Hello, Thornstoroses, congrats on agreeing to participate in a DBT group! If the people leading the group are well trained (ie. certified training and closely supervised by Marshia Linahan's group out of Washington State) you are in for a tough, challenging but rewarding experience. If the group is run by individuals who have gone to a couple of "training" conferences on how to "do DBT", than your experince might be a bit more hit and miss! I'm not saying that it won't be helpful, but I am sincerely cautious when I hear about some of the things that are advocated in some DBT groups.

DBT is a manualized form of therapy--that means that the therapists trained inthe technique are required to follow a format that they are trained in. It means that the people conducting therapy need to be professionally trained in the techniques, they are supervised by being video taped for a period of time in how they apply the required techniques. And they need to use the techniques in their own dealings with each other in their supervision groups. It means that they meet on a regular basis with other therapist's using the technique to analyze and review their ability to adhere to the prescribed techniques.

Unfortunately, many organizations attempt to conduct the groups after a few "introductory" type conferences that introduce them to the techniques. In other words, in my opinion, they think that they can "wing it!" Once they attend the conference, some individuals believe that they are "trained" to provide the treatment. That's not the case.

What I've noticed on this forum is that many are referred to groups that "do" DBT but when they talk about how their groups are conducted, it's pretty clear that the leaders are not properly trained and they are NOT receiving the proper supervision and follow up that all well trained DBT therapists need!

Look up the Linehan Institute and it will give you a lot of information of what to ask your therapist about the group you are being referred to. My question is: Is your therapist "trained" in DBT. If she is, then she should be able to provide the backup you need to practice the skills you are learning in group. It is a requirement of DBT that the person BE in group and have an individual therapist who is trained in the techniques to supplement what is taught in group. Some DBT groups require that you NOT be in therapy with a non trained DBT therapist while in the group. . . that said, they do want you to be in individual therapy to supplement and practice the new skills you will be learning . . .it just needs to be someone who works in the DBT framework . . . in fact, well trained DBT therapist use the techniques with each other when they meet for supervision. It is a full emersion technique of practicing if a therapist is doing it right! Hope this answers some of your questions.