DBT Based Programming
Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that blends cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with mindfulness practices. DBT is an approach to helping people who struggle with emotions learn and use new daily coping strategies to live a more fulfilled life. All DBT based offerings at CMHATV focus on four skills – mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and emotional regulation. Services are structured by three different approaches aimed to best fit an individual’s needs and concerns.
Goals & Objectives
DBT programming is designed to introduce and apply various practical skills to specific challenges and/or distressing life events by increased coping, acceptance and positive change, therefore a goal to improve one’s quality of life. DBT programming educates individuals to accept their thoughts, feelings and behaviours and techniques to change and/or manage these intense emotions moving forward.
Is This Program For Me?
- Must be 16 years of age or older
- Must be willing to enter the program, and comfortable in group settings
- Must be connected with services within CMHA TV or Community
- Must reside in the Thames Valley Area (Elgin, Oxford, Middlesex, London)
- Must have access to video technology
What We Offer
DBT Intensive Skills – Offers group treatment support as well as individual sessions to support one’s mental health challenges or daily life stressors. This stream is a longer term commitment for approx. 1 year (3 modules), with weekly engagement of approx. 3 hours. Intensive Skills involves reading, reflection, practical skills and homework completion. Following group, one will have a deepened understanding and effective practical skills to manage, control, change and improve behaviors and distressing events/life areas. During individual sessions, this work is continued to support individual goals and assess progress.
Life Worth Living – Offers group treatment support weekly to support one’s mental health challenges or daily life stressors. This stream is a shorter term commitment for 12 weeks in length, for approx. 1.5-2 hours weekly. Life Worth Living offers learning, skills training and practice exercises to support effectively managing behavior, thinking, and emotions.
How Do I Get An Appointment?
Intake and screening to be completed by a team member to assess readiness, suitability and appropriate group stream. This is be completed following referral and registration is received.
Please feel free to consult and connect with any member of the team via email DBTProgram@cmhatv.ca if you have any questions.
Who Can Make A Referral?
DUE TO PROGRAM CAPACITY, REFERRALS ARE ON HOLD AT THIS TIME.
Is There A Waitlist For This Program?
Yes, there is a current waitlist for the program, given the natural duration and commitment for the various streams. With that said, as individuals graduate and complete the program, spaces open up and each individual appropriate for the program will be notified. At the time of the opening, if unable to engage, we will review additional support options and move along the waitlist to ensure this is equitable and fair for all individuals waiting; therefore, unable to “hold” a place and remain on the list. In the future, as circumstances change, we encourage an additional referral to be sent in.
Location & Times
• Daytime hours (morning and afternoon)
• Sessions for group are offered virtually via video conferencing and individual sessions can offer virtually or in person
NOTE: Clients must have access to technology to engage and do so in a private and confidential space during the session.
DBT Resources
DBT Frequently Asked Questions
Reality Acceptance Skills:
If you’ve ever wondered how to cope with some situation you can’t change—like a personal crisis or global pandemic—our DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) team has your back. Our Crisis Survival Skills PowerPoint offers helpful coping strategies to guide you through stressful situations without making matters worse.