Group Counselling-DBT Skills, ADHD regulation, anxiety classes and more….
In our quest to remove barriers from accessing mental health supports, reduce stigma, build and promote community, offer affordable fees, we offer group counselling sessions and skills classes.
You are not alone in your mental health challenges and struggles and our team is here to support you. Over the last decade, I’ve felt that instead of trignometry, I should have learnt these emotional wellness skills in middle and high school. The harsh reality is that we weren’t taught and now we have to reach out for help and assistance on our own while navigating stressors of life. Things are changing though and we are more aware, young kids are being given lessons in mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness and we talk about these and many more things in our group sessions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured and evidence-based form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that was originally developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) but skills that we discuss in our groups are great for many other areas of our life from emotional wellness to setting healthy boundaries and handling diffifult life situations.
DBT group skills training provides several benefits to individuals who participate in it, including:
Emotional Regulation: DBT group skills help individuals learn to identify, label, and regulate their emotions effectively. This is especially beneficial for those who struggle with intense and overwhelming emotions.
Distress Tolerance: DBT teaches individuals skills to cope with distressing situations without resorting to harmful or impulsive behaviors. This is particularly valuable for individuals prone to self-destructive behaviors.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: DBT emphasizes improving communication, assertiveness, and conflict resolution skills in relationships. Participants learn to develop healthier interpersonal connections and set boundaries.
Mindfulness: DBT includes mindfulness techniques that help individuals stay present in the moment, reduce judgmental thinking, and cultivate self-awareness. Mindfulness can be useful for managing anxiety, depression, and impulsivity.
Self-Acceptance: DBT encourages self-acceptance and self-compassion. Participants learn not to judge themselves harshly and to treat themselves with kindness.
Problem-Solving: DBT equips individuals with practical problem-solving skills to address the challenges they encounter in their lives, which can improve decision-making and decrease feelings of helplessness.
Crisis Management: Individuals in DBT groups learn how to create safety plans and navigate crisis situations effectively, reducing the risk of self-harm or impulsive actions.
Group Support: Being part of a DBT group can provide a sense of community and support, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by individuals with emotional regulation difficulties.
Skill Generalization: DBT skills are transferable to various life situations. Participants can apply the skills learned in group therapy to their daily lives, which can lead to better emotional stability and overall functioning.
Increased Quality of Life: Ultimately, DBT group skills can lead to a significant improvement in an individual's quality of life by reducing symptoms of emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, improving relationships, and helping them lead more fulfilling and balanced lives.
We’ve seen many of our clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma and self harm issues feel empowered after our groups. Whether you are connected with our team or seeking help elsewhere or are on a waitlist to access help, you will benefit from our sessions and work together so we invite you to connect with us.
Our last DBT Group for this year (2023) is running from Nov 5 to 26. If you are unable to join this year, sign up to be on our waitlist for Jan 2024 or beyond. If you are ready to accept your struggles and change, then join us.
Sign up here: Emotional Wellness Skills
To learn and know more about what is DBT and how it can be useful for you, check out our free Community Webinar here. It is a wonderful resource for clinicians, students, and general public. Since these sessions are offered by registered clinical counsellors, you might be eligible to claim them through your extended health benefits. Contact us for more info.