DBT Skills Training in Los Angeles, CA
Learn the skills to manage emotions, handle stress, and build stronger relationships.
Our DBT Skills Offerings
All DBT skills services, including individual and group sessions, are $75 per session.
See the FAQs below.
DBT Skills Group For Adults
All Genders:
Mondays 6-7:30 pm online
Wednesdays 6:30-8 pm online
Women’s Group:
Wednesdays 5-6:30 pm online
One on One DBT Skills
Scheduled with your therapist
DBT Group for High Schoolers
Saturdays 1-2:30 pm in person in Silverlake
FAQs about DBT Skills Classes
What DBT Skills Classes Are.
1
DBT skills are taught in a structured class setting.
The focus is on teaching practical tools for managing emotions, distress, and relationships.
DBT skills groups are psychoeducational, not process-based. The emphasis is on learning, practicing, and applying skills.
What DBT Skills classes are not.
2
DBT skills are not individual therapy. They do not involve trauma work, deep emotional processing, or exploration of personal history.
DBT skills do not replace therapy. They are designed to be used alongside individual treatment, not as a stand-alone service.
Should I start with individual therapy or DBT skills?
3
People should start with individual therapy.
Individual therapy provides assessment, personalized treatment planning, and support for emotional processing.
DBT skills are intended to supplement therapy.
Can I enroll in DBT skills without individual therapy?
4
No. Participants are required to be actively engaged in individual therapy while enrolled in DBT skills.
Why:
DBT skills teach coping techniques, but they do not provide individualized assessment, emotional processing, crisis support, or treatment planning. Individual therapy is necessary to address personal history, underlying patterns, and safety concerns, and to help apply skills to your specific situation.
What is the difference between one-on-one DBT skills and DBT skills in a group?
5
The content is the same. Both formats teach the exact same DBT skills curriculum and are delivered as psychoeducation, not therapy.
The difference is the format. Group DBT skills are taught in a group setting with multiple participants, while one-on-one DBT skills are taught individually for those who prefer a private or more flexible format.
I would liken it to the difference between learning in a classroom versus working with a private tutor.
What Is It Like to Be in a DBT Skills Class?
6
Read a full break down of a session here.
What Coping skills are taught in a DBT Skills group?
7
Read a break down of the four modules here.
Any other questions?
8
Finding connection in a Dialectical Behavior Therapy group
Group therapy is about is about more than learning new skills, it's also about thoughtful connection. One powerful part of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills group is that you won’t go through it alone. You’ll be with people who understand what you’re going through. You’ll be in a space where where you can share, learn, and grow alongside people who are working toward the same goal: building a life worth living.
As you begin using DBT skills you learn from DBT therapists in treatment in your daily life, you’ll start noticing meaningful changes.
What a DBT Skills training session looks like
A DBT skills group is like a class that teaches practical tools to help people manage their emotions, handle stress, and improve their relationships. It is a core component of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that integrates behavior therapy and acceptance strategies. Participating in a Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills group is a structured and supportive environment designed to help individuals develop concrete skills for managing emotions, improving relationships, and enhancing overall well-being. Here's what you can expect during a typical DBT group session:
1. Mindfulness Practice
Each session begins with a mindfulness exercise to help participants focus and center themselves. This could involve guided breathing, meditation, or an awareness activity to bring attention to the present moment. Mindfulness is a foundational skill in DBT, fostering emotional regulation and reducing reactivity.
2. Check Ins and Connection
Group members have an opportunity to share their progress, challenges, and successes in applying DBT skills. This fosters a sense of connection, validation, and mutual support. Participants are welcome to share at their comfort level.
3. Psychoeducation on the Skills of the Day
The heart of each session is focused on learning a specific DBT skill. These skills are drawn from core DBT modules discussed below.
The therapist or group leader explains the skill, provides examples, and facilitates discussions to ensure participants understand its practical application.
4. Homework Assignment
At the end of the session, participants receive a homework assignment to practice the skill learned that day in their daily lives. Homework helps bridge the gap between the group setting and real-world application, reinforcing growth and progress over time.
DBT skills groups are a collaborative and compassionate space where you can build emotional resilience, strengthen relationships, and gain tools to navigate life's challenges effectively.
The Four Modules of Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills
1. Mindfulness
Increase self-awareness.
Reduce stress by focusing on the here and now.
Respond to situations with clarity rather than reacting impulsively. Mindfulness techniques include observing, describing, and participating in your experiences without judgment.
2. Emotion Regulation
Recognize and label emotions accurately.
Reduce emotional vulnerability by building a stable emotional baseline.
Develop healthier ways to respond to emotional triggers. With these skills, you can regain control over emotions and prevent them from overwhelming your daily life.
3. Distress Tolerance
Learning to tolerate intense emotions through self-soothing and distraction.
Accepting reality when it cannot be changed in the moment.
Developing resilience to handle challenging situations effectively. Distress Tolerance is especially useful during high-stress moments or emotional crises.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness
Setting boundaries and saying "no" effectively.
Asking for what you need with confidence.
Maintaining self-respect while fostering positive relationships. Interpersonal Effectiveness teaches you how to navigate social situations with balance and assertiveness.
