Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based talk therapy approach designed to help individuals manage their emotions, improve relationships, and create a more balanced life. Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT has since been adapted for various mental health conditions. Implementing DBT activities, particularly in group settings, can be highly beneficial for individuals.
Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health teaches DBT skills to our clients at our Sharon, MA, treatment center. Engaging in our DBT programs in Massachusetts provides support to individuals seeking to overcome mental health challenges and improve their overall well-being. Call 855.520.0531 to get started.
The Purpose of DBT Activities
DBT activities encompass a range of exercises and practices aimed at teaching individuals skills in four key areas—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. By engaging in these activities, individuals can learn to cope with challenging situations, regulate their emotions, and improve their relationships.
DBT Activities for Groups to Practice Skills
Conducting DBT activities for groups allows individuals to practice their skills in a social context, fostering support and mutual learning.
Mindfulness Activities
Mindfulness activities aim to help individuals gain awareness of their thoughts and feelings while also promoting acceptance and non-judgment.
- Mindful breathing – Focusing on the breath, noticing sensations, and gently redirecting attention when the mind wanders
- 5-4-3-2-1 sensory awareness – Identify five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste
- Body scan meditation – Bring awareness to different parts of the body, noticing sensations without judgment
- Walking meditation – Mindfully walk, paying attention to each step and the sensation underfoot
- Guided imagery – Using pre-recorded scenarios to immerse the group in a calming environment
- Mindful eating – Paying attention to the tastes, textures, and sensations of eating
As one of the cornerstones of DBT, mindfulness presents an opportunity to check in with yourself and practice being present in the moment.
Distress Tolerance Activities
Distress tolerance activities focus on building skills to manage intense emotions and difficult situations without resorting to harmful or impulsive behaviors.
- Pro-con list – Analyze the pros and cons of tolerating distress versus not tolerating it
- TIPP skills – TIPP stands for Teach Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing, and Paired Muscle Relaxation
- Safe-place visualization – Visualize a peaceful place to calm the mind.
- Distract with wise mind ACCEPTS – ACCEPTS stands for Activities, Contributing, Comparisons, Emotions, Pushing Away, Thoughts, and Sensations
- Self-soothe – Use the five senses to find comforting activities
- STOP Skill – STOP stands for Stop, Take a step back, Observe, and Proceed Mindfully
- Assertiveness training – Role-playing to practice assertive communication
- DEAR MAN – DEAR MAN stands for Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear Confident, and Negotiate
- FAST – FAST stands for Be Fair, no Apologies, Stick to values, and be Truthful
- GIVE – GIVE stands for Gentle, Interested, Validate, and Easy Manner
- Boundary setting – Discuss and practice establishing healthy boundaries
- Validation practice – Recognize and validate others’ feelings and experiences
These activities further underscore the commitment to providing a comprehensive and dynamic therapeutic experience.
Therapeutic DBT Group Activities
Having explored some engaging activities that integrate the principles of DBT into the recovery process, let’s delve into additional exercises that further encapsulate the essence of this therapeutic approach. These DBT group activities are designed not only to reinforce the skills learned but also to foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among participants.
General DBT Skills Group-Focused Practices
Some therapy sessions will employ activities that focus on general skill-building.
- Group sharing – Share personal experiences in a supportive environment
- DBT Jeopardy! – A fun game to test knowledge of DBT concepts
- Collage creation – Use magazines and art supplies to create a visual representation of personal journeys
- Skills feedback – Provide constructive feedback on peers’ use of skills
- Mindful listening – Practice active and present listening
- Group problem solving – Address interpersonal conflicts and dilemmas using DBT techniques
Therapists may use these and other exercises to keep sessions dynamic, engaging, and informative. These activities also reinforce the skills learned in individual therapy sessions, helping individuals internalize DBT principles.
Emotion Regulation Activities
Regulating emotions is one of the primary goals of DBT. These activities help individuals identify and manage intense emotions.
- Identify emotions – Discuss various emotions, how they feel, and how they manifest
- Pleasant activities list – Compile a list of activities that evoke positive emotions.
- Opposite action – Learn to act opposite to the emotion you’re feeling
- Mood tracking – Keep a daily log of emotional highs and lows
- Build mastery – Engage in activities that foster a sense of achievement
- Reduce vulnerability to emotion-mind – Focus on physical illness, balance eating, avoid mood-altering drugs, balance sleep, get exercise, and build mastery
After building an understanding of different emotions and their triggers, these activities help individuals learn to regulate their emotional responses.
Skills Integration and Practice
Practicing skills in real-life situations is vital to the success of DBT. These activities provide opportunities for individuals to put their skills into practice.
- Role-playing – Enact real-life scenarios to practice using DBT skills
- Homework review – Reflect on DBT practice assignments from the previous week
- Skills generalization – Discuss how skills can be applied in various life situations
- Crisis planning – Identify triggers and create a plan to navigate them
- Behavior chain analysis – Identify events leading up to problematic behaviors and explore alternatives
- Gratitude journaling – Keep a daily log of things you’re grateful for
Through these activities, individuals can gain confidence in their ability to use DBT skills effectively and successfully navigate challenging situations.
Emphasizing Wellness
No holistic therapy course is complete without a focus on the body and spirit. Incorporating activities that encourage wellness can pave the way for an overall enhanced experience.
- Yoga and mindfulness – Gentle yoga poses combined with mindfulness practices
- Nature walks – Combine physical activity with mindfulness in a natural setting
- Guided relaxation – Use audio prompts to lead the group in relaxation techniques
- Music and mindfulness – Listen to calming music, focusing on different instruments and rhythms
DBT-skills programming is a transformative tool in the therapeutic arsenal of Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health. These group activities help foster community, provide direct skill application, and assist clients on their journey to mental wellness. We believe that through active participation, support, and consistent practice, anyone can harness the power of DBT to improve their life.
Call Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health Now
We recognize the transformative power of DBT in addressing a range of emotional and behavioral challenges. Our dedicated team of professionals has honed a comprehensive range of interventions tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Call us at 855.520.0531 or contact us online to find the right way forward for a better future.