Our DBT Program Group Structure
A supportive, structured environment for learning and growth
Starting group therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. At Mental Health Systems (MHS), our DBT program groups are designed to feel structured, supportive, and approachable from the very beginning.
Our program groups focus on helping you build practical coping skills in a safe environment where you can learn, practice, and grow alongside others who understand what it’s like to navigate emotional and behavioral challenges.
You are not expected to have everything figured out before you start. The goal is to help you develop tools and support that make everyday life feel more manageable over time.
What our DBT program groups look like
MHS program groups are intentionally kept smaller to help create a more comfortable and connected experience.
Each group includes:
- A maximum of 8 for most programs and 10 for the adherent DBT program
- A structured, skills-based format
- A master’s-level or doctoral-level clinician trained in DBT
- Practical skill development and guided discussion
- A supportive and non-judgmental peer environment
Our clinicians help guide the group in a way that keeps sessions focused, engaging, and supportive while making sure everyone has space to participate and learn.
A skills-based approach, not traditional group therapy
Many people worry group therapy will involve being forced to share deeply personal experiences in front of strangers.
DBT groups work differently
Our groups are structured around learning and practicing practical coping skills that can help you navigate emotions, stress, relationships, and daily challenges more effectively.
Group requires active and willing participation, however, you have the ability to limit what you feel comfortable sharing. DBT is present-focused and does not require digging into past trauma or reliving difficult experiences.
Sessions include:
- Learning new DBT skills
- Practicing strategies together
- Discussing how skills apply in real-life situations
- Building awareness around emotional patterns
- Developing healthier coping responses
- Receiving encouragement and support from peers
Benefits of program group therapy
One of the most valuable parts of DBT program groups is realizing you are not alone.
Healing happens faster together
Many clients come into treatment feeling isolated, misunderstood, or discouraged.
Group therapy creates an opportunity to connect with others who may relate to similar emotional struggles and life experiences.
Hearing how others apply DBT skills in real life often helps the material feel more practical, relatable, and achievable.
In group therapy, you can:
- Learn from others facing similar challenges
- Gain perspective and encouragement
- Build confidence practicing new skills
- Feel supported by a peer community
- Reduce shame and isolation
- Stay motivated and accountable
Structured support
Our DBT program groups are designed to help you apply skills outside of sessions, because meaningful progress happens in everyday life.
Over time, many clients begin to feel more capable of navigating situations that once felt overwhelming.
The structure of group therapy helps reinforce:
- Emotional awareness
- Consistency
- Skill practice
- Communication strategies
- Problem-solving skills
- Healthier responses to stress and conflict
Collaborative, respectful environment
At MHS, we believe therapy works best when people feel respected, supported, and emotionally safe.
We understand that starting therapy can be difficult. Our team is here to help make the process comfortable and manageable.
Our clinicians work to create an environment where you can:
- Ask questions openly
- Learn at your own pace
- Participate without judgment
- Build trust over time
- Feel supported while working toward change
Program group rules and expectations
To help you succeed in our group programs, we have group rules and expectations in place. These include:
Clothing expectations
To help maintain a safe, respectful, and therapeutic environment, all clients, visitors, and staff are expected to wear clothing that fully covers the genitals, buttocks, and chest/torso, as well as shoes, while in the clinic.
Our clinic is committed to creating a welcoming environment where people of all identities and backgrounds can feel safe, respected, and able to focus on treatment. Clothing and footwear expectations are intended to support physical safety, promote a professional healthcare environment, and be mindful of the diverse experiences, cultural backgrounds, personal boundaries, and trauma histories of those in our community. These expectations apply equally to everyone and are not intended to make assumptions about gender identity or expression. We ask everyone to follow these expectations to help foster a therapeutic space where all individuals can feel comfortable and supported.
Group relationships
Group members are allowed to use each other for skill-based support outside of group. However, members are expected to be clear and respectful of each others’ boundaries. Members are not allowed to have romantic or other private relationships with each other, and they are not allowed to engage in behaviors that could be problematic or unskillful with one another (for example, substance use, gambling, sexual behavior, etc.).
Confidentiality
Recording, photographing, screenshotting, or otherwise capturing any part of group is strictly prohibited. This includes the use of phones, smart watches, smart glasses, computers, tablets, AI-enabled devices, or any other recording technology. Maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all group members is a shared responsibility.
