DBT Skills Group Program
Practical Skills for Managing Emotions and Reducing Overwhelm
Our Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills Program is a neuroaffirming, psychologist-developed group designed to support young people in managing intense emotions, reducing overwhelm, and building practical coping strategies.
Grounded in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), this program focuses on developing core skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Through structured, step-by-step learning, discussion, and guided practice, participants are supported to build awareness, strengthen coping strategies, and apply skills across everyday situations.
Why This Program Matters
Many young people experience intense emotions, sensory overwhelm, and difficulty managing emotional responses, which can impact relationships, confidence, and day-to-day functioning.
This program provides a structured and supportive environment where participants can learn and practise practical skills to better understand and respond to their emotions, and navigate challenging situations more effectively.
Parent Involvement
Where appropriate, families may be involved in supporting the application of skills at home. This helps reinforce learning and supports long-term outcomes across different environments.
Practical Information
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Age Range 16+ years
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Eligibility Suitable for neurodivergent individuals (Autism, ADHD) and those experiencing anxiety or emotional regulation difficulties
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Funding Options NDIS (Self and Plan-managed), Medicare and private options available
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Schedule Contact our team to learn more, discuss suitability, and secure a place in the next group
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get started Contact our team to learn more and secure a place in the next group
Who This Program May Be Suitable For
This program may be suitable if the individual:
- Experiences emotional overwhelm, stress, or anxiety
- Finds it difficult to regulate emotions or manage distress
- Experience intense reactions, shutdowns, or meltdowns
- Experience challenges in relationships or communication
- Would benefit from structured, practical coping strategies
- Is motivated to learn and practise new skills
Skills Developed
Participants develop practical, real-world skills across key areas:
Mindfulness and Awareness
- Developing present-moment awareness
- Understanding thoughts, emotions, and physical responses
- Building attention and focus
Emotional Regulation
- Understanding emotional responses
- Building strategies to manage intense emotions
- Reducing emotional vulnerability
Distress Tolerance
- Coping with overwhelming situations
- Managing crises without impulsive reactions
- Building resilience during high-stress moments
Interpersonal Effectiveness
- Navigating relationships and communication
- Setting boundaries and expressing needs
- Managing conflict in a constructive way
What Makes This Program Different
- Structured, skills-based program grounded in DBT principles
- Adapted DBT approach for autistic and neurodivergent individuals
- Neuroaffirming framework that builds on individual strengths
- Focus on practical strategies, for everyday situations
- Incorporates sensory needs and individual differences
- Parent and Carer involvement to support skill generalisation
What You Can Expect
This program is designed to support participants to experience:
- Build skills to manage emotions more effectively
- Increase confidence in responding to stress and overwhelm
- Develop strategies for navigating challenging situations
- Strengthen communication and interpersonal skills
- Build greater awareness of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours
Program Structure
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DURATION 10-week program
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FORMAT Weekly 90-minute group sessions
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APPROACH Structured sessions incorporating discussion, skill-building, and guided practice
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Practice Between Sessions Exercises to support the application of skills in everyday situations
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PARENT/CARER INVOLVEMENT Included in selected sessions where appropriate
Program Approach & Outcomes
This program draws on Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), an evidence-informed approach used to support emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Research in this area has found:
- Improvements in emotional regulation and coping strategies
- SIncreased ability to manage distress
- Strengthened communication and interpersonal skills
- Increased self-awareness and emotional understanding
This body of research highlights the value of structured, skills-based approaches in supporting individuals experiencing emotional dysregulation. Outcomes may vary depending on individual factors, and participation does not guarantee specific results.
Delivery Options
This program is available through flexible delivery options:
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FACE-TO-FACE (Mascot Clinic) Structured sessions delivered in a supportive group environment
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ONLINE (Telehealth) Accessible sessions with guided participation and interactive learning
Finding the Right Support
Finding the right support can feel important when emotions feel overwhelming. Our team is here to guide you through the process, helping you understand your needs and determine whether the DBT Skills Program is the right fit, or recommend the most appropriate option.
Ready to build practical skills for managing emotions and stress?
Contact our team to learn more or secure a place in the next DBT Skills Program.