[Wingnut13]

My therapist wants me to start DBT after the first of the year. I have done a little bit of reading about it and have seen many people in pc talking about it. I know I need help but I am very nervous about doing DBT,especially the group part of it. I have heard that it is very intense,is it? Does it really help BPD?

It wasn't intense to me, I really liked the DBT group I was in. Give it a try at least, and if you don't like it you can always stop going.

[krisakira]

I am in DBT currently and started back in July, and started the group around September. It is not that intense, but it is a lot of learning the various coping skills. There are 4 sections and each one is a module for group. You will learn many skills and are expected to practice them, as well as keep a diary card each week that you write down what happened and what skills you have used. You are expected to actively participate, and do the skills, so it can seem intense I suppose. But it is really practical, and thought- and behavior- challenging. They want you to do things that make you feel better and deal with situations better than before. IE instead of cutting, do a puzzle or watch TV. Then there is mindfulness, which is basically being aware of your emotions and stuff. I'm not really big into the mindful and meditation stuff, but I enjoy the practical skills, like activities during a crisis. If you have any questions you can PM me.

I was in DBT for 8 months in 2011/2012, and it helped amensly even though I ended up flunking out. I am going back in February hopefully.
It's structured. Structure is my best friend personally.
I felt like the group was awkward for me at first last time, and I'm sure I'll feel that way again this time. but it is a vital component of DBT and really helps fine tune the skills.

[shezbut]

DBT worked very well for me! The first time through was challenging, especially with my sucky memory. But I instantly repeated the course, which gave me a better understanding of practicing the skills (replacing negative habits with healthy habits). I took a couple of years off from DBT, and then went back again. That gave me a much better understanding of the psychological aspect of using the skills and how they work. I'm done again, for now...

Imo, nothing to fear. It is a bit uncomfortable at first, and difficult to listen to others sometimes in group DBT ~ but it does become easier with some time and trial.

[beloiseau]

I've been in a DBT group since mid-November...It's helping a lot, and the skills are not that difficult to apply if you give it a chance. I kind of enjoy the group atmosphere, because everyone is cheering each other on. In my group at least, we don't go into too many details about why we're there, which is helpful and makes it less awkward.