Frequently asked questions:

What is DBT?

DBT is an evidence-based treatment developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., in the 1980s It was designed for people with extremely intense negative emotions that are difficult to manage. These intense and seemingly uncontrollable negative emotions are often experienced when the individual is interacting with others—friends, romantic partners, family members. As its name suggests, DBT is influenced by the philosophical perspective of dialectics: balancing opposites. The therapist consistently works with the individual to find ways to hold two seemingly opposite perspectives at once, promoting balance and avoiding black and white—the all-or- nothing styles of thinking. In service of this balance, DBT promotes a both-and rather than an either-or outlook. The dialectic at the heart of DBT is acceptance and change. One component of a DBT program is a weekly skills group.

When does group meet?

Our group meets on Saturdays from 11-12:30, unless there is a holiday weekend in which case it will be cancelled.

Where do we meet?

400 Market St Suite 105. Chapel Hill, NC 27516-4028

Who leads the group?

There are 2 facilitators, Charleen Enns, LCSW and Ann Murphy, LCSW.

What is the cost?

The cost is $90/session. An intake is required prior to the start of groupand the cost for a 45 min. intake session is $120. UNFORTUNATELY, WE ARE NOT ABLE TO ACCEPT INSURANCE, however we can provide you with a "super bill" to submit to your insurance company.

What will be covered in a DBT skills group? ·

Mindfulness: the practice of being fully aware and present in this one moment\ ·

Distress Tolerance: how to tolerate pain in difficult situations, not change it ·

Interpersonal Effectiveness: how to ask for what you want and say no while maintaining self-respect and relationships with others ·

Emotion Regulation: how to change emotions that you want to change How long does it take to complete all 4 modules? Approximately 6 months.

Am I allowed to miss a session?

Two sessions per module can be missed with no financial penalty.

How do I know if my child is a good fit for a DBT skills group?

Most teens are referred for moderate to severe mental health issues, such as self-harm, suicidal ideation, or a previous hospitalization. In addition, some teens experience heightened emotions (super-feelers), not feeling in control of their emotions, or difficulty handling their emotions. Some may have other behavioral concerns such as eating issues or substance use. Most of our teens are between the ages of 14-18 and attend high school. If you are not sure if your child is appropriate for a skills group, please consult with your child's individual therapist. All genders are welcome, including trans and non-binary.

Is there family involvement?

This group is teen only with a parent/family session occurring at the end of each module.

What is the next step?

Please contact us to move forward, either by being placed on a waitlist or scheduling an intake appointment within 30 days of our next open enrollment.

What are the participation requirements?

I agree to ensure my child attends DBT group sessions on Saturdays.

I agree to contact the facilitators at least 48 hours ahead of time if my child cannot attend group.

I understand that participants are allowed up to 2 absences per module.

I understand that my child will not be able to graduate and may need to repeat the module if more than 2 sessions are missed.

I understand that my child must participate in regular ongoing individual therapy, preferably with a DBT trained therapist.

I agree to keep the facilitators aware if there are any changes to my child's individual treatment, such as switching therapists or reducing the frequency of sessions.

I agree to sign a release of information for the facilitators to contact the individual therapist.

I understand that the cost is $120.00 for the intake session and $90.00 for each group session.

I agree to place a valid credit card on file for the facilitators to charge as needed. If I choose to pay by other means (check, cash, etc.), I agree to pay on time and not accrue a balance.

I understand that failure to pay may result in interrupted services for my child.

I agree to give a two-week notice before discontinuing DBT group. I understand that failure to give a two-week notice will result in being charged for two sessions ($180) for early withdrawal.