This group is for adults, ages 18 and up.  DBT was created to help individuals who struggle with feeling overwhelmed, relationship difficulties,  extreme thinking, suicidal thoughts and self harming behaviors.  

The program consists of three modules. Module one is 9 weeks, Module two is 9 weeks and Module three is 8 weeks.  It is recommended, though not required,  to get the most benefit that you complete all three modules.   We will be meeting 90 minutes  twice a week (unless otherwise noted). The dates and times are listed below. 

I am an out of network provider.  This is an intentional choice I have made to better protect my client's confidentiality and treatment needs. If requested,  I am happy to provide you with a Superbill that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement as some insurances will pay for DBT Skills Groups, others may not. 

This is a homework intensive class and you may find the curriculum challenging. Learning  these skills may be like learning a new language.  It will challenge you and you might want to quit but if  you are willing to make mistakes and see mistakes as opportunities to learn and continue to practice and refine these life skills, you will have an opportunity  to experience your capability to shift from a life of surviving to a life of thriving.

The four primary DBT Skills training modules are Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation Skills, Distress Tolerance Skills and Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills. At Grounded Path, we combine Mindfulness in to every session and do not have a separate Mindfulness Module. 

Mindfulness Skills teach us how to shift from being reactionary to more responsive and skillful. These tools can support us in calming our nervous system thus allowing us to have access to the higher functioning of our brain's resources like problem solving and compassion.

Distress Tolerance focuses on learning to ride the waves, especially the particular big, choppy ones without getting sucked under water.  These tools are surfboards for crisis.

Emotional Regulation Skills teach us how to work with our emotions instead of against them. We learn that emotions ebb and flow and don't have to overwhelm us.

Interpersonal effectiveness teaches us how to work with others in a way that meets our need for respect and respectful interactions.  

Yes.  Your therapist does not have to be me and may be from an outside agency.  It is helpful if you are working on DBT in therapy but not required. Your therapist will be asked to complete a primary therapist provider agreement so that we can work together to best support your needs. 

This is not a therapy group, it is more like an educational class, although the experience of learning and using these tools can be profoundly therapeutic in your life.   

Our classes will be take place over Zoom, a secure online platform.   We will begin and end each session with a mindfulness practice.  We will review homework assignments from the previous week, take a brief break and then come back and learn a new skill for which homework will be assigned.  The classes are interactive, require attendance, engagement and participation.  I use experiential activites, games, break out rooms, role plays to support and reinforce learning.

My hope is that you will learn to become more comfortable with change and enhance your capability to navigate life's complexities more skillfully.

You will need to contact Shimila to schedule an initial free 15 minute phone session to see if this group is right for you. If all is a go then Shimila will send you the necessary paperwork electronically and schedule an intake with you (intake fee is billed separately).  Please complete the contact form down below if you are interested.  You can also call 434-515-2555 or email Shimila@GroundedPath.org.

New participants who are interested in DBT Skills Group may join at the start of a new module if there is availability. To best meet the needs of the group, we work to keep the groups small (usually no more than 12 participants). 

Standard DBT includes DBT individual therapy, DBT Skills Group, phone consulation, and therapist case consulation.  We offer DBT individual therapy and DBT Skills Group which has been found to be effective as a stand alone treatment.  We pull from multiple relevant resources including material from Dr. Marsha Linehan and Dr. Lane Pederson.  We also include education on nonviolent communication and internal family systems.

The price for each module is listed below and based on a per-session price of $50.  Those that choose to pay in advance of the module will receive a 25% discount. Cost includes DBT materials for the class.  All new participants will need to schedule an intake appointment, this is billed separate from the Skills Group.