At our Orem clinic, we have in-person and virtual DBT skills classes. These classes teach valuable skills that help people live closer to their values, connect with others, and change destructive patterns. There are different types of group therapy. There are process groups, where people are sharing deeply and working through intense emotions or conflict during the group. There are psychoeducation groups, where the purpose is learning as opposed to processing. 

Our DBT skills groups fall under the second category. DBT skills groups are psychoeducation groups. The class is 2 hours long and follows this basic structure:

• Guided mindfulness practice
• Homework review
• Break
• Learn new skills (includes teaching and practicing)

Keep reading to learn more about each of these sections.

Why mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the foundation of DBT. We define it as, “being aware in the present moment without judgment.” The mindfulness practices we do in class are simple, approachable, and tailored for beginners. You don’t need to be an expert meditator to benefit. The goal isn’t to clear your mind, but rather to practice noticing where your attention goes and gently bringing it back to the present, without judgment. Being able to control our minds and to notice internal and external experiences without judgment is a powerful tool in both recognizing our own patterns and in getting unstuck in our lives.

Homework review
After mindfulness, we spend time reviewing the homework from the previous week. Homework in DBT isn’t about grades or judgment — it’s about practice. Just like learning an instrument or sport, DBT skills need repetition in real life to become second nature. In group, we celebrate wins, talk about what worked, and troubleshoot what was difficult. Many clients say this part of class helps them feel less alone, because they realize others are practicing right alongside them.

Break
We always include a short break in the middle of class. Skills work can take a lot of focus, so this pause gives everyone a chance to recharge, grab a drink, or stretch before diving back in.

Learning new skills
The second half of class is devoted to learning and practicing new DBT skills. These come from one of the four core DBT modules:

• Mindfulness (how to stay present and aware)
  
• Distress Tolerance (how to survive crises without making things worse)
  
• Emotion Regulation (how to understand and work with your emotions)
  
• Interpersonal Effectiveness (how to ask for what you need and keep relationships healthy)
  

We usually introduce the skill, explain why it’s helpful, and then practice together in class. For example, we might role-play how to use an interpersonal skill, or walk through a worksheet for emotion regulation. The focus is on giving you tools you can take into your daily life right away.

What to expect overall?

A DBT skills group is structured, supportive, and practical. Unlike therapy groups that dive deeply into personal stories each week, our focus is on learning and applying skills. Of course, people share examples from their own lives, but the emphasis is on how the skills work and how they can help. Many clients describe skills class as a mix between a class and a support group — a place where you’re learning powerful strategies and also surrounded by people who “get it.”

Final thoughts

If you’ve ever felt stuck in unhelpful patterns, overwhelmed by emotions, or unsure how to communicate what you need, DBT skills class can make a real difference. The skills aren’t magic, but with practice, they become tools you can rely on. Our hope is that each week you leave with something concrete you can use to make life a little more manageable, connected, and aligned with your values.