Starting Group DBT Therapy for the first time can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not quite sure what to expect. Whether you’re dealing with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, relationship challenges, or complex mental health issues, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) has helped countless individuals build a life worth living.
This guide offers an in-depth overview of what your first Group DBT Therapy session may look like, what you’ll learn, and how group dynamics, therapist guidance, and structured modules work together to support your journey.
Understanding Group DBT Therapy
Group DBT Therapy is a structured, skills-based approach designed to teach practical strategies for managing overwhelming emotions, improving relationships, and building distress tolerance. It was originally developed to support individuals with borderline personality disorder but has since been found helpful across a wide range of mental health concerns.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, Group DBT Therapy focuses on skills training in a supportive and non-judgmental group environment. Sessions are typically led by a trained mental health professional and follow a structured curriculum that covers core modules like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Hol-Psych offers comprehensive Group DBT Therapy programs tailored to individual needs. These sessions work alongside other services, such as Psychiatric care, Psychology, and Occupational Therapy, to ensure holistic support.
The Intake Process and What Happens Before Your First Session
Before you start Group DBT Therapy, you’ll likely go through an intake process. This includes an initial assessment, discussions about your mental health history, and a conversation about your treatment goals. For some, this may involve once off assessments to determine the suitability of group therapy.
The intake helps both you and your therapist decide if Group DBT Therapy is the right fit. You’ll receive information on what to bring, how sessions are structured, and guidelines for participating in a respectful, supportive way. This phase is also a great time to ask any questions you have about DBT or related services such as DVA Reports or Medicolegal Reports.
Arriving at Your First Group DBT Therapy Session
As you enter your first session, you’ll be greeted by a trained clinician who will explain the flow of the session and introduce you to the group. It’s natural to feel nervous, but remember, everyone in the room was new at some point.
Expect a calm and supportive environment. Group sizes are usually small to moderate, allowing for personalised attention and interaction. Sessions typically run weekly and last about 90 minutes to two hours.
The therapist may start with a mindfulness exercise to help everyone settle in. Then, there might be a review of the previous week’s skills, followed by a new topic or skill from the DBT curriculum.
You are encouraged—but not required—to share your experiences. Group DBT Therapy is not about exposing your deepest secrets but about learning and applying life-changing skills.
Structure of a Typical Group DBT Therapy Session
Here’s what a typical session might look like:
- Mindfulness Practice: A grounding activity to help focus attention and promote present-moment awareness.
- Homework Review: Group members may reflect on how they used the skills learned in the previous session.
- New Skill Introduction: The therapist introduces a new skill from one of the four DBT modules.
- Practice Exercises: The group may do role-plays, journaling, or hypothetical scenarios to apply the skill.
- Homework Assignment: Participants are given tasks to practise the new skill during the week.
Throughout the session, you’ll receive support not just from the therapist but from peers who are also on their healing journey. The emphasis is on non-judgment, validation, and shared growth.
Therapist Guidance and Role
Therapists in Group DBT Therapy serve as both educators and facilitators. Their role includes:
- Guiding the group through each session’s material
- Providing examples and real-life applications of DBT skills
- Creating a safe space where each member feels respected
- Helping participants navigate any difficult emotions that may arise
Unlike in individual therapy, the therapist in Group DBT Therapy won’t focus intensively on one person’s story. Instead, they keep the group moving forward, ensuring that everyone stays engaged with the skills-based learning process.
At Hol-Psych, our clinicians have extensive experience and training in DBT principles. Many are also involved in ongoing Psychiatric care and integrated services, offering continuity of care.
Group Dynamics: What It’s Like to Share the Space
One of the most enriching aspects of Group DBT Therapy is the group itself. You’ll be in a room with individuals who are also striving to understand and improve themselves. Many people find that hearing others’ perspectives helps them feel less alone in their challenges.
Respect, confidentiality, and inclusivity are core values in any group setting. You’ll be encouraged to listen without judgment and to support others, even if your experiences differ.
You may find that others’ challenges mirror your own in unexpected ways. This shared understanding fosters empathy and can accelerate your emotional growth.
Building Trust and Progress Over Time
It’s common to feel uncertain during your first few sessions, but over time, many participants start to:
- Feel more connected to the group
- Notice improvements in emotional regulation
- Develop healthier relationships outside the group
- Gain confidence using DBT tools in daily life
Trust takes time, but consistency and participation play a big role in creating a safe and supportive environment. By regularly attending sessions, practising skills, and staying open to feedback, you give yourself the best chance at meaningful change.
How Group DBT Therapy Fits Within Broader Mental Health Support
Group DBT Therapy doesn’t exist in isolation. At Hol-Psych, it often complements other supports such as:
- Individual Psychology sessions
- Ongoing Psychiatric care
- Occupational Therapy for daily living support
- Case coordination or communication with GPs or other health providers
This holistic model ensures that your mental health care is comprehensive and aligned with your unique needs.
To learn more about our team and therapeutic philosophy, visit our About Us page or browse the Help section.
Start Your DBT Journey with Confidence and Clarity
Your first Group DBT Therapy session marks the beginning of a powerful journey toward emotional resilience and improved well-being. With the right support, tools, and mindset, you can build a life that aligns with your values, reduces suffering, and enhances your capacity for joy.
If you’re ready to take the first step or have questions about how it works, we’re here to help. Reach out to Contact Us or explore our Group Therapy options today.
