ERO Psychological is pleased to offer virtual DBT-informed skills training groups for those who are interested in learning practical, evidence-based skills for emotion regulation.
These last couple of years have had some unique and unprecedented challenges. In the wake and aftermath of COVID-19, you may have noticed an increase in your level of stress, anxiety, depression, frustration… maybe all of the above, or some combination. Your usual means of coping may have been limited as a result of health and physical distancing restrictions. You might have found yourself more likely to turn toward unhealthy or unhelpful strategies such as isolation, substance use, self-harm, or other addictive behaviours.
About the Group
The Skillful Living Series was developed with these unique challenges in mind, and offers an opportunity to help you learn and develop the skills necessary to tolerate overwhelming emotions, reduce impulsivity, cope more effectively with everyday challenges, and build greater emotional resiliency. It is a modified, condensed version of the original, comprehensive dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) skills training program developed by Marsha Linehan. You can click here to learn more.
The Skillful Living Series is open to Albertans over 18 years of age who are motivated to learn and engage in an interactive group environment consisting of 4-8 participants. It is offered as three stand-alone modules, each six weeks in duration. Participants have the option to choose any or all of the modules that fit best with their individual needs and interests. They can be completed in any order.
Each module is a closed group, meaning that new participants cannot join until the next module starts.
All modules include a review of core Mindfulness skills, in addition to the specific skills outlined below:
The Skillful Living Series is meant to be an interactive experience where participants learn not only from the facilitator, but from each other as well. Questions, comments, and discussion are welcome, and active participation is highly encouraged. Remember: the more you put into the group, the more you are likely to get out of it.
You can read more about me here! Groups may occasionally be observed or co-led by students or other therapists who want to learn more about facilitating DBT skills groups.
The Skillful Living Series is currently offered online via Zoom. This means that you can participate from the comfort of your own home or other private, uninterrupted space!
You will need access to a device that can support Zoom with both audio and video enabled. While a smartphone will work, a laptop/desktop computer or tablet is recommended for an optimal viewing experience.
In this virtual group, we want to see everyone's faces! There is an increased sense of safety and connection when all participants can see each other, and visual cues also help the facilitator track how everyone is responding to the material. Of course, the occasional technical difficulty is to be expected, but please plan to participate with both audio and video enabled for all groups.
Participants will receive a printable PDF workbook at the beginning of each module, which includes copies of all handouts, worksheets, and practice exercises. Printing is recommended so that you can reference the workbook more easily during group sessions and take notes, but is not required if you do not have access to a printer (or just want to save some trees).
Your investment for each 6-session module is $450, payable by credit card or e-transfer. Fees are due at the time of registration and must be received in full in order to reserve your spot in the group. Alternative fee options may be available at the facilitator's discretion for those with limited financial resources.
Group fees may be eligible for reimbursement by your employee benefits or other health benefit plan. To find out, contact your provider and ask if "group therapy services provided by a registered psychologist" are covered under your specific policy. Unfortunately, I am not able to offer direct-billing for group therapy services.
Each module of the Skillful Living Series is a closed group, meaning new participants will not be able to join once it has begun. As such, the group cancellation policy is as follows:
In the event that a module needs to be cancelled or rescheduled due to low registration or other unforeseen circumstances, you will have the option to receive a full refund, carry the registration fee over to the next group, or use as a credit toward individual therapy services.
For more information on upcoming dates or to schedule a consultation call to see if this group is the right fit for you, please call 780-908-2376 or click the link below!