Is group therapy required for DBT to be effective?

Group therapy plays a very important role in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). In fact, group therapy is the most effective way of learning DBT skills. During groups, you have a chance to focus on weekly lessons, learn from other members, and get more opportunities to practice DBT skills in everyday scenarios. Also, groups create a community of support and accountability that is different from your one on one relationship with a therapist. 

That being said, groups can be difficult for some individuals. Those with social anxiety or a learning disability may have trouble participating in group discussions and activities. Others simply prefer to work towards their mental wellness exclusively with a therapist.

So is group therapy required?

The DBT Center offers both DBT Adherent and DBT Informed therapists. The DBT Adherent approach uses an intensively trained  DBT Therapist working with all four pillars of DBT treatment. Adherent DBT offers a multifaceted approach to treating those with varying levels of symptoms and distress. 

On the other hand, DBT Informed therapists may not be intensively trained in DBT, but they have extensive training using aspects of DBT as part of individual therapy. DBT Informed therapy is most helpful for those working through less severe symptoms and distress. 

Adherent DBT requires your participation in DBT skills groups as part of the treatment process. Informed DBT does not have the requirement to participate in group therapy. We do, however, strongly encourage group therapy as a useful way to learn the skills, so that individual therapy can focus on generalizing the skills learned in the group into your daily life. 

Questions about whether or not you should participate in group therapy should be addressed with your therapist as part of your treatment plan.