Treatment with DBT comprises DBT skill groups and individual therapy sessions. The individual therapy sessions include a one-on-one interaction with a qualified psychotherapist, ascertaining that all the therapeutic needs of the patient are met. The psychotherapist helps the patient stay inspired, use the DBT skills on a day-to-day basis, and address problems that might develop while the treatment is still on.
During DBT skill group sessions, participants practice skills and learn along with the others in the group. The group participants are encouraged to share their stories and extend mutual support. A trained therapist who teaches skills and organizes exercises heads one of these groups. The group members are also assigned homework like practicing mindfulness techniques.
The group members usually meet on a weekly basis for approximately two hours. Depending on the needs of the group participants, these groups may be large or small. Therapists use different ways to deliver DBT. For example, some people might be asked to attend the weekly sessions without the one-on-one classes, whereas some might attend the individual classes without attending the group classes.