DBT skills training is a major component of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (although not the only component). At MCCC we offer weekly 2-hour DBT skills groups that cover the core curriculum of the 4 DBT modules. This is what DBT research has shown to be most successful. In every 2-hour group meeting, clients will:
- review skills practice from last week’s lesson
- learn new skills from the curriculum
- practice new skills through an age appropriate experiential activity
- and be assigned homework to practice skills between group sessions
For more information about DBT skills groups in general check out these articles!
- What is A DBT Group?
- A Parents Guide To DBT Skills Group
- Can DBT Skills Group Be Taught Online?
- Who Benefits from DBT?
DBT Curriculum Modules Are Offered On A Rotating Basis
We teach each one of the 4 curriculum modules in a 6-week session. We STRONGLY* advise you plan to participate in 4 consecutive sessions in order to learn all of the skills in the entire curriculum.
*Research shows that the best clinical outcomes happen when clients learn a full set of skills. For some, it may be necessary to have two full rotations.
Entry Points are at the beginning of each 6-week module
We run groups on an ongoing, rotating basis. You can join in, or opt-out, in between any 6-week session. All we ask is for a minimum commitment of 6-weeks at a time.
The cost for a 6-week session is $1200. It is charged in 2 installments: half to reserve your spot and half when the group begins.
We offer four co-ed cohorts so clients of any age can learn these important emotional and relational life skills!
| Tweens | Teens | Teens | Adults | |
| Age | 11-13 | 14-18 | 14-18 | 22 + |
| Day & Time | Tuesday 4-6pm EST | Wednesday 4-6pm EST | Thursday 5-7pm EST | Tuesday 6-8pm EST |
| Location & Eligibility | Rockville Office open to all | Olney Office open to all | Rockville Office open to all | Virtual Meeting MD residents only |
| Group Leader | Allie Isakowitz | Sara Varga | Allie Isakowitz | Emily Francis |
| Upcoming Entry Dates | Apr 11 May 30 July 18 | — May 31 Jul 19 | Apr 13 June 1 July 20 | Apr 11 May 30 July 18 |
DBT Skills Group for Tweens (11-13)
The group leader Allie Isakowitz is a pro at engaging younger teens! She is trained in DBT-C which is DBT for Children! Her curriculum is made intentionally to teach self-regulation concepts. She does this through games, activities, and demonstrations. The goal is to teach skills while engaging kids in age-appropriate socialization.
A parent should plan to stay in the nearby area. You don’t need to wait in our office, however, a parent should be available in the event that we need your help to pick up your child for some reason. We do not have staff on site who can watch them outside of group.
DBT skills group for teens (14-17)
Teens are having an especially hard time right now. This world can feel like a scary place to launch into, especially when someone is already prone to emotional vulnerabilities. This group is a great way for teens to be exposed to others who are having similar struggles and learn ways to navigate those very struggles. This provides validation in not being alone with their pain. Clients in this group have a range of diagnoses all rooted in emotions (depression, anxiety, bipolar, adjustment disorder, etc).
Allie and Sara are pros at engage teens. They balance planned activities and structured conversations. This helps teach the skills in an engaging way while maintaining the appropriate conversation.
A parent should plan to stay in the nearby area. You don’t need to wait in our office. However, you should be available in the event that we need your help to pick up your child for some reason. We do not have staff on site who can watch them outside of group.
DBT skills group for adults (22+)
Adults who seek DBT skills have likely been struggling with emotion regulation for many years. Maybe, regular therapy hasn’t been enough. This cohort consists of adults living independently. These adults may experience a range of emotional patterns from repression to over-expression. These intense emotions impact their quality of life, ability to succeed at work, and especially your quality of relationships.
Emily Francis will teach DBT skills in a way that allows participants to envision and practice using them in whatever context of life fits most. This could be work, family, or even just internal discomfort. Participants will learn to balance coping with their emotions and either preventing or changing their circumstances. This helps them learn to balance the many complex aspects of their mental health and emotional challenges.
What Clients Are Saying About DBT Skills Group
“[Group] really helped me learn how to deal with things that in the past would have caused me an emotional blow up. The skills I learned are amazing. This program is the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“[Group leader] was a fantastic teacher and I looked forward to every class each week, even if it was two hours long. She used real life examples and pushed us to think outside the box for how to use and apply these skills in every day life. The knowledge I gained is unmatched and I am so happy I now know more about DBT.”
“I was firmly convinced DBT wasn’t for me. I have never been more happy to be proven wrong! [I benefited from] having my struggles validated by the other group members. I love the variety of activities in a two hour session too.”
Join a DBT Skills Group in Maryland, Virginia, or DC
- Contact our DMV area counseling clinic
- Have a 15-20 minute free consultation call
- Enroll in the next DBT skills module available and work on skills to improve your mental and relational health
Other Services Offered at Montgomery Counseling Center in Rockville, MD and Olney, MD
DBT sounds great, but it isn’t quite what you want…
DBT is a mindset and a way of life. If it’s not for you, that’s okay. We weave these themes into all of our therapy services in Rockville, MD which is near Washington DC. Our counseling approach doesn’t have to be 100% DBT. In fact, you can still benefit from the wide variety of mental health services our therapists offer.
Our services include parent coaching, family therapy, teen therapy, child therapy, adult therapy, and couples counseling. We also offer an online parenting class for parents of struggling teens or young adults. Also, some of our clinicians provide supervision opportunities for mental health professionals seeking their professional license. We are offering services either in our Rockville and Olney offices or online therapy in Maryland, and online therapy in Washington DC. Reach out to our therapy clinic to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your family heal and thrive.