DBT Group Therapy in Atlanta, GA for College/Young Adults FAQ

Have you felt anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, or lacking self-esteem? Have events, relationships, or general life been “derailed?” Is it hard to deal with the difficulty of managing the way you feel? Maybe even these feelings have led to a desire to act out or avoid living in a way that has become harmful? If this sounds anything like you, then you are not alone. 

Coping with Change

The life changes that come with entering college or young adulthood can cause many to reach a breaking point. Oftentimes, we get left without an idea of what to do about it or how to cope. You may feel that the burden of entering adulthood is more than you can manage on your own. Dealing with this pain can be both frustrating and isolating. But, what if there was a group designed to help with these problems?

Over the years, we here at Avalon Psychotherapy have seen these issues in young adults many times. Individual therapy can be a tremendous help. But, sharing our issues with peers experiencing something similar can be more healing. That’s why we're excited to offer DBT Group Therapy in Atlanta, GA for College-Age and Young Adults. 

What is DBT Group Therapy?

Our approach to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is based on Dr. Marsha Linehan’s model of being more in touch with and managing one’s emotions and actions. There are tons of amazing resources on exactly what DBT is and the theory behind it, which I won’t go into here. What may be more important is what DBT can do for you. The dialectic is the nuance of life. Rarely are situations cut-and-dry, black-and-white, right-or-wrong. But, our minds tend to categorize and judge everything by these criteria. As a result, it often leaves us feeling frustrated, anxious, or depressed. DBT gives us the skills to understand what it means to live in the “grey area” of everyday life. It also helps us understand what we can do to better thrive in it. The DBT group can then discuss where these skills are effective in our actual lives and work together to apply them. DBT has been found very effective in treating many areas of distress including:

• Self-harm

• Relational dysfunction

• Disordered eating

• Suicidal thoughts

• Anxiety

• Trauma

• Substance abuse

• Depression

In DBT group therapy, we have the unique opportunity to support and encourage each other through these struggles while learning better ways to cope with them. All members of this group are either in college or around the same age. So, members can grant each other special insight into what has worked or not, exactly where we are in life. And, of course, everything is handled in a careful and confidential way. We are cautious to protect you and the other group members. We are also mindful not to use triggering terms that may evoke trauma or harmful behaviors in your life. Furthermore, we don’t share info about other group members with anyone outside the group.

What Will We Learn in DBT Group Therapy?

DBT Group Therapy in Atlanta, GA for College/Young Adults includes four sections:

1. Mindfulness - greater awareness of our internal and external world

2. Distress Tolerance - coping with life’s most intense situations and feelings

3. Emotional Regulation - understanding and managing the way we feel on a daily basis

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness - creating better and more satisfying connections with ourselves and others

You may need help coping with distressing events, controlling your emotions, creating more meaningful relationships, or building awareness of your values. No matter what it may be, DBT group therapy may be the right tool for you.

How Long Does DBT Group Therapy Last and How Do I Join?

DBT Group Therapy for College/Young Adults is something best experienced as a whole course. So, joining our DBT group entails a 24-week commitment. We have found this to be the least amount of time to give the best instruction on all the skills involved. The good news is, you can join our group at any time! So long as you continue for 24 consecutive weeks, you will encounter every aspect of DBT! Our group is continuous and runs all year long. Think you might be ready to join our group? We currently meet every Tuesday evening from 4:30-6:00 PM, online through Zoom. But, we intend to offer an in-person option shortly. 

Begin DBT Group Therapy in Atlanta, GA

You deserve the support of a peer group that can understand what you’re going through. Our caring therapists would be honored to support you with DBT group therapy in Atlanta, GA.

To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:

1. Email us or call 678-653-5889 to schedule an introduction and screening appointment

2. Meet with a caring therapist who will explain what to expect from your first group session. They will also show you how to use the materials we provide as part of the experience.

3. Start receiving the support you deserve

Not sure if you’re ready yet or have more questions? Feel free to call or email for a free 15-minute consultation where we can help you make the decision that’s best for you.

Other Services Offered with Avalon Psychotherapy

DBT group therapy isn’t the only service provided at our Atlanta, GA-based counseling practice. We also offer DBT therapy, life transitions therapy, teen therapy, online therapy in Georgia, and young adult therapy. Feel free to visit our about page or blog to learn more!