Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Group
Handle big feelings and find balance
When feelings are overwhelming, it can be hard to know what to do next. In DBT groups, you’ll work with therapists and other students on ways to manage difficult emotions as they arise. Before joining, you’ll need an assessment to determine if the group is a good fit for your goals.
- Connect with students facing similar struggles
- Keep your emotions from taking over and feel more balanced day-to-day
- Build skills to stay calm when distressing emotions come up
The group is designed for students who are dealing with intense emotions, emotional ups and downs, feelings that affect their relationships, or situations where emotions keep them from doing things they enjoy. You will learn and strengthen your skills to help you handle difficult emotions, build self-acceptance and improve your relationships.
Time commitment
Eight weekly sessions for 2 hours a week and independent practice between sessions.
How it works
Each week you’ll learn and practice a new skill to accept and manage difficult emotions, handle stressful situations and improve your relationships. Supported by therapists and other students, you’ll be encouraged to use the skill throughout the week and share what worked and what was challenging. Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Tolerate distressing situations and respond to them while staying calm
- Be more present
- Improve how you communicate with people
Why group therapy?
Group therapy gives you the chance to learn from the expertise of therapists and the experiences of other students. In a collaborative and supportive environment, you learn practical skills you can use to improve your wellbeing and reduce symptoms. After participating in the group, students report being more able to tolerate big feelings, and cope with them in effective and healthy ways.
- “This group was life-changing: I learned so many important skills to help improve my life and how I conduct myself in my day-to-day as well as how to help manage my anxiety and depression.“
- “This program helped me to understand and manage my extreme emotions and taught me how to communicate with people I care about effectively. I feel life is less intolerable and I’m able to enjoy it. I also started to love and respect myself.“
- “I really appreciate welcoming environment the instructors make for us to share our emotions, they are very good at helping us reflect on the potential meaning of our actions and feelings.”
- “It was really nice to be around other people like me who go through similar things.”
How to join
Call 416-978-8030 ext. 5 to book an assessment and see if a group is a good fit for you.
The assessment can be booked within the same day or the next day, and it’s a 45-minute consultation with a therapist where you’ll talk about your challenges, your goals, and what you’re looking to get out of joining a group. The conversation is meant to figure out if a group will help you meet your goals. If not, we’ll guide you to other supports that can.
