional should guide care.
- In a crisis, people in the US can call or text 988 or call 911.
- Any decisions about medication are made with a licensed prescriber.
Therapists
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Frequently asked questions
What is a DBT skills group?
A DBT skills group is a structured class where members learn practical coping skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and practice them in daily life. A trained leader teaches themes like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and relationships. It is usually skills-focused and educational rather than individual therapy.
Are DBT skills groups the same as therapy?
Not exactly; DBT skills groups are typically educational, class-style settings focused on learning and practicing skills. Some people take part in a group while also working with an individual therapist. Whether a group, individual work, or both fits best depends on your situation and is a decision to make with a qualified professional.
What skills do DBT groups teach?
DBT groups commonly cover four broad areas: being present (mindfulness), getting through hard moments (distress tolerance), understanding and managing feelings (emotion regulation), and handling relationships. Members learn the ideas, see everyday examples, and practice between sessions. Groups often revisit these themes so skills can deepen over time.
What is multi-family DBT?
Multi-family DBT brings families together to learn the same DBT skills side by side. The goal is to build a shared language and shared tools so family members can better understand and support one another. It can be especially helpful when several people want to practice the same strategies.
Can DBT skills help with emotion regulation?
Many people find that DBT skills give them practical ways to notice, name, and respond to strong emotions. Groups focus on building these skills through learning and practice, which some people find makes intense moments feel more manageable. Results vary, and a group is one option among several worth exploring with a professional.
Who leads DBT skills groups?
DBT skills groups are generally led by someone trained in the DBT skills curriculum, such as a therapist, counselor, or skills instructor. Leaders guide the lessons, facilitate discussion, and support practice. When you are choosing a group, it is reasonable to ask about the leader's training and how the group is structured.
Educational resource. Therapists.plus shares general information and connects people with independent therapists, coaches and groups. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health. In a crisis in the US, call or text 988 or call 911.
