Groups

In Spring 2024, we will be offering a DBT Skills Group. This is our only group offering at present.

A little bit of general information about the groups at YPDC:

  1. The group skills sessions are structured like a class and meet once weekly for an hour to hour and a half for about 8 to 10 weeks.
  2. Groups are free of charge.
  3. To learn more about the groups and sign up when there is one available, contact the Clinic Coordinator at ypdc@yale.edu. Please include what skills you are most interested in acquiring and some good times for a brief phone conversation to figure out collaboratively whether the group is a good fit for your needs and goals. You may also call the clinic and leave a voicemail for the Clinic Coordinator at (203) 432-4520 ext 0. 

Possible Future Groups:

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Group

What is ACT?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is all about creating a rich, full and meaningful life while accepting the pain that inevitably goes with it. In this group, we will focus on developing the following core ACT skills:

  • Living with awareness in the present moment
  • Detaching from thoughts
  • Accepting painful emotions
  • Clarifying values
  • Taking effective, value-guided action

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Group   

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a set of techniques for changing patterns of thinking and behavior. CBT places an emphasis on helping individuals learn to be their own therapists. Through exercises in the course, as well as “homework” exercises outside of the course, individuals develop coping skills through which they can learn to modify their own thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

The material for the course will address topics that include:

  • Connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
  • Identifying thoughts and thinking traps
  • Weighing evidence for and against thoughts
  • The importance of making time for enjoyable activities!
  • Facing your fears
  • Relaxation techniques

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group

What is DBT?

In these skills groups, we’ll be drawing from concepts from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT is a skills-based treatment that has been found to be effective in addressing a wide range of problems. The groups will consist of a series of skills that are especially useful for navigating relationships and stressful situations. We will focus on four main areas: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

  • Mindfulness: Skills that focus on bringing your awareness to the present moment in a non-judgmental way. 
  • Emotion regulation: Skills that help you learn to identify emotions and their purpose, as well as how to reduce your vulnerability to negative emotions and increase positive emotions.
  • Distress tolerance: Skills that help you get through stressful moments without making the situation worse.
  • Interpersonal effectiveness: Skills that focus on improving your communication so that you can get what you want and maintain relationships.