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 concerns or physical distancing restrictions. You might have found yourself more likely to turn toward 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.
The Skillful Living Series is open to Albertans aged 18+ who are motivated to learn and engage in an interactive online group environment with 4-8 participants. It is offered as three stand-alone modules, each six weeks in duration, which can be completed in any order. Participants have the option to choose any or all of the modules that fit best with their individual needs and interests.
Each module is a closed group, meaning that once a module has begun, new participants will not be able to join until the next one 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. Group discussions and exercises are focused exclusively on learning, practicing, and trouble-shooting skills, rather than in-depth exploration of personal issues or problems. Questions and comments 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. While a smartphone will work, a laptop/desktop computer or tablet is recommended for optimal viewing.
In this virtual group, we want to see your 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. While occasional technical difficulties are inevitable, the expectation is that group members will participate with both audio and video in all sessions.
Participants will receive a digital PDF workbook at the beginning of each module, which includes copies of all handouts, worksheets, and practice exercises that will be used in the group.
Printing is recommended for ease of reference and note-taking, but is not required if you don't have access to a printer (or just want to save some trees).
Your investment for each module (6 x 1.5hr sessions) is $550.00. Fees are due at the time of enrolment and payable by credit card or e-transfer.
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 policy. Please note that direct-billing is not offered for group 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. With this in mind, group fees are refundable (less a $15 administrative fee) up to one week before the group start date. Refunds will not be offered for cancellations made with less than one week's notice.
In the event that a group needs to be cancelled or rescheduled, you will have the option to receive a full refund, carry the registration fee over to the next module, or use as a credit toward individual therapy services.
The group currently runs on Mondays from 5:00-6:30pm. We offer a rolling intake at regular intervals throughout the year in January, May, and September. Please inquire for details.
Contact us by phone or email to us know you're interested in participating! We will reach out within the week to schedule a consultation call (by video or phone) to discuss your goals for the group, review some important information about the program, and answer any questions you may have. If we agree that it is a good fit, you will be enrolled in the next available group.
Schedule a consultation call to see if the Skillful Living Series is the right fit for you! Call 780-908-2376 or email via the link below.