Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a treatment for individuals with self-harm behaviors, such as self-cutting, suicidal thoughts/urges, and suicide attempts. While DBT was originally designed to treat symptoms in individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, it has since been found effective in treating a variety of other symptoms associated with other mental health disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, eating disorders, or alcohol and drug problems. DBT is an “empirically supported treatment,” which means it has been researched in clinical trials and shown to be effective.

What can I expect to get from this group?

Participants in a DBT group learn skills for coping with intense emotions without resorting to self-destructive behaviors or decisions. These include strategies for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, acceptance and interpersonal functioning. Each week new lessons are taught and participants are given the opportunity to practice using those skills with guidance from a therapist and support from the group. Due to the nature of the program, participants must show a level of commitment in order to participate in the skills group. Participants are expected to attend all scheduled group and individual sessions unless planned with the therapist ahead of time.

Who is a part of the group?

DBT groups are coordinated and led by a therapist at Prevea Behavioral Care who has been trained in DBT. The group is designed to have no more than 6 participants who are struggling with intense emotions, mood swings, anxiety, chronic interpersonal problems, or self-destructive behaviors. Prevea offers both adult and adolescent DBT groups.

How do I enroll in the group?

Enrollment is limited. Please call (715) 717-5899 for more information or to schedule an intake appointment.

The group meets at Prevea Behavioral Care in Eau Claire on Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for 12 weeks.