[stormyisland]

Has anyone done group DBT? I had my psychotherapy assessment today. Was hoping to start psychodynamic psychotherapy but the therapist that assessed me said she felt I would be too big a risk for psychotherapy before I learn better coping methods. She's referred me to a DBT group that has weekly two hour sessions for two years!!! Don't know what to think. I know I need to learn distress tolerance, emotion regulation etc that they teach there but I had really wanted a 1-1 therapist to work through my attachment issues with. Feeling rubbish now so was hoping to hear if anyone has done this type of group work before and what it was like.

[unaluna]

Yeah i have. Its kind of an emotional "everything i need to know i learned in kindergarten" except that WE didnt, right? There is a LOT of wisdom in DBT, if only you can calm down and absorb it. But if i could have calmed down in the first place...!

[zoiecat]

I spent 2 years in DBT classes which met once a week for 2 hours. I am now in the graduate class which meets every 2 weeks for 2 hours and has a totally different format.

I have learned so much from the classes. I would consider myself medium skilled in mindfulness and am able to handle my emotions and calm myself so much better than before. I also recognize my emotions where in the past I really only felt anger.

I would highly recommend DBT classes. They are not just for BPD. I have Severe MDD, PTSD and DID. It has been a tremendous help. Even though I am no longer required to fill out diary card for class, my T also does DBT and still makes me fill them out. Although I will hate to quit, I will probably stop in about another year. Graduate class is a great way to just get regular support and work on different mindfulness practice.