Group Expectations
What is the maximum number of missed sessions in a row before you're officially out of DBT skills group?
4
Guideline 1: Participants Who Drop Out Are Not Out
What kind of feedback should be given when asked in group?
Helpful and noncritical feedback
Guideline 2e: Noncritical Feedback
Even if you didn’t cause your problems, what does DBT say you still must do?
Solve them anyway
Assumption 4: People May Not Have Caused All of Their Own Problems
What must participants do between sessions to really learn the DBT skills?
Practice the skills
Guideline 2c: Practice Skills Between Sessions
What assumption says we should have compassion for ourselves because everyone is putting in effort?
People are doing the best they can
Assumption 1: People Are Doing the Best They Can
If you're going to miss or be late to group, what should you do?
Call ahead of time
Guideline 3: Call Ahead if Late or Miss
What does confidentiality mean in DBT group?
Keeping names and personal info private outside group
Guideline 2a: Keep Names Confidential
If you're trying to avoid discussing a past behavior that might be triggering to others, what are you following?
Avoiding contagious problem behavior talk
Guideline 4c: Do Not Discuss Problem Behaviors
Where do you need to practice new behaviors for them to stick?
In all relevant contexts
Assumption 5: Learn New Behavior in Relevant Contexts
According to DBT, what’s something all people have in common regarding their goals?
The desire to improve
Assumption 2: People Want to Improve
Why is it important to come to group on time and stay until the end?
To support others' learning and show commitment to the group
Guideline 2b: Come on Time & Stay Until End
If you ask for help in DBT, what should you be willing to do?
Accept the help offered
Guideline 2f: Accept Help When Asked
What is the rule about showing up to group after using drugs or alcohol?
Appear and act clean and sober
Guideline 4b: Act Clean and Sober if Used
What’s a good first step before trying skills in very difficult situations?
Practice with safe/trusted people first
Assumption 5: Learn New Behavior in Relevant Contexts
What does DBT say we must do in addition to doing our best?
Try harder and stay motivated to change
Assumption 3: People Need to Do Better & Try Harder
What kind of reasons are acceptable for missing a group session?
Serious illness, important events, or unavoidable trips
Guideline 1: Participants Who Drop Out Are Not Out
What’s a supportive way to respond when someone shares a hard experience in group?
Validate their feelings without judgment
Guideline 2d: Validate & Assume the Best
What kind of relationships are not allowed between group members?
Sexual, secret, or risky partnerships
Guideline 5a: Do Not Start Sexual or Private Relationships / Guideline 5b: Are Not Partners in Risky Behaviors
All behaviors are _______. Remember this when you feel stuck figuring out why you behave a certain way.
caused
Assumption 6: All Behaviors Are Caused
What assumption reminds us that all emotions and behaviors come from somewhere?
All behaviors are caused
Assumption 6: All Behaviors Are Caused
While in DBT group, who must you also be working with regularly?
Your individual therapist
Guideline 6: Must Be in Individual Therapy
What behavior should you avoid that breaks confidentiality and safety outside of group?
Gossiping or forming secret relationships
Guideline 5: Do Not Form Confidential Relationships Outside Sessions
Why shouldn’t you come to group under the influence of substances?
It prevents full participation and could harm the group’s growth
Guideline 4a: Do Not Come Under the Influence
What should you do instead of blaming yourself or others for behaviors?
Identify and change the causes of the behavior
Assumption 7: Change Causes, Not Judge or Blame
Figuring out and changing the _______ of behavior work better than ________ and ________.
causes; judging; blaming
Assumption 7: Change Causes, Not Judge or Blame