thorns, I would try to get a straight answer from your current T about any DBT group participation "requirements". We have seen here where new groups of practitioners are trying to become certified in the DBT process, and frankly they become almost cult-like. For instance, in their effort to prove DBT "works", they won't "let" you do regular talk therapy at the same time. (Well, nobody was going to stop me from seeing my T.) So I would say be careful what you're getting into. But I did learn a lot and am very grateful for the experience.