The Young Adult DBT skills class allows people 18-29 to learn skills within their peer group. If you are within this age range, please provide this information in your initial call.
Along with centering the challenges of the individual members as we teach skills, we also have an ethos of speaking to the social and environmental challenges of our time. As appropriate to the conversation, we openly speak about the invalidating environments presented by structural and systemic racism, marginalization due gender and sexuality, as well as the impact of climate change on one’s sense of distress and agency. We also know that while young people didn’t create these problems, they do need to navigate them skillfully, and even with pain, life can be worth living. The communities of learning and support that are created over the life of the modules while virtual, have a visceral sense of connection and support.
Our DBT skills training modules are 8 weeks long, focusing on one skill set per module: Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness and Core Mindfulness. Mindfulness is taught the first two weeks of the other three modules. The entire skills training program takes about 6 months to complete and we ask for a one-module commitment at a time. Classes meet weekly for 90 minutes.
- Core Mindfulness: Skills to help us learn to participate in every moment non-judgmentally and effectively and to access our inherent wisdom. It is the foundation that all the other skills are based on.
- Distress Tolerance: These skills support getting through difficult moments without making things worse.
- Emotional Regulation: Learn how your emotions work, how to use them effectively and how to change them or act opposite to your urges if you want. Develop a plan to create a life worth living.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Become more skillful in communicating with others and getting what you need and want.
Participants are required to be in individual therapy to join our skills classes, but are not required to be in therapy at the center. If you are in need of individual therapy as well, please mention this when you call.
Everyone will need to purchase the DBT skills worksheets for their use during class.
The cost per module is $800 with a $200 fee for the intake assessment. We are a private pay practice and do no accept insurance or MediCal. If you have a PPO insurance plan, we can provide a receipt for insurance reimbursement.
For more information or to set up an intake please call 510.239.5698